08/04/2026
I’ve always thought of myself as a lucky person.
I meet the right people, end up in the right places, and somehow manage to make lemonade out of lemons.
I truly see myself as lucky. And happy.
But the people around me often remind me of the other side of the story:
– Before meeting the right people, you walked past many who weren’t yours.
– You didn’t just “end up” in the right places — you chose them. And you also had the courage to leave the wrong ones.
– And to make lemonade… you first have to recognize the right ingredients.
I’ve been used to downplaying myself.
But not today.
Today I want to say thank you to myself.
For the daily work of choosing positivity.
For keeping my eyes and ears open so I don’t miss opportunities.
For daring to open up to people — even when I’m afraid of being misunderstood or rejected.
So how did I make the Netherlands my home?
I learned the language.
I showed up every week, talking to different people — searching for real connections, meaningful relationships, new opportunities.
I stayed curious about how people here think and live.
And then something shifted.
A match happened.
We’re actually so much more alike than I once believed.
For me, the feeling of home is deeply connected to my people.
And they inspired me to create my podcast Friendship Abroad — where we talk about how to find your people in a new country.
🎧 Link in bio
Listen, and share it with someone who might need it
Photo: .photography
