Do you know about the P-club?

The club of Procrastination. The one club we all have walked in and stayed too long. Maybe not always - only in the periods of our lives we wanted to avoid something. We probably were having a good time, while our brain was telling us “shouldn’t you be doing this or that?”. If there was a real P-club, I would definitely be a member. Honour medal and all.

But I also know when it’s time to come out of the P-club and focus on what really matters to keep me going - my body, mind and soul.

If we could go back in time, for only one minute - what would you tell your younger self?

It could be written as a list that would serve you well growing up, even till this day.

A list of things written on a piece of paper for teenage You to read when needed - in times of self doubt, fears or worries. To make sure you stay focused and to keep you walking your own path.

A piece of paper that would bring You back to the future. What would you say?

I’ve made a list of 10 things I would write to my younger self, that would serve me - and I hope you too - even today.

It’s a strange thing to experience - nerves while I’m in my home alone recording a message. What the heck is wrong with me? I’m the one who loves to talk and I’m the one nervous to talk? To my phone? But it’s the truth - I’m nervous and I have to deal with it. So finally I thought, this is the time to step into the arena.

Now, if you know Brene Brown and know what I just said, you are nodding your head, right?

For those of you who think - ‘arena? Wait, what…?’

I promised myself to wait before I would start sharing this with you all. Wait till I’m ready to talk about my goals and what I’m working on. Where this will lead Moksi Collective in the near future. I promised not to put more pressure on myself - remember, I’m trying to be cool with my ‘done is better than perfect’ mission while being creative. But what I know for sure, is that whenever I have this feeling, that tingling feeling inside of my gut, I need to follow it…

Let’s talk about the subject so many of us are talking about and so many are avoiding to talk about. Yet, it is right in front of us every single day - the lack of diversity and inclusivity in so many industries. I believe life in general would be much better, if we look at someone as a person, first and foremost. But I’ve experienced many forms of subtle and direct racism and direct exclusivity my whole life. Yet it does not stop me from doing what I want, or treating people differently, or claiming my seat at any table. I do this in my own way - by being myself, by being kind, but direct. I ask questions and set boundaries. My grandma and my parents raised me to be better than the person who wants to hurt me with their words or actions. And I’ve two girls who I’m teaching the same. I hope you will stop to think about what it means, to see no inclusivity in what you are reading or consuming. Six little words. Spread the question.

“Who is not in the room?”

Today marks sixteen days that I started a new creative personal project for 100 days:

One embroidered word a day, to create. One quote, to inspire. 100 days, to remember that done is better than perfect. It was like a cue for Self-doubt to show up.

I have been writing on my blog since 2010. Why do I share? Because I care and want to connect with my readers. I share because I know there are other women, just like me, who are thinking “Hey girl! there you are, I was hoping to meet someone like you”. That’s why I write these words all the time:

‘be yourself - you are enough - you are seen - don’t doubt yourself’

But what if the person who needs to read or hear these words the most, is the one that seems so perfect or so strong and so nobody will ask them - ‘are you okay?’

“Perfectionism is just Fear in fancy shoes ”.

Perfectionism? Me? I’m not a Perfectionist… Really Maureen?

I had to admit to myself that actually I am, while at the same time I’m very ‘go with the flow’ as well…

The latest Nike ad has been on my mind since I heard it - it’s inspiring and so spot on.

“If we show emotion, we’re called dramatic.

If we want to play against men, we’re nuts….

Dear You, 

there is no shame in walking away…

Be thankful for what you have, you'll end up having more…

There comes a time, that every woman starts to listen to the voice within…

"Dear You,

Did you know, that not everyone needs to be part of your journey?

"Don't be afraid to fail - be afraid not to try..." 

Growing up, we learn that by the end of our school years, we must know where we want to go and what we want to do. Or better yet, we need to have it all mapped out. I can assure you, if you still don't know what to do when you grow up, you are not alone. Welcome to the club!

Hello New Year!

2018 has started a week ago, the Christmas tree is gone, as has all the chocolate in the house and we are freezing our behinds off here in New York. So what better time to clean up your home, office, closet or - in my case, everything online related. Photo's, emails, blogposts and the Instagram accounts I follow - they all are being cleaned up.

Which brings me to something I wanted to ask you all.

Writing to express your feelings is good. Writing to express your feelings while inspiring others is even better. I don't want to be the kind of woman who writes and not shares…