Happiness in a strawberry

Somewhere halfway between the 200 meters from Nes 71 - the most delicious and cozy coffee shop in Haarlem and the surrounding area - and our house, I pause for a moment.

With a fresh latte macchiato to go in my hand, I am on my way home on this Sunday morning to start writing my book - which is about happiness and success - feeling intensely happy. 

The plan was different, but this experience comes first, I want to hold on to it, write it down and share it as soon as possible. So now I sit, with the steaming latte beside me, searching for words.

But I can't find words to describe the warm wave that just went through my entire body. I get no further than to list the beautiful moments of the past 24 hours for which I am grateful. Big and small events that make me happy, for which I am grateful. 

Reading and chatting with daughter Rose in the garden. Having drinks with my sweet mom and dad. Laughing with my husband Goran during the evening about love in the atmospheric little church in Durgendam. The poppies during our morning walk through the green Noorderpark, the man with four rambunctious unleashed dogs who took the other path when he saw I was scared. Breakfast in the sun with fresh strawberries, on Goran's homemade bench, the spontaneous conversation with a local resident passing by.  The kiss from Goran before getting on his bike. The smell of fresh coffee and the day ahead of me writing my first book. 

I can write all this down, but the feeling of happiness that comes with it is mine, could that be why I can't find words to share it?

We all seek happiness, but the experience of happiness is yours, and where and when you find it is different for everyone. For me, it doesn't always have to be big and complicated. It is also taking a moment to appreciate small things, realizing how special they truly are, that you can be grateful for them, that to me is happiness.  

That is why gratefulness is one of the eleven ingredients for more happiness and success in my life. I'm going to share all eleven with you in the book that's coming out in early 2024. 

Want to make sure you don't miss it?
Send me a message and I'll keep you posted!