water splashes on hand

When all that is left is surrender

May 27, 2026

Surrender is hard. It sounds simple in principle but I think it’s one of the hardest things we can do. Because we like to stay in control. Because we think we know the best way to achieve a result. Or because we’re afraid of what will happen. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what surrender real…

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sunset beach Netherlands

Intentions work—even when forgotten

May 21, 2026

I was reminded of a powerful habit that I want everyone to know about. Today we had the closing day of my Rise mastermind. We started exactly a year ago. To the day, which is remarkable. At the beginning of our Mastermind—as I do at the start of all my programs—I had asked the participants to set intentions f…

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drop of water creating ripples

The ripple effects of stress—and how to stop them

May 13, 2026

Last week started with a lot of turmoil for several of my friends. One is currently going through chemo and radiation. The second friend was having her first checkups after being declared clean from cancer—and that understandably brought its own kind of stress. Later that day I spoke to a friend whose marriage is abo…

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mily way galaxy

5 fun ways to reduce stress

May 5, 2026

I can be way too serious—and I know I’m not the only one—which is why I thought we should lean into fun today. Research-backed fun, even. As I wrote in my book Radiant, “That which brings you the most joy is what will bring you the most!” That got me thinking about doing more things that we enjoy. I thi…

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measuring blood pressure

Caring for yourself while caring for others

April 28, 2026

When everybody leans on you it can feel impossible to carve out time for yourself. When you feel you’re responsible for everything and everyone, or when everyone turns to you when things need to get done—chances are you’re running yourself ragged. This is for the caregivers, the nurturers, the people who go ou…

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Iris sunset Zeeland

What if my sensitivity can save your life?

April 21, 2026

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) isn’t always easy. As I’ve shared before, I didn’t realize I was super sensitive until my late twenties. That means for about three decades I felt like something was wrong with me because I didn’t respond to things the way people around me did. Since they were the majori…

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Iris flower by Manon Paardekoper

What are you feeding your brain?

April 14, 2026

You may have heard that you’ll become like the five people you spend the most time with. And I certainly think that has a big influence on your worldview and approach of life. But what you let into your brain is equally important in my opinion. I’m very mindful about what I consume and allow in. Being thoughtful…

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Iris hiding behind flowers

Will people still like me when they see who I truly am?

April 7, 2026

Most people worry about what other people will think about them. I know we shouldn’t. You know you shouldn’t. That doesn't mean we don't. It reminds me of what one of my first mentors said, “What other people think of you is none of your business.” Very true but not always easy to put into practice. Our …

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Iris on a swing

Are you measuring the wrong life?

April 1, 2026

What if your definition of success has been the wrong equation all along? Last week I wrote about a very intense week I had that was entirely focused on human connection—and how it reminded me of the thing that matters above all else. The people in your life. (Given the response I got this clearly struck a chord f…

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walk in the woods

The thing that matters above all else

March 24, 2026

The events of the past week led me to reassess what’s truly important in life. It started with the father of one of my best friends passing away on Tuesday. There’s nothing like being confronted with death to remind you of what really matters—though it’s sad that we seem to need this reminder. (Don’t wait …

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© 2026 Bright Eyes

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