Iris van Ooyen and Victoria Weeks at a Dr Joe Dispenza retreat, two months before the Leadville 100.

You can do more than you think (what her race taught me)

September 22, 2026

We can do more than we think. Not just in emergencies where we push through on less sleep and food than is wise. But when we really set our mind to it—we can achieve things that seem unrealistic or extremely unlikely by trusting the goal and letting go of the how. Let me explain by sharing the story of my friend V…

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Life transformation mentor Iris van Ooyen and host Susan Drumm smiling during their podcast about burnout and losing touch with yourself

I burned out because I lost myself—my conversation with Susan Drumm

September 16, 2026

I was invited to Susan Drumm’s podcast. When I checked out her website it said “Top 1.5% podcasts worldwide”. Oh. I have to admit that sounded very impressive and a little intimidating. I felt like I had a high bar to live up to. But also a great opportunity to share my perspective with the world. So whe…

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A person sits alone on a floating platform on a calm, misty lake, pausing in stillness.

How losing touch with yourself shows up in your body

September 8, 2026

We lose touch with ourselves slowly but surely as we live our lives and do what is required and expected of us. We each come into this world as a unique being. And over time we get molded to fit the expectations of society so we blend in nicely. Over time this causes problems in our health, our well-being and our ha…

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A calm, sunlit lake and mountain view from a shady spot in France—a peaceful summer scene at the end of the holiday season

Why you still feel tired after your time off

September 1, 2026

Summer is over. Back to reality. Which begs the question: how relaxed and recharged do you actually feel? You wouldn’t be the first to return from a holiday happy but not quite re-energized. Whether it was the heat, the uncomfortable bed (dare I say inflatable mattress?), or the mosquitoes dancing around you…

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booklaunch YA Fanrtasy novel Poisoned Arrow written by Iris van Ooyen

Why my editor is glad I’m behind schedule

August 25, 2026

This week is dedicated to getting back into the writing of my novel. Over the years, many people have asked me whether the main character in the story is autobiographical. Some elements are. I don’t think you can write an entire novel without pouring some of yourself onto the page. But just as many of the exper…

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Colorful candles glowing warmly on a tray, symbolizing energy and living in color rather than burning out

Why burnout is not for losers

August 18, 2026

Most people, my previous self included, have the impression that burnout is something for people who don’t have it all together. It’s a failure of some sort. But let me tell you why losers and lazy people are not likely to burn out. It’s because they don’t care enough. Full stop. Burnout happens to the o…

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Iris van Ooyen, life transformation mentor, looking out over a valley from a mountain viewpoint

The dream she almost let go of (and what changed)

August 11, 2026

Last night I received a text message from a client: “When wishes become reality.” Attached was a video of a dream she had been holding in her heart that had come true. ❤️ Seeing that video gave me chills up and down and I was so excited for her. How it started In January 2026, she joined my six-w…

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A turquoise river flowing gently over rocks through a green summer forest — a natural image of energy and flow

The 3 posts I was most scared to share (and you read most)

August 4, 2026

Looking back at which articles were read most in the first half of 2026, I am surprised to see that the one article that was the hardest for me to share with you is the one that was most popular by far. In fact, the three posts I was most scared to hit publish on were the three you loved most. Then again, I shouldnâ…

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Iris van Ooyen, Life Transformation Mentor, smiling in a pink checked cap on a riverside hike through a forest gorge in France, relaxed and disconnected on vacation.

My 3 best tips to disconnect from work on vacation

July 21, 2026

Some clients jokingly call me the queen of self-care. But I'll let you in on a secret: I learned everything I know about truly restful vacations, aka really disconnecting from work, by getting it wrong first. Here are the three lessons that changed how I take time off—so that when your body leaves the office, your mi…

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Iris van Ooyen I Life Transformation Mentor excited
© 2026 Bright Eyes by Iris van Ooyen

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