A bare tree silhouetted against the Milky Way and a star-filled night sky over a dark treeline, unwinding under the stars

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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A doctor measuring a patient's blood pressure with a cuff and gauge at a desk, tending to your own health too

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 van Ooyen in a close selfie on a beach at sunset, the low sun over calm sea behind her, sensitivity as a gift

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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Close-up of a white iris with delicate purple veining, a real garden flower photographed by Manon Paardekooper — human-made art, not AI

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 van Ooyen, Life Transformation Mentor behind a bouquet of pink 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 van Ooyen laughing freely on a rope swing indoors in a blue cardigan, measuring life by what brings joy

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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Two people's long shadows cast side by side on sunlit grass during a walk, the connection that matters most

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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Iris van Ooyen crouching to drink water from a forest stream while hiking with a backpack

How to supercharge your water

March 16, 2026

If you've been doing all the right things—drinking your 6-8 glasses of water— and still feel not properly hydrated, this article explains why that might be the case. The first time I consciously remember becoming aware of the importance of water was when I read an article in a girl’s magazine. As a result, I s…

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A wooden table set with a water carafe and glasses, flowers, a candle, and snacks of nuts, olives and breadsticks, staying hydrated

This drains your energy, focus and mood

March 11, 2026

When you're busy or running on empty, the basics are usually the first thing to go. Like drinking enough water. That's why I've gotten into the habit of drinking my glasses of water standing at the kitchen sink. Not idyllic but super practical. Because when I bring the glass with me into my office, chances are I will t…

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Iris van Ooyen and a friend laughing together on a boat by tall reeds in the sun, worthy just as they are

You always deserved this

March 3, 2026

Our two biggest needs are love and belonging. And somehow for most of us that translates in “I need to be worthy” in order to be loved or belong. And that’s where things become problematic. Because we misunderstand what is required to be worthy.  Social conditioning tells us we need to earn worthiness. And th…

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

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