Winter was never meant to be rushed through. For most of human history, it was a season of rest, gathering, and conservation - a rhythm shaped by darkness, cold, and biological need. I decided to reflect on wintering as a human tradition and explore what modern life has forgotten about slowing down, conserving energy, and allowing the year to exhale.

What does it really mean to live authentically - not only in our careers, but in life as a whole?
Following a recent LT Big Brother community gathering in Amsterdam, I reflects on authenticity as a lived practice, shaped by courage, discomfort, mentoring, and the power of community. A gentle invitation to listen inward, stay curious, and walk your path with more awareness and connection.

What does it really mean to be seen as an entrepreneur - without losing yourself in the process?
In this personal reflection, I explore the tension between visibility and silence, self-exposure and self-protection, and how learning to be seen can become an act of trust rather than performance.

What happens when snow disrupts daily life - and we choose to observe instead of rush past it?
While the Netherlands slowed under unusual winter conditions, I leaned into both lived observation and psychological research to explore how snow mirrors our human resistance to change - and what becomes possible when we pause, reflect, and soften our need for control.

This fall, a small group of five students embarked on a transformative semester that unfolded through deep conversations, powerful guest contributions, and meaningful encounters across Amsterdam. From exploring mind mapping and personal leadership to visiting Framer Framed’s Lawan! exhibition, ReRoll Works, the Amsterdam Archives, and Hortus Botanicus, the experience became a rich journey of connection - to ideas, to history, to nature, and to one another. Discover the full reflection in this post.

Earlier this week, the LT Big Brother NL community gathered at Koepelcafé in Amsterdam for an intimate meetup on communication. No agenda, just open conversations, reflection, and connection. Discover how different communication styles shape our relationships and the power of truly listening.

What does it mean to confront sadness - not as an enemy, but as a messenger? After witnessing Confronting Depression, a performance by theatre maker Gina-Alina Pațilea, I found myself rethinking how we relate to grief and healing. Her raw honesty and artistic courage opened a space where pain became dialogue, and vulnerability became strength.
Read on to explore how art can help us meet our own humanity - with compassion, not fear.

Exploring the invisible threads that connect us across continents, this piece reflects on diaspora, human encounters, and the quiet magic of staying authentic while navigating the unknown. [read more…]

Celebrating the work of my dear friend Agnė Kavaliauskienė, who continues to inspire with her dedication to the Lithuanian diaspora. Her recent presentation reminded me how powerful it is when passion meets purpose - building bridges between people abroad and the life of our country. Read more about Agnė’s inspiring journey and why her work matters so deeply.

On a birthday pilgrimage to Paris, I traveled light - no map, no expectations - only a readiness to listen. In the city’s flowing streets and quiet gardens, I discovered that the shifts within me ripple outward in ways unseen, waving connections of honesty, joy, and growth. This post reflects on the gentle yet powerful tides of change, the dance between solitude and belonging, and the deep yearning to awaken to our shared oneness.

Little Steps HOME is a living archive of small, intentional changes that invite us closer to ourselves. Through Health, Origin, Magic, and Evolution, we remember that healing and growth don’t always require grand gestures—they begin with little steps.

The journey into the visual world of "Prohibition" has been eye-opening, not merely for the images we created, but for the inherent connections forged during the process. Read more…

What does it mean to lead across cultures with empathy and integrity? This summer session I at CIEE, I explored that question while teaching Intercultural Communication and Leadership—alongside powerful guest sessions on psychological safety, creative mind mapping, personal leadership, and lived experiences of displacement. Here’s what I learned…

Visiting Paradiso today was more than a simple field trip - it reminded us that music venues are not just buildings; they are vessels of emotion, creativity, and community. Behind every light, every sound check, and every performance is a dedicated team and a rich heritage that keeps the spirit of music alive.

Some friendships aren’t loud or public—but they anchor us all the same. I reflect on grief, quiet connections, and the invisible threads that shape us.

Today in Utrecht, we explored more than a city — we rediscovered wonder, connection, and the quiet magic of learning together. Grateful for the students who showed up with curiosity, for CIEE for making this possible, and for Tuaca’s steady support along the way.

What if your inner voice became your biggest cheerleader instead of your worst critic?
In this post, we explore the transformative power of positive self-talk, why it matters, and how to shift the inner narrative—one kind word at a time. [read more…]

Paris didn’t just welcome me back — it called me to listen. To the birdsong outside Jardin des Plantes, the quiet ache in forgotten names, the kindness in a stranger’s “Bonjour, madame.” I wandered, I lingered, I softened. In a city that moves fast, I learned to slow down. What I found wasn’t just Paris — it was parts of myself I’d left behind. [read more…]

Lately, I’ve been hearing a quiet fear in my conversations — the fear of letting go of what no longer feels right, just because it feels safe.

It made me reflect on how safety, bravery, and trust are all intertwined. And how bravery isn’t a one-time act — it’s a practice.

[read more]

Join me as I explore the parallels between bold interior design choices and the bravery required to express our individuality. This experience not only allowed me to claim a unique space in my home but also became a powerful reminder to stand proudly in our truths and inspire others to do the same.