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.

Life is like a constantly evolving map, shaped by the choices we make, the roads we take, and the lessons we learn along the way. In this reflection, I explore how navigating personal change mirrors charting a journey—sometimes through familiar terrain, other times into uncharted territory requiring courage and adaptability.

Yesterday was a wonderful experience - Erotic Poetry Night by Kevin Groen. Let’s explore how erotic poetry and performances become tools for empowerment and social change.

A botanical garden in winter? I had questions.

However it led us to a winding route of reflections on transformation and stillness.

Feeling stuck and unmotivated? With a little inspiration from a friend I decided to explore how preparation, self-kindness, and resourcefulness can help you move forward, even when inspiration feels out of reach.