• Ambar Adela: The power of the heart

    IT’S A WARM DAY IN AUGUST. LUNA AND I ARE WALKING THROUGH THE MAZE OF THE SANTO DOMINGO ARTISAN MARKET. A BIT DIZZY FROM THE HEAT AND THE COLORS (AND ME FROM ANEMIA), WE STOP TO LOOK AT SOME QUARTZ BRACELETS AT ONE OF THE COLOR-PACKED STALLS. THE BRACELET I WANT TO BUY FOR LUNA IS A BIT TOO BIG. “IF SHE LIKES IT, I CAN ADJUST IT TO HER SIZE,” SAYS A SOFT VOICE. FIVE SECONDS LATER, I’M STANDING IN FRONT OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN WITH INDIGENOUS FEATURES, HER FACE PERFECTLY MADE UP AND A BIG SMILE WITH DIMPLES. HER NAME IS ADELA, THE OWNER OF THE STALL, WITH HER OWN JEWELRY BRAND, “ÁMBAR ADELA.” HER VOICE IS OFTEN INTERRUPTED BY A CONTAGIOUS LAUGH. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHE SEES MY SURPRISE AS SHE EXPLAINS THAT SHE ALSO DESIGNS THE EMBROIDERED CLOTHING SHE SELLS. AT THAT MOMENT, I TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MERCHANDISE AROUND ME: EMBROIDERED CLOTHING, SILVER JEWELRY, AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES, ALONG WITH AMBER PIECES. “I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME?” I ASK, AMAZED. – SHE LAUGHS AGAIN. – “WHY WOULDN’T YOU BELIEVE ME? WHEN YOU DO THINGS WITH LOVE, IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW SMALL THEY ARE. THEY ALWAYS TURN OUT WELL. STEP BY STEP.” AND THAT’S HOW WE BEGIN A CONVERSATION THAT FILLS ME WITH ADMIRATION.

    Adela’s story

    Adela comes from the Tzotzil community in a nearby village. Her mother taught her to embroider when she was a child. She married very young and had three daughters, who are now young adults. When she tells me her age (she’s only six years younger than me, though she looks at least ten years younger), I almost fall over.

    “What?! Forty-seven years old?! I don’t believe it,” I exclaim.

    Her laughter jingles again.
    “You don’t believe anything I say!” But when your spirit is well, and you do things with love, your body reflects that.”

    She tells me that she divorced her daughters’ father long ago. It must have been a difficult time, but I see no trace of bitterness or resentment on her face. Instead, there’s a serene joy.

    “Look at me. I live better this way. Things have gone well for me,” she says, the dimples in her smile reappearing. “I got divorced because I couldn’t rely on him anyway. Once I became independent, I had to decide how to move forward and support my daughters and myself.”

    “When your spirit is well, and you do things with love, your body reflects that”

    Adela Gómez

    From embroidery to beads

    That’s when I remembered my mother’s embroidery. I started by embroidering blouses to sell at the market, with things I love: flowers, fruits, and birds. My style of embroidery sold well. So, I began to embroider other garments, not just traditional ones, but also jeans, jackets, blazers—everything. One thing worth the mention: I only made things I enjoyed creating.

    I’ve always liked accessories, so when I could save a bit of money, I bought some beads and stones and started making small bracelets, earrings, little things. Those sold well, too. Over the years, my stall grew, and I was able to get a small shop here in Santo Domingo. My daughters also grew up; they had their own responsibilities by then. But between them, they helped me formalize my designs into a brand, “Ámbar Adela.” They created the labels for several lines, and well… here we are,” she finishes with a smile.

    Life Force

    I listen in admiration, especially because I know firsthand how hard it is to build a jewelry brand—it’s no easy task. I tell her that years ago, I had my own brand, “Luna de Plata,” and that I gave it up when it was almost fully formed.

    “Why?” she asks.

    With some embarrassment, I admit,
    Lack of experience, but mostly fear. Fear of failing.”

    Seeing Adela standing there so calm and full of confidence, surrounded by her creations, I rush to tell her that only now, years later, I understand that I can do whatever I set my mind to. That only now do I feel the confidence to face my fears head-on. I tell her I’m surviving cancer and that I’m filled with plans that feel very real to me: this trip through Mexico, my therapy practice, my communication work to support other cancer patients, and the psychology studies I will begin this year.

    She says, “Everything will work out for you, I know it. The things done with love, with motivation, step by step, always turn out well. Because that’s how God works.”

    And the way she says it, I feel a deep certainty in every word. My body vibrates with serene clarity, and in that moment, I understand that she is driven by the Life Force.


    Adela and her unbreakable spirit

    Adela shows that Life Force is not just about carrying on when everything is against you. It’s about finding joy in the small things, feeling love in everything you do. It’s knowing that no matter what happens, you always have the strength within you to start again.

    Her story is not just one of courage but a tribute to the strength of the heart. And so, she continues, with a smile and unstoppable energy, her hands never ceasing to create, her heart always open to her family and her customers. She is living proof of the power of the heart, of love for family, and of the unbreakable spirit of a woman determined to love life no matter what.


    How many times have you had to start again? Which are the little things that bring you joy?
    Share your thoughts in the comments.


    Do you not recognize this Life Force in your own story, or do you feel like you have lost yours?

    Let me know, I am a message away


    Life Force Stories | Part 2

    Credits: Pictures from Adela Gómez Facebook page | Picture ‘Santo Domingo Market’ generated with AI, based on my own original photo’s.

  • Omar Fabián: A heart driven by creativity and legacy

    THE DAY I MET OMAR, I HARDLY KNEW HIM YET. IT WAS PURE CHANCE THAT MY GAZE FELL ON HIS WORKSHOP JUST AS I HAD DECIDED I HAD SEEN ENOUGH BLACK CLAY WORKSHOPS AND CRAFTS. I ADMIT I WAS ALSO FEELING WEAK DUE TO THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE CANCER TREATMENT, SO I WAS SAD TO GIVE UP THE VISIT. BUT THAT HOUSE ON THE CORNER, COMPLETELY PAINTED BLACK, PIQUED MY CURIOSITY. HOW HAD I NOT NOTICED IT BEFORE? SO I DECIDED TO GO IN. THAT VISIT, FUELLED BY CURIOSITY, OPENED MY EYES AND MIND: I MET SOMEONE WHO SEES EVERYTHING WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE. DRIVEN BY LOVE FOR HIS WORK AND NEW IDEAS, OMAR ELEVATES HIS ANCESTRAL LEGACY TO THE LEVEL OF ART.

    Omar’s Story

    It was midday in San Bartolo Coyotepec, the town was beaten by the blazing sun and dust. My friend Tania, Fer and I had already toured several workshops with the typical black clay crafts from Oaxaca. I was feeling weak due to my extreme anemia and it was hard for me to admit I had to give up the visit to go eat and rest. I told myself “whatever, I had anyway seen enough workshops and black clay for today”… Just as we were about to grab some lunch before heading out, I noticed a house entirely painted black on the opposite corner. Clearly, it was a workshop we hadn’t seen before. 

    As soon as we entered, it felt like rediscovering black clay. The designs were a reinvention; everything was special. “You agree this isn’t typical; this is design,” Tania said to me. The further we went in, the more we were impressed: the shapes were bolder, the sizes bigger, the designs more creative. Even the way the clay was used was different: I saw it on walls, floors, paintings and even urns.

    At that moment, a young man hurried past; it was Omar Fabián, one of the three brothers who own the workshop and the author of these innovative pieces.

    My curiosity was fully awake, so I asked him a question that sparked an inspiring conversation:  

    “In all the years I’ve been buying black clay, I’ve never seen it applied like this. Are these your ideas?”  

    At first, he was very polite but seemed not particularly interested. “Thanks,” he responded, somewhat surprised, “yes, these are my designs.”  

    “This goes beyond tradition. What has brought you to this point?”

    I realised I had now caught his attention, perhaps because he sensed that my interest was genuine. That’s when the conversation began. He spoke of his family legacy, with over three generations of black clay artisans. He also mentioned his design studies at the University of Oaxaca. How he had combined his heritage, knowledge, and curiosity to challenge the limits of what was “possible.” While respecting the teachings of past generations, he improved the quality of the finishes and applied his design knowledge to create new forms. He experimented with new techniques, formats, and applications.

    Bringing Ideas to Life

    In this way, he contributed to the development of the family workshop. As he grew as an artisan, so did the projects he took on. “I started accepting commissions from hotels, restaurants, and museums. They would ask me, for example, to create a mural installation of giant ants, a large niche decorated with butterflies in flight, or a hotel bar with geometric ‘tiles’.” The challenge wasn’t just the visual design. How do you bring those ideas to life? Black clay is fragile, but delicate shapes must withstand installation, transport, and temperature changes. Those new requirements led me to experiment with novel techniques and approaches.”

    Exploring Limits 

    I couldn’t help but see a parallel with the ups and downs of life in the face of adversity, something I’ve personally experienced since my cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, you find yourself in an unexpected situation that forces you to develop new skills. And to do so, you must draw on both what you’ve been taught and what you’ve learned yourself.

    “Not everything can turn out perfect. Do it again, try again, until it works.” Omar Fabián

    Omar also faces moments of difficulty, which generate uncertainty. Yet there’s an inner drive in him, a confidence in the future. Perhaps it’s the belief in his ability to navigate uncertainty and find solutions, to generate new ideas. His love for the craft he inherited and his creativity are his strength, though he may not say it explicitly, it’s clear to see.

    Over some water and mezcal, Omar and I shared experiences and came to the conclusion that this is how we’ll continue. Facing fear, with confidence. You might feel sad or tired at times, but deep down, you’re not afraid. You know the solution will come, and you trust the force that moves you.

    Life Force isn’t something grand, as my conversation with Omar reminded me. It manifests itself in simple ways, like knowing how to see the world with a fresh pair of eyes. Just like children do. Now I understand that, on that day, Omar recognised in my curiosity the same curiosity that drives him in everything he does.

    Now tell me, what helps you navigate uncertainty? Do you recognize creative force in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.


    Do you not recognize this Life Force in your own story, or do you feel like you have lost yours?

    Let me know, I am a message away


    Life Force Stories | Part 1

    credits – pictures Barro negro @omarsutra | Picture Omar and Alba from my personal files

  • Work and Purpose II: A New Mindset

    Written in early 2024, as I found myself confronted with sick leave.

    klik hier voor de NL versie

    IT’S A RAINY RUSH HOUR EVENING IN OCTOBER 2023. I’M DRIVING BACK FROM THE OFFICE IN EINDHOVEN, FACING A TWO-HOUR COMMUTE HOME. THE TREATMENTS ARE BEHIND ME, ONCOLOGISTS HAVE DECLARED ME ‘CLEAN’. FOR NOW. EVERY DAY, I SWALLOW MEDICATION TO INCREASE MY CHANCES OF SURVIVAL. I GLANCE AT MY FELLOW COMMUTERS AND THINK, “TODAY, I MANAGED A FULL DAY OF WORK, I’M BACK IN THE GAME,” AND THEN I REALIZE I HAD CLOSED MY EYES FOR A FEW SECONDS. BEHIND THE WHEEL.

    on my way to work | Amsterdam 2023

    Update 2024 – Employability now

    Meanwhile, I am no longer working. The impact of treatment and side effects on my immunity, capacity, and body is even greater now than during treatment. Difficult, but I accept it. Although having a disease like cancer is never easy and working during illness is not always possible, working can be very valuable. For both employee and employer. It can help focus on what really matters in life. In the Netherlands, about a third of people with cancer work during their treatment. Research by TNO and the Arbo Unie shows the challenges and benefits of working during treatment:

    Employee

    • Faster recovery during and after treatment.
    • Prevention against negative mental effects during and after treatment, such as reduced risk of depression and social isolation.

    Employer

    • Reduced risk of absenteeism.
    • Increased productivity.
    • Faster reintegration process of the employee.

    Second stop on my journey: a new mindset

    The experience of working during my illness has brought me a lot. I have experienced that, when possible, meaningful work actively contributes to my well-being. Meaningful work, for me, is about connection and making a contribution to society. That’s why I now volunteer for the Olijf Foundation. Also through this blog. I want to offer fellow sufferers and their loved ones a helping hand, a place to shelter.

    There is still much to do and much we don’t know yet. This can cause unrest. But this mindset gives me confidence. It allows me to think in terms of possibilities, rather than being knocked down. And this is possible within my new reality.

    This is the second of two pieces about my experience of working during cancer treatment in the period of my first diagnose.

    READ THE FIRST ONE HERE

  • Stutz’ Pearls – Accepting imperfection

    SETBACKS OR LIMITATIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN UNEXPECTED, CAN TEMPT US TO THROW IN THE TOWEL. YET, THEY ARE INTEGRAL TO LIFE AND GOAL PURSUIT. THE STRATEGY LIES IN ACCEPTANCE.

    Facing setbacks or limitations, particularly when they catch us off guard, can lead to a strong desire to give up. However, it’s fair to recognize that setbacks are an inherent part of both life and the pursuit of our goals. Ok, but how to continue? The key lies in embracing these challenges with acceptance, acknowledging that imperfection is a natural aspect of progress. Just like Phil Stutz’s string of pearls theory illustrates, where each action, regardless of its size, contributes equally to the overall journey. Imperfections, symbolized by dark spots within the pearls, are inevitable. Yet, by persisting despite these imperfections, we retain the ability to continue stringing pearls, advancing steadily towards our aspirations.

    Stutz’ pearls

    See your day, week, month or plan as a string of pearls. Each pearl is an action. Each action holds equal weight, regardless of size, symbolizing life’s various tasks – from drinking tea to quitting a job. You will find imperfections, represented by dark spots within the pearls. Persist regardless. Execute them one by one. You hold the power to keep stringing pearls, despite imperfections.

    The String of Pearls is created by Phil Stutz. It is one in my compilation of Life Force Tools, practical strategies to build resilience in adversity.

  • Work and purpose I: “I have cancer and just started a new job”

    Written in early 2023, shortly after receiving my diagnosis

    klik hier voor de NL versie

    SUDDENLY IN A NEW REALITY. THAT WAS ME ON THE MORNING I FOUND OUT I HAD CANCER. EVERYTHING TOOK ON A DIFFERENT DIMENSION, A DIFFERENT PACE: MOTHERHOOD, PARTNERSHIP, LEISURE TIME, FINANCES, WORK… I WAS DETERMINED TO MAKE MY TIME AS MEANINGFUL AS POSSIBLE, AND MEANINGFUL WORK WAS PART OF THAT. BUT I HAD JUST SIGNED MY CONTRACT… HOW DO YOU TELL SOMETHING LIKE THIS? “COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY, WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?” I THOUGHT… SO, I PICKED UP THE PHONE TO CALL MY MANAGER.

    First stop on my journey: a new reality

    In early March, I signed my contract to start as a communication advisor at an organization. I had searched for people-centered work and was excited to begin. Then, that morning, I found out I had cancer. Big boom, mind-blowing. Eventually, I got an idea of how I wanted to approach this new reality. It was clear that work was an important part of it, meaningful work. It was of added value to the otherwise cancer-dominated scenery.

    Working: wanting and being able to

    It was clear to me what I wanted, but what was actually possible within my condition: What can I expect? What can I do and what am I allowed to do? What is realistic?Creating a clear and realistic picture of my medical situation was very important. It turned out that there was enough space for me to be valuable at work. It also became clear that a bit of unpredictability was part of this process, so flexibility would be key to be able to work in this new reality. Both from me and from my new work environment.

    Sharing the news

    It was one of the hardest phone calls I’ve ever had to make. I was new and definitely felt like I was letting my work down. I also didn’t yet know what to expect, but I did know that the only way forward was to engage in dialogue.

    So, I called my direct supervisor. A bombshell for her as well, of course. Just like me when I heard the news, it was now her turn to let this new reality sink in. And that couldn’t happen in just one phone call. What did happen almost immediately was crucial: it was clear that the mutual willing to collaborate was there. And that we needed transparency and flexibility to achieve meaningful work within this new situation. How? By looking at what’s possible, what could be, and always working based on a medically realistic scenario.

    at work with colleagues | Heerlen, October 2023

    Meaningful work and connection with colleagues

    All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the reactions. My supervisor was very understanding. This made it easier for me in the effort of integrating my treatment and work. I continue to engage in dialogue with all my colleagues. This is how we build connection, which we need to achieve meaningful work together. It’s in the little things, like flexible working hours. On my turn, I am open to working at alternative times outside the regular hours, of working from the hospital when necessary. Which I have done more than once. This gives the confidence to move forward.

    – NB for the nerdish among us: TNO has research about the importance of dialogue for working during treatment or chronic disease.-

    At the end of 2023, my work perspective looks different. I’ll write about that in the sequel: Work and Purpose II: A New Mindset.