In the autumn of 2023, I stumbled upon an indoor cycling studio in my hometown. In the months and years before, I occasionally encountered the ‘new cycling movement’ through following the Instagram account of the ‘cycling’ guy, also known as Akin Akman. When I stood in front of the indoor cycling studio, the first thought that went through my head was: “I want to go. I need to try this.” And so I did.
Read moreIt is often difficult for a healthy person to imagine what it is like to live with type one diabetes. You might hear something about a sensor, an insulin pump, a sugar low or similar things. But you don’t really have enough exposure to fully understand what it’s all about. This becomes different the moment you spend more time with someone who has type one diabetes. It could be your brother, mother, child, partner or someone else with whom you have an intimate living relationship. In that case you will still find yourself on the sidelines, but you will get a lot more exposure to what it is like to live with type one diabetes.
Read moreIn my own little house, I feel safe and at ease. It is cosy and comfortable and that makes it possible to relax, to recharge and to do the things that make me happy. But even though the feeling of ‘home’ is very important to me, I have lived in quite a few different houses over the past few years. It is not in line with my need for stability, but it is what it is. About two years ago, I found the homely feeling I was longing for, in my own little house from the 1930s. In which I also hoped to find stability.
Read moreA boyfriend in Spain, a pandemic and having a chronic illness can lead to very interesting situations. When I was with my boyfriend in January, I noticed that I had reached a point where I was done with it. Not with him or our relationship, but with all the stress and difficulties of being in a long-distance relationship in times of corona. The trip to Spain hadn’t been too easy and I noticed that I wasn’t really looking forward to the return trip either. I would have preferred to stay a while, without flying back to the Netherlands. And if I could have, I would have. But I had to go back to get my diabetes supplies…
Read moreLast year, I did not celebrate my birthday. Or rather, I was not able to celebrate it. Shortly after corona turned from a simple flu virus into a serious pandemic, celebrating your birthday with family and friends was anything but a wise thing to do. This year is no different. Another lost birthday. This time not made impossible by a move or another major life event, but again by the coronavirus.
Read moreOver a year ago, it became clear that the coronavirus is more than just a simple flu. News headlines such as ‘mysterious lung disease’ and ‘deadly pneumonia’ frightened me. As the virus slowly began to take over the world and seemed to get more serious by the day, I found myself becoming more anxious. What does this mean for me, as a person in my late twenties who at the time was still smoking and had type 1 diabetes? This was not the best combination anyway, I know. But what if I also get the coronavirus in a condition like that?
Read moreWhen my father drives me home in the evening, just before the curfew starts, we pass an information board on the highway. “Stay in the Netherlands. Together against Corona.” It sounds so obvious. When I let the words sink in, I realise that I wish it were that easy: to stay in the Netherlands. In my own little house, in the city that I can call home, close to my family and friends. And yet, although that is all very important to me, I am now writing this from my studio in Ibiza.
Read moreThere are days when I like to cook a nice dinner in good company. And there are days when I’m alone and just want something to eat without too much effort. On such days, I often choose to have one of my go-to meals: a meal that is ready in a flash and that I can prepare with my eyes closed. The repertoire of my go-to meals regularly changes. First it was yellow rice with chicken, or wok noodles with vegetables, and now it is a vegetarian pasta, which is also low in carbs!
Read moreAt some moment in time, you expect to know all there is to know. Especially after several years of living with type 1 diabetes. In the end, you live with it 24/7, so you tend to think you know everything about it. But it turns out there’s always something new to learn. Even when you’ re chronically ill. There are a number of things about diabetes that I didn’t discover until quite late. It could have helped me if I had realised those things earlier. But better late than never, I suppose. Maybe it could help you too.
Read moreIt is early when I am walking to the train station. It is still a little dark outside and behind the windows I see how breakfast is quickly being eaten and the laptop on the kitchen table is being switched on again. We live in a strange world… My train leaves in nine minutes. I accelerate a little bit to make sure I don’t miss my train. My first destination of the day is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Remember? The place you usually visit when you go on a holiday. For me, no holiday. I will hop on a plane to be together with my love again. Also in times of the coronavirus.
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