Safe. That is how I would describe my youth. I grew up in the country without a care in the world. Most things in life came easily to me, right up until I moved to New York on my own. All of a sudden I had to stick up for myself and solve my own problems without the luxury of having my family nearby. It was tough. Maybe my childhood was a bit too sheltered. But I stayed in New York, and blazed my own trail. I took acting lessons, went to school and read a lot of self-help books, like ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle. I learned the importance of following through, as I dreamed of the life that I’m now leading. Growth never stops; I know this now. But that’s what makes life so beautiful. I believe that that self-actualization is the key to happiness. It takes time and effort, but the reward is being able to live a life that is truly your own.

Photo: Anne Timmer

At the moment, I continue to be focused on my personal development. I had a chat with a good friend of mine about this very subject just last week. We talked about how we’re never really finished learning and how becoming self-actualized is an ongoing process. To help this process along, I seek inspiration from books, as well as from watching documentaries like Food Matters and films like Captain Fantastic. I also travel quite a bit to countries with completely different cultures than my own. Last year, for example, I was in Japan. Wow! What a beautiful country whose people maintain an amazing lifestyle. Whenever I travel, I make sure to bring a new book with me. On my trip to Japan, I brought the book, Be the Happiest Person You Know, by Gabby Bernstein. It was very interesting and I recommend it wholeheartedly!

I’m so interested in hearing about your self-improvement journeys. What are your favorite subjects, books, films, documentaries, and ways of becoming inspired for the future? Let me know below in the comments! I can’t wait to read all about them.

Lots of love, Rens

P.S. In the future I will write more blogs about what inspires me and my key to happiness. So stay tuned!