Confidence and Self-Esteem

**Real Estate** is a new series dedicated to exploring villas, estates, and remarkable buildings across the Netherlands — places that are often overlooked, not because they lack beauty or significance, but because they still exist quietly within the fabric of everyday life. The first event of the series takes us to **Kasteel Groeneveld**, an elegant 18th-century country estate in Baarn with a distinctly international character. Built as a buitenplaats for the ruling elite, Groeneveld offers a rare opportunity to explore how architecture, landscape, art, and daily life were once woven together. During our visit, we will explore both the **castle itself** and its vast **130-hectare estate**, discovering how regents lived, how the gardens and kitchen plots functioned, and how nature and culture were carefully shaped to coexist. The park is full of quiet details and unexpected corners that reveal a different perspective on Dutch history and landscape design. This is not a rushed visit or a checklist of highlights, but a slow exploration of a place designed to be experienced through movement, space, and time. ### Practical information * **Meeting point:** 13:00 at bus stop *Drakenburgerweg*, Baarn * We will walk together from there to the estate and begin the exploration * Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the size of the park ### After the visit After exploring the estate, we will stop at **Grand Café Groeneveld**, located on the grounds of the castle. The café offers a small but interesting selection of beers from local microbreweries such as **Swarte Os** and **Gooische**, providing a relaxed moment to reflect and exchange impressions after the walk. **Real Estate** is about discovering places that quietly shape the cultural landscape of the Netherlands — buildings and estates that tell stories not through spectacle, but through presence.

⚠️🦖 **IMPORTANT**: You need to be a registered attendee to get access to Bitbash. **Get your free ticket at**: https://www.bitbash.nl/tickets Dutch Azure Meetup is partnering with Info Support to bring you **Bitbash**; an exciting FREE conference that will cover the latest Microsoft technologies and innovations. Whether you're interested in .NET, Azure, Data platforms or AI, Bitbash will let you take your skills to the next level! Inspiring community speakers will present you with insightful sessions, real-world experience, and compelling demonstrations. Check the full agenda at https://www.bitbash.nl/agenda! Bitbash is an in-person event that's held on Saturday January 24 at Info Support in Veenendaal. Additional pre-conference workshops are organized on Friday January 23. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and network with like-minded professionals. See you at the event!

Offroading ride in Diermen, Meerveld, Lunteren. Our usual easy "get back into riding" route. Meeting at 10am, will ride +-120km of a mixed road and offroad. Should be a 40/60 mix, the route (as usual...) may be a bit outdated and sections may need to be circumvented. The route is relatively easy and flat with moderate hardpacked sand stretches (unless rainy, then expect mud ;) ). Will ride unless there are thunderstorms, so if it's just rain, bring your rain gear... Also bring snacks. We will stop for food if there's a nice place to do so. All skill level riders welcome to join. Our experienced riders have patience to teach and help you get accustomed to adventure riding if you are new to it. ADV tires are required (knobbies, preferably at least 40/60). See you then! 0623215213 PM me for the route gpx.

**Make 5 Big Steps For A Great 2026! - with Northern Deer** *** ***Have You Ever Done Something Like This?*** \#\#\#\# Have you ever felt the magic of starting anew\, leaving the past behind\, and stepping boldly into your future? **Have you ever done something truly magical to start your year?** Join me and the WOW Team for a transformative, empowering, and deeply spiritual evening to set the foundation for a remarkable 2026. As part of the **WOW (World of Wisdom & Spiritual Adventure)** tradition, we begin each new year with a **Shamanic Ritual** that celebrates, cleanses, and empowers. This isn’t just an event—it’s an initiation into the new year, where your intentions align with the Spirit of the Universe to manifest a brighter future. We are celebrating with a ceremony that contains these five parts * **Tea Ritual** * **The Magic Box of Intention** * **Shamanic Journey for the New Year to the four worlds** * **Personal Spirit Message for YOU** * **Tarot Predictions for the New Year!** We are waiting for you also this year to celebrate together and build the foundation of empowerment for our new Future!! **With Love!** Northern Deer Alexander *Founder of the WORLD OF WISDOM & SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE Community* *** ***COME TO OUR RITUAL!*** \#\#\#\# Our ritual consists of 5 parts * **The First Part -** The Tea Drinking Ritual - is an ancient way for people to connect with their Higher Self and connect with their most profound truths and intentions! By drinking Tea together, we will all put intention in the magical liquid itself, and we will share blessings and wishes for the highest possible destiny in life. * **The Second Part** \- The Magic Box of Intention is an actual box with a lot of energy initiated by Northern Deer Alexander in which you are going to place the intentions you have for the year and which you have thought about in the Tea Ceremonial Drinking\, written in a small piece of paper that we will give you in a small ritual to manifest them in your life\. This will also set your intention for the next ritual\, the third part\. * **The Third Part**. is the shamanic Journey in the 4 worlds with the intention to clean and finish with the past (year or whole life's issues) and start anew, creating a happy life from now on, from 2026! This is a powerful "active meditative journey" with the drum, where you will have the most profound internal change possible to create something new. You have to experience it to understand what it really means. For this ritual, you can bring your own yoga mat (if you wish to have your own) or use the ones we have in the spiritual center * **The Fourth Part -** Personal Spirit Message for YOU - Alexander has prepared several messages from the Universal Spirit in meditation, and you will be called to pick one by your own luck (or destiny) to empower yourself and focus the energy of your destination in life. * **The Fifth part** is the Tarot Ritual, in which you will pick a card signifying some aspect, the most important for you at the moment, that you will have to work through in the upcoming year. There will be a small personal prediction by Northern Deer Alexander to every participant. **We are waiting for you with love to experience this magic of transformation and unique experience of your life!** *Have a happy vacation & happy moments in this period of Christmas & New Year's Eve!* *** **🌟Why You Can’t Miss This** \#\#\#\# This experience isn’t just about celebrating the new year \- It’s about creating the life you want. Many participants have found clarity, empowerment, and transformation through these rituals. By releasing the past and embracing the future, you’ll step into 2026 ready to manifest your dreams. **Imagine stepping into 2026 with:** ✔️ Clarity of purpose ✔️ A heart unburdened by the past ✔️ The magic of intention on your side Many participants have said these rituals are life-changing, giving them the courage and energy to face the year ahead with strength and inspiration. **You deserve to feel this empowered. You deserve this magic.** **We’re excited to share this magical evening with you and build a powerful foundation for the year ahead.** *** YES I WANT TO PARTICIPATE - **[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER](https://www.woworld.org/amsterdam-2026)** *** SHAMANIC RITUAL FOR THE NEW YEAR!! 💰 **Participation Fee:** * **Early Bird** (Until Friday, Jan 15)**: €60** * **Regular Price: €70** 🎟️ **How to Register:** **[CLICK HERE TO REGISTER](https://www.woworld.org/amsterdam-2026)** 📧 **Contact for Info:** Northern Deer Alexander * **Email:** [[wow@woworld.org](mailto:wow@woworld.org)]([mailto:wow@woworld.org](http://mailto:wow@woworld.org/)) * **Phone:** +40 751 895532 When? Saturday, Jan 24, 2026, 05:30 PM Where? Karunika Spiritual Center - STUDIO 38, Meerhuizenplein 38, 1078 TD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Come climb some walls with us! 🧗 We're heading to Boulderhal Sterk Spoor for an afternoon of bouldering. Whether you're a seasoned climber or have never touched a climbing wall in your life, you're welcome to join. We're happy to show newcomers the ropes (well, there aren't actually ropes in bouldering, but you know what I mean). **Practical stuff:** * **Date:** Saturday 24 January 2026 * **Time:** We gather at 14:45, start climbing around 15:00, wrap up around 17:00 (though you're free to stay longer on your own) * **Location:** Boulderhal Sterk Spoor, Schaverijstraat 52, Utrecht * ⚠️ *Note: There's another Sterk location in Utrecht — make sure you go to Sterk Spoor!* * **Cost:** €13.50 entry (pay at the venue) + €4.50 shoe rental if you need it * **Bring:** Water bottle, sporty clothes you can move in * More about the venue here: https://www.boulderhalsterk.nl * Participation is at your own risk We'll grab some drinks during/after. See you there!

Join us for a beautiful late Autumn Hike on the Ginkelse Heide. * We **start at 12:00** Parking at train station Den Dolder Dolderseweg 99, 3734 BC Den Dolder https://maps.app.goo.gl/JgZrj2oW96tB11837 * Length: \~15,3 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Den Dolder https://maps.app.goo.gl/bPv95S3vFa8bxW6u9 **Getting there by Car:** * Free car parking at train station Den Dolder Dolderseweg 99, 3734 BC Den Dolder https://maps.app.goo.gl/JgZrj2oW96tB11837 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=vezo1ouZS0yORJXINF58jA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

*Since this event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

**Meetup & Mad Cow Comedy Show (please purchase a ticket in advance for the show [here](https://shop.weeztix.com/7644a480-d5a7-4264-a27a-ed697bb17fc9/events?shop_code=3qjd24qv))** 🎟️ TICKETS: https://bit.ly/Expats_Utr_Comedy 🕒 Show starts at 15:00 \| Doors open at 14:00 🍺🥨 Grab a drink or snack from Kartoffel’s tasty menu **From 14:00 – Join the Meetup!** Before the show kicks off, come by early for our pre-show Meetup from 14:00. It's a relaxed and friendly way to meet other internationals living in Utrecht, especially if you're new in town or just looking to connect. Our lovely host **Gisele** will be there to welcome you and introduce you to a few friendly faces. Whether you come solo or with friends, you're guaranteed a warm vibe and some easy laughs before the comedy even starts! 🐮 **From 15:00 - The Show!** Mad Cow Comedy hosts an afternoon of stand-up comedy performed by various international acts, all performing in English. Utrecht-based comedian, Rachel Morton-Young, introduces a different mix of comedians every 2 weeks, so no two shows are ever the same. **Kartoffel:** Our show now takes place in the Biergarten at Kartoffel, a German-themed restaurant along the historic Oudegracht (only a 10 minutes walk from Utrecht Central Station). The venue has great, affordable food, so considering coming early for lunch, or staying for a bite after the show. 🐮 **Hosted by Rachel Morton-Young** Rachel brings the energy, warmth and cheeky charm Mad Cow Comedy is known for. She’s a British comic living in Utrecht and the mastermind behind these monthly mayhem-filled shows. **Line-up 25th Jan 2026:** **Jessie Nixon (Headliner)** Jessie Nixon is a Bristol-based stand-up comedian with a warm, dynamic stage presence and razor-sharp wit. A rising UK comedy star, she has toured with Fern Brady and Lou Sanders and is a Funny Women Stage Awards finalist. **Anam** Anam is an exciting new voice in comedy, known for her calm, imaginative storytelling and unexpected twists. Despite only starting in 2025, she’s already won *Best Joke* at the TUNA Newbie Competition. **Rogier Bak** Rogier Bak is an Amsterdam-based comedian with a sharp international perspective and a high-energy style. He performs across Europe and has built a strong following both on stage and online. **Tristan Barber** Originally from Canada and now based in Brussels, Tristan Barber delivers quirky, high-energy stand-up packed with chaotic charm. He’s a writer and performer with EU satire show *The Schuman Show* and a regular on the Brussels comedy circuit. **Upcoming Dates:** * 25th January 2026 * 8th February 2026 * 22nd February 2026 * 8th March 2026 * 22nd March 2026 * 5th April 2026 * 19th April 2026 * 3rd May 2026 * 17th May 2026 * 31st May 2026 (Season finale!) **What Customers Say about Mad Cow Comedy (from Tripadvisor):** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"The highlight of my visit to Utrecht!! I had tears laughing, the absolute perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Very professional show, lovely community vibe, cosy venue and fab food and drinks."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Great mix of comedians. Rachel the host is energetic and brings a different mix of stand up acts every two weeks. I have been a few times now and it's always a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon."\* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\*"Amazing line up of comedians. A fun afternoon. The best 3 hrs full of laughter. Great line, witty people, well organised"\* 🐮 See you there?

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

**From the *New York Times*-bestselling author of *Cutting for Stone* comes a stunning and magisterial epic of love, faith, and medicine, set in Kerala, South India, following three generations of a family seeking the answers to a strange secret** Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, *The Covenant of Water* is set in Kerala, on India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a twelve-year-old girl from Kerala's Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl—and future matriarch, Big Ammachi—will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love the only constants. A shimmering evocation of a bygone India and of the passage of time itself, *The Covenant of Water* is a hymn to progress in medicine and to human understanding, and a humbling testament to the hardships undergone by past generations for the sake of those alive today. Imbued with humor, deep emotion, and the essence of life, it is one of the most masterful literary novels published in recent years.

**WE'RE MEETING IN A NEW PLACE!** **Bunk Hotel - Long table on the first floor** Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks. Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique! We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company. All ages, levels and crafts welcome! And don't be shy, we have newcomers most weeks! **We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!** We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.

We’ve started a new program called “Album Club”! The program is like a book club, but for music albums. The show is open to everyone, music experts, casual music lovers, or people who would like to discover new artists. Participants should listen to the album and participate in the 1.5 -2 hour live session discussing the album. For January we will be considering the following album, and the following tracks will be discussed: * Prodigy - Music for the jilted generation The four key tracks from the album are: Track 5: Voodoo People Track 8: Poison Track 9: No good Track 12: Skylined * How it works: We will start from 7pm on 25th of January. The show starts with a bit of an overview of the band and or the albums, and introducing the volunteers. A discussion starts with general impressions of the album, followed by discussion of the three key tracks, comments, thoughts and views, finishing with the overall conclusions.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Confidence can be cultivated in many ways—through reflection, conversation, creativity, and practice. In this Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore one powerful pathway: **building confidence from the inside out through physical expression and movement**. This experience is designed to help you reconnect with your body as a source of insight, self-trust, and presence. We’ll begin by grounding into what’s bringing you here, creating space to notice how your body is showing up and what it’s holding. From there, you’ll be guided through accessible movement exercises that invite awareness and choice—isolating different parts of the body, experimenting with movement, and practicing what it feels like to take up space intentionally. Next, you’ll participate in a small-group dance lesson led in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No dance experience is needed. The focus is not on performance or perfection, but on expression, curiosity, and allowing yourself to move with confidence as you are. We’ll close with a reflective group discussion, exploring what emerged during the experience and how these insights can be applied beyond the studio—how you inhabit your body, how you carry yourself, and how you show up in everyday life. **What to know:** * Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you feel good moving in * No dance experience required * Light snacks and beverages will be provided This session is for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with confidence by listening to their body, expanding their capacity for self-expression, and practicing self-love as an embodied experience. **Featured Speaker: Mary Grace** Mary Grace, the dynamic force behind MG Choreography & Boutique, has been transforming special occasions with her unique blend of artistry and passion for over seven years. As a proud Latina, with Venezuelan and Mexican heritage, Mary brings a rich cultural perspective to every choreography she creates. Her dedication to dance is matched only by her commitment to empowering others through the joy and elegance of movement. Mary’s journey began with a simple passion for dancing, which quickly grew into a thriving business. She specializes in crafting personalized choreography for weddings, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteens, ensuring each event is unforgettable. Determined to make a significant impact in Ohio, Mary established the first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar location that not only offers a space to practice these beautiful dances but also provides a boutique experience for purchasing or renting exquisite dresses and tuxedos for these special moments. Mary Grace is more than just a business owner; she is a trailblazer for Latina women in the community, dedicated to bringing elegance, joy, and a touch of her vibrant heritage to every event she touches. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Communication is everything in life! You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Communication is everything in life! Attend this free lecture about how to be a better communicator. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Rd Columbus OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

How to Be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

This is an in-person meeting. Would you like to know the Real You, not just a shadow of yourself? Does your life energy feel somehow trapped within? Does your self-confidence get easily shaken? Do you get in the way of your own goals? We will discuss the real source of all this, what holds you back in life, and how to handle it so you can achieve more successful and happier living. Perhaps you get weighed down with negative emotions you can't seem to shrug off. Or find yourself doing strange and irrational things - not really being yourself. We will cover why that is and tools that work to help you unearth your self, your self-confidence and motivation. This meeting will help you learn about how to effectively overcome: -Out-of-control unwanted emotions -Low self-esteem -Anxiety -Negativity -Stress -Irrational fears -Traumatic or painfully emotional incidents -Breakups -Betrayals -Feeling like you're not really yourself -Self-doubt... We will discuss how to unleash the inner you and tap into your true potential. So come to this online meetup! This meeting is sponsored by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio