Creative Non-Fiction

# 🗣️ Language Exchange at Gare Maritime **Practice languages over drinks in Brussels' coolest food court!** Join fellow language enthusiasts for an evening of conversation, connection, and cocktails at the stunning Gare Maritime. Whether you're polishing your French, learning Dutch, or practicing any other language, come mingle in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. ## 📍 The Venue **Gare Maritime Food Court** \- Tour & Taxis A breathtaking industrial space transformed into Brussels' hottest social hub. With its soaring ceilings, vibrant atmosphere, and multiple bars serving everything from craft cocktails to Belgian beers, it's the perfect setting for a language meetup. ## 🎯 What to Expect Grab a drink and dive into natural conversations with people from all over the world. Chat in French with a Parisian, practice Dutch with a local, share travel stories in English, or switch between languages as the mood strikes. This is all about organic connections and real conversations - no pressure, no structure, just good vibes and great company. **Everyone welcome:** complete beginners to fluent speakers, locals and expats, native speakers and eager learners. ## 👥 Who Comes to These Events? Our community includes language students, professionals new to Brussels, polyglots, locals wanting to practice their English, expats improving their French or Dutch, and anyone curious about other cultures. The common thread? A love of languages and meeting interesting people. ## 🍹 Drinks & Atmosphere Gare Maritime shines when it comes to drinks. Multiple bars offer creative cocktails, local craft beers, quality wines, and non-alcoholic options. The industrial-chic setting with communal seating makes it easy to strike up conversations and move between groups. ## 💡 First Time? No Worries! Just show up and introduce yourself. People are friendly and everyone remembers being a beginner. The best way to learn is by speaking, and mistakes are just part of the journey. Bring your curiosity and willingness to try - that's all you need.

**Feeling Like You’re on Autopilot?** You’re doing all the right things — showing up, getting work done, meeting expectations — yet inside, it feels like you’ve hit pause. You’re not learning, not growing, and there’s nothing left to prove. Life is moving, but you feel… stuck. 👉 [Click](https://calendly.com/ahmed-signature-strengths/coaching_session) to book your free 50-minute session today. You might find yourself thinking: * “Maybe I’m the problem for not feeling fulfilled anymore.” * “I’m going through life but without purpose. I’m working, but not adding any value.” * “I’ve lost confidence in myself.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. **What We’ll Do Together** In this 50-minute clarity session, we’ll slow down and untangle what’s really happening beneath the surface. We’ll explore the patterns, fears, and blind spots that keep you stuck — and reconnect you with what brings energy, meaning, and direction. You’ll walk away with: * **Clarity**: A deeper understanding of what you want (and what’s been blocking it). * **Perspective**: Awareness of your strengths and how they connect to your sense of purpose. * **Momentum**: A simple, realistic next step to start moving forward again. **Why We Get Stuck** People tend to get stuck for three main reasons: * **Lack of clarity** – “I don’t know what I want anymore, what gives me energy, or what drains me.” * **Fear of failure** – “What if I make the wrong decision? I have too much responsibility to risk failing.” * **Exhaustion** – “I know what I want, but I’m tired of trying and not getting there.” The truth is, clarity doesn’t come from overthinking — it comes from reconnecting with your strengths and what genuinely matters to you. **Why I Created this Session** I’ve worked with many midlife professionals who reached a point where success stopped feeling fulfilling. They weren’t broken — they were simply ready for a new chapter that aligned with who they’ve become. Through coaching, I’ve helped clients reconnect with their strengths, rediscover purpose, and take confident, meaningful steps forward — personally and professionally. This session was created to help you do the same: get unstuck, get clear, and start moving again. **What to Expect** * 1:1 virtual coaching via Zoom (50 minutes) * Reflective conversation tailored to your situation * Practical insights, mindset shifts, and clarity tools * A calm, supportive space to talk openly about what’s next **Ready to Get Unstuck?** This is a limited-time free clarity session — an opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign before taking your next step. 👉 [Click](https://calendly.com/ahmed-signature-strengths/coaching_session) to book your free 50-minute session today. Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and clarity is one honest conversation.

Join us for a cosy Friday after-work meetup at the Brussels Christmas Market. We’ll grab a warm **glühwein**, **hot chocolate**, or your favourite festive drink, and enjoy an easygoing evening with friendly people in the heart of Brussels. Whether you’re new to Sunday Vacations or already part of the community, this is the perfect moment to unwind and soak up the holiday atmosphere. 🎅🌟 *** ### **📍 Meeting Point** **Tower Bar – just across from the big Ferris Wheel** We’ll stay there for a bit and those who want may explore the stalls. ### **🎉 What to Expect** * Cosy festive vibes * Glühwein, hot chocolate & winter treats * Friendly conversations and new connections * A walk through the market afterwards * Optional group photos ### **💬 Who Can Join?** Everyone is welcome -solo, new in town, or coming with friends. ### **✨ Join us for a warm and festive Friday evening!** Dress warmly and bring your holiday mood 🎁🎄 By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Join us for a full day of collaborative work at HSBXL! This event is open to everyone who enjoys working in a community environment, whether you're advancing on business ventures, freelance projects, or creative endeavors. Bring your laptops, your enthusiasm, and your projects to collaborate, learn, and share in the main room of our spacious hackerspace. During this **8-hour co-working event**, you'll have the opportunity to work on your project, ask for feedback, offer help to others, and if you wish, share your achievements at the end of the day. **Please Note**: While HSBXL has multiple rooms for various purposes, this coworking event is taking place in the main room. It's important to note that online meetings should be avoided during this event to prevent noise disturbance and to maintain a conducive work environment for everyone. \#\#\# What the day will look like: 1\. Introduction and setting up: Find a comfortable spot in the main room\, set up your workspace and grab a Club Mate\, soft drink\, or a coffee to get your day started\. 2\. Work Session: Dive into your project\, seek assistance\, and collaborate with others\. 3\. Sharing Session: Optional\, but encouraged\! Share what you've worked on\, your challenges\, and triumphs\. \#\#\# How to get to HSBXL: HSBXL is located in Brussels. For detailed instructions on how to get to the hackerspace, please visit [here](https://hsbxl.be/enter/). If you encounter any issues while trying to get in, you can contact us at +32 28804004. Please note that the phone is inside the space. Alternatively, you can also reach out to us in our [Matrix chatroom](https://matrix.to/#/#hsbxl:matrix.org). \#\#\# Requirements Please bring your laptop, and if you have, an extension cord. The space has WiFi, but having your own internet backup solution can also be useful. Join us at this **8-hour co-working day** in the main room of HSBXL, and we hope you'll have made progress on your projects, learned something new, and most importantly, enjoyed the power of community collaboration. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative, we welcome you to this day of productivity, sharing, and collaboration.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Château Moderne**, on Saturday, is 27 December 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. **Château Moderne is changing its name to Radio Moderne!** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Château Moderne Mont des Arts 1 1000 Bruxelles

Do you ever find yourself caught between the "polite" answer and your honest truth? Many of us silence our real thoughts out of a fear of rejection, but hiding our boundaries often costs us our confidence. We invite you to join us for an intimate introduction to **Conflict Resolution and Management**. This isn't just a seminar; it is a safe space to explore how we can stop fearing friction and start navigating it with grace. **The Journey:** Together, we will look beyond the surface of arguments. We will explore the psychology behind why we hesitate, identify the different shapes conflict takes, and learn strategic yet empathetic ways to tackle them. Whether you are navigating dynamics with a boss, a neighbor, or a life partner, you will learn that conflict doesn't have to be a battle. When approached correctly, it is an integral part of your success and a pathway to deeper connection. **Your Comfort Matters:** We believe true learning happens when you feel safe. During the session, you will be invited to explore these concepts in the way that feels most natural to you—whether through the quiet reflection of **writing** or the active engagement of **speaking**. Come as you are, and leave with the tools to set boundaries, voice your authentic opinion, and stand in your confidence. ***

Hello Bonjour \*\* Please register yourself [here for the meditation ](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/sunday-meditations)and here for the [Pranic Healing session](https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/sunday-sessions). In this edition, we will work on REMOVING old thoughts and feelings and RECHARGING ourselves with POSITIVE energies for 2026! We will also practice the Twin Hearts Meditation to bless the entire Earth, as it is by giving that we receive. Then you can be relieved from negative energies and be boosted with life energy with the Pranic Healing session! 28th of December 10:30 - 11:30 - Inner work + Twin Hearts Meditation 11:30 - 12:30 - Pranic Healing Sessions (20 min session per person) The **Twin Hearts Meditation** increases your focus, the quality and quantity of your energy, and therefore, your health! Get more connected with yourself with **Pranic Healing sessions**. The negative energies of your system are removed and then, you are filled with prana, also known as life energy. **That improves your physical and emotional health\*!** Donation based **Reserving on our website makes it easier for us to know who will come since we have other meetup groups.** With kindness and sweetness, Juliana \* Pranic Healing is not intended to replace regular medicine but rather to complement it. \*\* Nous parlons français aussi !

Mobïlhead (Motörhead tribute band) will perform at the Rock Classic on saturday 27th december at 9pm. A trip in the discography of a great band is offered to you! Practical information : duration of the concert : 2h (9-11pm) Free entrance / Address : rue Marché au Charbon, 55 - 1000 Brussels *** Mobïlhead (Motörhead tribute band) Infos pratiques : durée du concert : 2h (21h00 - 23h00). PAF : Entrée gratuite. Adresse : rue Marché au Charbon, 55 - 1000 Bruxelles. Ouverture des portes à 20h00

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

``` 3 PLACES DISPONIBLES!! Nous vous faisons découvrir l'univers magique du Handpan. Avec ses sonorités envoûtantes et ses vibrations, où chacun aura son propre instrument 😊 C'est une journée de détente et de découverte musicale, en petit groupe Voici les infos pratiques sur notre stage: - Nous fournissons les handpans - Possibilité de location et achat de handpans en fin de formation - Aucun pré-requis musical nécessaire - Horaire: De 10h à 17h - Lieu: Spencer Handpan Academy - Avenue Florida 107, 1410 Waterloo - Prix: 145€ Des questions? Contactez-nous ici Email: laurent.spencer@outlook.com Tel: 0492 92 17 37 ```

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

[The Board Walks](www.theboardwalks.com) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** **and join us for a 5-mile walk** (10,000+ steps!). **What to expect:** We walk as a group and dive into topics that go beyond small talk. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **Come prepared:** We ask that you bring a thoughtful topic with you. At the start of the walk, everyone shares their topic with the group, and these become the launching points for conversations throughout our 5 miles together. Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. Be a good egg and bring a topic that'd make people go "Oooh, interesting." **Important notes:** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). We want everyone to have a great experience, and this format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. **FAQs:** * We have multiple first-timers on each walk! We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are very welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **Logistics:** * **Arrive on time.** If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we kindly suggest that you skip the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and one of our goals is to create a "phone-free" space — which means everyone (including the host!) will be fully present. We can't answer messages during the event. * **Read our [Ground Rules](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules)**. Our host gives an overview of what to expect at the beginning of the walk. * **Share the magic**. If you enjoy the event, send **[this](www.theboardwalks.com)** to a friend. We're currently in 7 cities with more on the way (Austin, SF, NYC, Denver, Columbus, Boone, London). 🤠👋 **If you want to go deeper...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. * We're currently building our waitlist. Apply [here.](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board)