Achieving Goals

## Brick the shapes of the New Year! As we step into a new year, we’re welcomed by a fresh landscape of opportunities, ambitions, and challenges waiting to be shaped. It’s the perfect moment to refocus, redefine our goals and re-energize the way we work together. Starting 2026, we’re using **LEGO® SERIOUS GOALS®** @ the **Scrum Facilitators** to help us transform ideas into tangible results. LEGO enables us to visualize our thoughts, explore possibilities with our hands and build shared understanding within yourself. By turning abstract goals into something physical, we create clarity, alignment, and space for creativity. **What can you expect from the event?** * Craft your concrete goal for 2026 * Powerful coaching of yourself done by you and by others * Help keeping yourself accountable of your goals * Metaphors & visualizations * Curiosity & reflection * Lots of fun :-) **Evening Plan:** 17:30 - 17:45 Walk In, Network 17:30 - 18:30 Intro and getting into it 18:30 - 19:00 FOOD 19:00 - 19:50 Goal Building 19:50 - 20:40 Note to Yourself, Make goals concrete 20:40 - 21:00 Walk Out, Network 21:00 Please go home you lovely people :)

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

De vraag naar data en informatie neemt explosief toe. Het netwerk vormt daarbij het fundament: het verbindt systemen, verplaatst data en bepaalt in toenemende mate prestaties, beschikbaarheid en security. Maar hoe verandert de rol van het netwerk in deze context? Welke technische uitdagingen zien we op het gebied van schaalbaarheid, latency, security en beheer? En welke keuzes bepalen onze route op de digitale ***yellow brick road***? In deze kennissessie kijken we naar de evolutie van netwerken. We analyseren waar we vandaag technisch staan en schetsen een middellange-termijnvisie waarin automatisering, observability en AI een steeds centralere rol spelen. Het programma zal deze avond (ongeveer) als volgt zijn: * Vanaf 17.15 u: inloop * Rond 17.30/18.00 u: eten * 18.30 u: start kennissessie * 20.00 u: afsluiting We zien jullie graag dan!

Een avond in een ontspannen sfeer voor alle leeftijden. Geniet van een drankje van ons en ontmoet nieuwe mensen. Je kunt alleen komen of samen met een vriend(in). Tijdens de avond maak je makkelijk contact met anderen die ook op zoek zijn naar betekenis. Meld je aan en kom bloeien! Tijdens deze avond behandelen we zowel de praktijk als de theorie van onze onrust. Alles in onze samenleving is gericht op groei. Maar is hollen en vliegen wel zo’n vooruitgang? We willen alles uit het leven halen, maar het gevolg is dat we onszelf gemakkelijk overvragen. Rust begint bij een stuk bewustwording. Daarom staan we tijdens deze avond letterlijk stil. Doe je mee? Meer weten of hiervoor aanmelden? Bezoek de onderstaande link: https://www.dekwekerij.org/bloeiklas/utrecht-rust-ritme/

Hi all! First of all: Happy New Year!! 🍾 We’re super excited to kick off 2026 with our first PuXu meetup of the year! And we are very happy that it will be around a much coveted subject: **The Design System**. Our event brings together three experts from public service organisations to share practical approaches across key areas around research, design, vision, experimentation, and implementation of design systems. We're really excited about this one, as we have had many requests from the community to host an event about this topic! **Speakers:** **[Anton Olivier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonolivier1/) \|** Sr UX Designer **@ [Logius](https://www.logius.nl)** Anton explores how the Dutch Government interacts with citizens today and how this evolves into a smoother digital experience. In his talk he’ll share lessons from ongoing research, will demonstrate current prototyping, and show off implementation of a government-wide design system, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities in creating a single digital gateway for citizens. Anton is a UX Strategist at [Logius](https://www.logius.nl), a subsidiary of the Dutch ministry of internal affairs, where he is responsible for the UX side of government notification, messaging and personal data available at MijnOverheid. **[Jeffrey Lauwers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylauwers/)** \| Sr\. Designer @ [NLDS](https://www.nldesignsystem.nl) from [Valsplat](https://valsplat.nl) Jeffrey has a strong passion for design systems, accessibility, and Ajax. He is currently part of the core team behind NL Design System. In this talk, Jeffrey shares his experience with design systems, focusing on the NL Design System. He explains what the system is, how it works, and how designers can contribute at different levels. The talk explores the design side of NL Design System, including design tokens, components, patterns, templates, and tools like Figma, illustrated with practical examples. Additionally, Jeffrey highlights the importance of community, accessibility, research, and sharing knowledge across teams **[Joshua Grootveld ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-grootveld/)**\| UX Design Engineer @ [KVK](https://www.kvk.nl) I am a Designer with a curious mind and a big heart for people. I love bringing structure to creative chaos and I guide individuals and teams toward clarity through structure, empathy, and collaboration. When I’m not wrangling figma components or explaining why card variants are a philosophical debate, I’m probably grinding korean on duolingo, building my own flashcard app, or building APIs that screenshot things for reasons that made sense at the time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The talk: Design Systems, maintenance and AI-integration 5 years into working on design systems, I’ve realized something uncomfortable: the way we build systems is killing the human thinking we need most. AI is eating both discovery and delivery work at a quick pace… But instead of panicking, what if we used this moment to refocus on what humans are actually good at? This talk is about design systems in 2026, product/UX collaboration when robots do the grunt work, and why experimentation beats fear every single time. I’ll share what I’ve learned so far and hopefully inspire you to start experimenting yourself. **What to expect:** 🌟 **Inspiring Speakers:** Hear from inspiring speakers as they share real-world insights on **Design Systems** (More details to follow!); 🤝 **Connect & Network:** Meet like-minded individuals passionate about design systems; 🍹 **Drinks & Networking:** Enjoy casual conversations over drinks in a relaxed setting. **RSVP now** to secure your spot and join the conversation! See you the 22nd! **Details:** 💶 Price: **Free** 📅 Date & Time: Thursday January 22nd - 18:00 - 22:00 📍 Location: Acato Digital Creative Agency \| Oudegracht 231 \| Utrecht 🎟 Limited to 50 spots!! 🇬🇧 Event will be in English 🏆 Main event sponsors: [Acato](https://acato.nl) & [Visma ProActive](https://proactive-software.com/nl/) 📧 Questions or Feedback? questions@puxu.community 📢 We are open for future collaborations & speaking engagements.

We are excited to announce our first Utrecht JUG meetup in 2026, featuring talks from **Soroosh Khodami** and **Alexander Chatzizacharias**. First we will explore whether we’re prepared for the next Log4Shell-scale cyber security crisis, learning practical strategies to defend against supply chain attacks, modern AI-era threats, and CI/CD vulnerabilities through DevSecOps and SBOM-driven security practices. After the break you’ll learn how to build a playful, sarcastic, and deliberately absurd AI pair programmer while gaining practical insights into agentic LLM workflows, RAG, vector search, and deep integrations that let your assistant mischievously meddle with your code and environment. Join us for an evening of practical insights, real-world lessons, and community connection! The meetup will be hosted by **adesso**, Jaarbeursboulevard 294, Utrecht. Please join us and RSVP! Because of the limited number of seats, please keep your RSVP up-to-date, so we can welcome someone else of you can't make it. Timeschedule: 17:30 Doors open 18:00 Food & Drinks 19:00 Are We Ready For The Next Cyber Security Crisis Like Log4Shell? by Soroosh Khodami 20:00 Break 20:15 How to build your own fun and absurd pair programmer by Alexander Chatzizacharias 21:15 Drinks **Giveaway** 1 JetBrains licence **Talks** **Are We Ready For The Next Cyber Security Crisis Like Log4Shell?** "AI era is bright, but full of terrors!" In a world where vulnerabilities like Log4Shell, Spring4Shell, and the XZ Backdoor make headlines, securing our software ecosystem has never been more critical. In this session, Soroosh, a hands-on architect with experience working on security platform services for large enterprises like Rabobank, will share practical strategies and best practices for securing the software development process, applicable to both small startups and large organizations. Key takeaways and questions that will be answered in this session: * [Live Demo] What is a "Supply Chain Attack," and how dangerous can it be? * An example of lateral movement that begins with a basic SQL injection attack and escalates to gaining root access to a Kubernetes cluster * Exploring new attack vectors in the AI era and the defense strategies to detect, prevent and mitigate them * Most effective practices to secure your CI/CD process * Practical strategies on how Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) help us prepare for the next Log4Shell crisis? * What does DevSecOps mean, and what is its main objective? **How to build your own fun and absurd pair programmer** Tired of AI assistants that are always so boring and soulless? Alexander was. So, he decided to build his own. An AI assistant with personality, flair, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. Imagine a pair programmer that offers sarcastic feedback, makes absurd suggestions, and threatens to blow up your code when it disagrees with your changes. And when things get too quiet, it might even challenge you to a game of tic-tac-toe. This session is for anyone who believes the best way to learn new technologies is by playfully breaking them. If you’re curious about LLMs and agents beyond the typical use cases, this talk is for you. You’ll leave with practical insights into building your own agentic LLM workflows using Spring Boot, vector databases, and locally running models. Alexander will talk about Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) flows that feed LLMs the right context, multi-vector search for fast context retrieval, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations that let the assistant directly meddle with your file system. Come to learn, chuckle, and get inspired to create your own dysfunctional digital sidekick. **Speakers** **Soroosh Khodami** Soroosh is a software engineer and software architecture enthusiast, passionate about building simple but impactful solutions. With over 10 years of experience in diverse domains, including Telecom, Media & Entertainment, and E-Commerce. He has worked with small startups and large enterprises serving 80 million active subscribers. Currently working as a Solution Architect at Rabobank via Code Nomads. Soroosh strongly believes in the power of collaborative learning and enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with other developers. **Alexander Chatzizacharias** Alexander, a 35-year-old Software Engineer at JDriven, holds dual Dutch and Greek nationality. He earned his master’s degree in Game Studies from the University of Amsterdam, where he discovered his passion for gamification and software engineering. Alexander aims to bridge the gap between game development and software engineering, believing that both industries have much to learn from each other. He is dedicated to integrating technologies and methodologies from both fields. Additionally, he enjoys experimenting with new technologies and cutting-edge sdk's.

¡Compartamos juntos con el grupo de personas más divertido de la ciudad!... ¡en español! No necesitas ser un hablante fluido o nativo.... ¡Solo atrévete a compartir! Te esperamos a las 20hrs.... ¡Entrada gratuita! ¡Nos vemos! ¡Hasta entonces! 😃 Let's share together with the funniest group of people in town!... in Spanish! You don't need to be a fluent or native speaker.... Just dare to share! We wait for you at 20hrs ....Free entry! Nos vemos! Tot dan! 😃 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/habladores/ Meetup Link: https://www.meetup.com/nl-NL/los-habladores/ Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/los_habladores_utrecht/ Los Habladores!

**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.

During this open day, you’ll learn all about the many exciting aspects of a coaching training program and find out if this career path is the right fit for you. **Special thanks to our friends at the Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) for hosting this event.** **ACC in a Nutshell** * **30 Years of Experience:** Since 1996, the ACC has trained thousands of successful coaches and counsellors. Most of them still hold a thriving practice, work as a teacher in the profession or have excelled in their professional careers. * **Comprehensive Training:** Develop your coaching and counselling skills from foundational techniques to advanced specializations with the ACC’s flexible two-year English training program, tailored to support your unique learning path. * **National and International Recognition:** Exemplary recognition for its institute and educational programs. * **Flexible Learning Options:** The ACC training programs take place in various cities in the Netherlands or in a live online setting, accessible worldwide. **Join the open day in Utrecht** Would you like to discover whether a coaching or counselling training program suits you? Or are you already a coach and would like to level up your skills? **If so, join the ACC-team at the open day on Saturday the 24th of January 2026 in Utrecht. The event will take place from 1.00 pm until 4.30 pm. Participation is free of charge.** **Location:** Marekerk Zandweg 126 3454 JZ Utrecht **During this open day you will:** * Receive information about how to become a coach or counsellor in The Netherlands. * Discover the ACC’s training programs and what can be achieved with them. * Meet teachers, staff, and former students. * Get informed about the ACC’s accreditations and recognitions. * View course materials. * Receive advice on which training program suits you best. **Register** [FREE](https://tinyurl.com/Acc-openday-Jan24th) **About ACC** The Academy for Coaching and Counselling (ACC) has offered training programs in the field of coaching and counselling since 1996. We stand for a personal approach with a focus on our students’ unique life paths. At the ACC, we attach great importance to quality. This is also reflected by our various accreditations, certifications and quality marks. We offer training programs in which people discover and develop their own talents, and learn to guide others in their process. In Year 1, you’ll learn the fundamentals of coaching and counselling. After completing this first year, you can deepen your skills and choose to specialize further – for example, by continuing with Year 2 or enrolling in our Addiction and Recovery specialization. Both Year 1 and Year 2 programs are available either in-person (classroom) or Live Online (via Zoom). The online program gives you the possibility to be guided by a teacher and practice with your fellow students onscreen from anywhere in the world.

⚠️🦖 **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!

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

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.

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.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

🎯Goal Focus & Flow is a casual, women only event created for deep focus, intentional progress, and genuine connection.🌞 Bring whatever you’re currently working on, studying, planning, writing, researching, job searching, creative projects, or personal goals and spend focused time working independently while surrounded by other women doing the same. The energy is calm, supportive, and rooted in mutual growth. At the end of the session, we’ll do a brief, optional share where participants can talk about what they worked on and what they learned. Sharing insights helps reinforce learning, spark ideas for others, and turn individual progress into collective knowledge. This space is intentionally designed to help women: 🎯 Stay accountable to their goals ✅ Learn from one another in an organic, low-pressure way 🧠 Retain what they’re working on by reflecting and sharing 👯‍♀️ Build friendships while growing side by side The shared focus and reflection create a natural sense of connection, allowing friendships to form through growth rather than small talk. Location note: For women’s safety and comfort, the venue will not be shared publicly. The exact location will be shared privately in the group chat with confirmed attendees. Join the group chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H533SlZi8h70XjkN6iSEws Come as you are. Work at your own pace. Leave with clarity, momentum, and the feeling that you’re not growing alone.

Do you feel stuck in the rat race? Do you want to learn how to earn extra income and become financially free? Event outline: Arrive: 6:00 - 6:10 PM Play Cashflow and discuss Investing - 6:10 PM - 9:00 PM We welcome new and experienced players to the meetup. If this is your first game, you will have a lot of fun in a very safe, beginner-friendly environment. If you’ve played many times, prepare to be challenged! There will be a Cashflow 101 game for newer players. There will be a Cashflow 201 game for advanced players. Cost: Free Parking: There is free parking available around the outside of the building. How to get to the office: Park in the parking lot around the outside of the building. Enter in through the front doors. (The side the parking garage is on) Enter the Elevator and go up to the 3rd floor. Walk down the hallway to the end. You will see a room marked as the "Daybreak Room" The event will be inside that room Feel Free to bring in any food or drinks. There are many restaurants nearby. If you have any questions please call or text -- (240) 357-5597

Do you have goals focusing on your health this year? In this group, be de-influenced by internet trends and companies making a quick buck and join fellow pagans, witches, and heathens in creating practices that build your connection to your body and wellness. **The focus of this group:** -Share on your own experiences with health topics, whether that is food wellness, strength building, mobility training, and coordinating group walks and physical activities. -Lean into our spiritual practice as a tool in manifesting our health goals. -Mindfulness activities that can improve your body-spirit connection. -Share your own thoughts and struggles in an advice-centered and solutions oriented space that is respectful, intentional, and empathetic. Have you heard about a new trend you want real life opinions on? Are you looking for strategies **About your facilitator:** Merlin is a local practitioner in Massage Therapy, Reiki, Group Fitness, and is interested in all around wellness. He has focused on his own health and wellness over many years and recognizes how much supportive community and intentional self-love is for finding value in a health journey. If you are seeking a supportive community with the intention of bravely sharing, being heard, and being present with others, please join us!

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

*theme:* **Casual Group Psychoanalysis - healthy repression?** Psychoanalysis "unlocks the past, informs the present, and expands the future. video clips: **Psychoanalytic theory in 3 minutes** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k) **Psychoanalysis A Curiosity about the mind 6min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ) Psychoanalysis = a theory and practice treating symptoms and personality as **disguised compromises** around unconscious conflicts, using a structured relationship (transference) to make those patterns visible so you can **repeat less blindly** and **choose a bit more freely**. "Until you ***make the unconscious conscious***, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Interpersonal Process Group** **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Reduced anxiety and stress:** Finding support and coping mechanisms for social challenges. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an exciting meeting of personal growth as we delve deep into the realm of self-development. This meetup is designed for personal growth addicts like you who are eager to unlock their hidden potential and take charge of their lives. Don't miss this chance to meet fellow personal growth enthusiasts, share experiences, and learn from one another. Step into a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Come prepared to engage in provocative conversations, share your opinions, wrestle with challenging ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of deeper meaning and learning. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish **2nd Floor food court dining area** **Whole Foods Boro Tysons Corner** 1635 Boro Place McLean, VA 22102 **Whole Foods** is off Westpark Dr from Leesburg Pike (Rt 7) in Boro Tysons Corner McLean, VA off I-495 beltway exit 47. **The Food Court Dining area** is on the 2nd floor, look for comments for specific table area. Feel free to buy your own snacks or drinks.