The blog.

We’ve all been there. You don’t feel like doing anything. You feel lost, unproductive and annoyed. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling like this at work or in general, life has it’s ups and downs. It happens and that’s totally fine.

‘You can only grow if you get out of your comfort zone’ is a good quote, but can be easier said than done.' I still agree though. Getting out of your comfort zone can be so beneficial and gives the opportunity to learn more.

Let's start small. I've listed 20 ideas for you to get out of your comfort zone on a daily basis:

1. Try a new recipe / cook something new.

2. Create a new habit in your daily routine.

3. Take yourself out on a date.

4. Purposely switch up your morning/night routine.

5. Give a stranger a genuine compliment.

6. Respond with something besides “good” when someone asks how you are.

7. Take a picture every day for a month.

8. Start a conversation with a stranger.

9. Say yes to more things for one day.

10. Try a new skill like playing guitar, learn a new language etc.

11. Try a new way of working out (pickle ball, running etc).

12. Read a random book you normally wouldn’t pick up.

13. For the believers amongst us: pray differently than your usual daily prayer.

14. Reconnect with an old friend.

15. Ask someone out on a date.

16. Go somewhere you’ve never been before.

17. Go a day without makeup.

18. Turn your phone off for a day.

19. Don’t watch TV / YouTube etc. for a week.

20. Get a new hairstyle, instead of the usual.

Let me know what tips you’re going to use!

Lots of love, Daphne

January 2022 I decided to read more books instead of being on my phone or laptop all the time, which is probably the only new years resolution that lasted... I've read 50+ books since then and cried, laughed and were shocked by some of them. 

Making choices about the future at a young age: something many people dread. And to be honest, it’s relatable: going to college, working, traveling or to combine it all. A lot of people told me that the whole world lies ahead, which is a blessing, but also a curse. So; is a gap year worth it? Or can we cross it off our list? Let’s find out!

Once I graduated graphic design in 2020, I was in this constant struggle of trying another study or taking a gap year. I must admit that I found this very tensive at the beginning and really had a hard time not knowing what I wanted, which is so common for people my age. Everyone is expecting much these days, but what is more important? Doing what you love, while figuring things and life out or doing something you don’t love while pleasing others?

Even though there are so many (new) jobs and college studies to take, it can be so hard to decide. So what then? Working fulltime or take a risk on a study you actually don’t like? I know this might not be the answer you want to hear, but these options are both incredible. When you see the choices as different opportunities, your perspective might change and you might be able to see it as a sense of adventure.  

We learn something new everyday. I was raised Christian, but my parents have always left me free in my own choices. I am very grateful to them for letting me search my own faith, because of that I have also learned much in the religious field in recent years. 'He who seeks will find'.-

These are 10 things I learnt about my faith in the last year that I use as reminders. 

1. It’s okay and human to have doubts, even John the Baptist had worries. The steps you take to overcome these doubts are what’s important.

2. Do you want to grow in character? Sincerely care for someone else. Even if it costs you something.

3. ‘What would Jesus do?’ is actually a great question you can ask yourself daily, not just a pretty quote we find on wristbands etc.

4. Surrender to God the expectations you have of another. People will let you down and you will let people down. Fulfill Gods expectations and let go of the expectations you have for others. 

5. I feel the happiest when I worship and live with God. Remember that whenever you feel lazy in your relationship with God. 

Now that working from home has become the new normal, it can be nice to adjust your interior every now and then. I’ve put together a list for you with useful tips that are easy to elaborate, even if you have little time, a small budget or not much interior knowledge.

Layer and use tonal shades

Do you recognize the feeling that you need to get the exact same shades of green, blue or another color in your room? Well, you don’t have to. Tonal shades can even give a more warmer feeling to your interior. Try out different tones of the same color to change up your room a little & give the space more life. Monochrome style is also a commonly used in fashion, which can give you some inspiration!

Organic shapes

Organic shapes are having a comeback from the 70’s! If you’re someone who doesn’t like a static interior, you should try organic shapes! You don’t even have to buy a whole new furniture. Accessoires and mirrors can be found in organic shapes in any interior store right now! 

Play around with scale

Speaking of accessoires, to get to a cohesive interior design I’d love to recommend playing with the scale of the products. For example: try adding a high vase with flowers next to a lower scented candle next to a middle height plant. This way you create clearance in your interior. 

Design can be found in everything. And as a designer I am of course forced to say that this is one of the most beautiful professions, but to be honest it is just really great fun! It doesn't matter if you want to become a designer or if you enjoy making beautiful things as a hobby, there’s always something new to learn. 

Music can come off as something so complex, yet it’s so easy and powerful. As some might say ‘it’s a form of emotion.’ Music can make you feel in so many different ways. It allows us to feel nearly all emotions we experience in our lives.

From a Christian perspective: music and worship is a gift of God. No wonder David wrote the 73 psalms and Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord. It does not only allow you to feel things, but also allows you to praise in a whole different and deep way. If you ever feel like you want to praise and worship God, but can’t come up with the right words: listen to worship and sing and praise from within’ your soul! As written in the Bible: ‘Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing.’ - Psalm 98: 4-5.