My name is Jolanda and I’m so happy you are here.
As a child, I learned that feeling too much could be overwhelming. I learned to adapt to those around me as best I could, often putting others’ needs before my own and living mostly from reason. During my years as an interim manager within the Dutch government, I encountered many layers of myself through various training and coaching programs. I learned how to set boundaries, and discovered that saying “no” is also a valid answer. Slowly, I started to treat myself with love and compassion. But despite all this, I still found myself working incredibly hard at everything. I could never truly switch myself ‘off’, even though I thought I was getting enough rest. Physically, I suffered from chronic gut issues and frequent illness. Looking back, I realize that the connection with my body had been long lost.
Dear you,
With a warm heart I welcome you
to Roots in Rest.
In October 2020, my body finally said NO, as I became ill with COVID. For years afterward, I struggled with brain fog, tinnitus, overstimulation, constant stress and agitation, intense headaches. And I was so, so incredibly exhausted. I sought out countless treatments and educated myself about the body in an attempt to find the key to healing, even though I had little energy left. But nothing seemed to offer lasting relief. The situation felt hopeless. I often felt powerless, misunderstood and alone.
In this ‘forced’ silence’, unprocessed traumas surfaced. I began experiencing frequent panic attacks, leading to a massive breakdown in the spring of 2023. It felt like pure survival – day by day, sometimes even minute by minute. I am deeply grateful that during this phase, I found the right support in EMDR therapy, body-oriented therapy, somatic yoga, Yoga Nidra and orthomolecular therapy. My body had so many stories to tell. Writing poetry also became a source of strength.
Today, I live with my boyfriend Farshid and our dog Lumi in the Swedish forest. Those turbulent years also taught me how to reconnect with my heart, and nature played a significant role in my healing. Living in harmony with nature has become a deep desire of mine.
My wish for you is that you feel heard, seen and held – not only by me, but most importantly, by yourself. That you may feel at home in your body. That you know how to calm and regulate yourself when times get tough. That you remember what it feels like to rest. How it feels to simply be. And that you feel whole and complete, just as you are.
I look forward to meeting you.
Much love,
Jolanda
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