The Richest Woman I Know

Recently, I took two weeks off to visit my aging parents in the Netherlands.

For the first time in over 20 years, it was just me — no husband, no children.

The dynamic was completely different.

I went because I felt called to be there for my mum’s 84th birthday.

Even though I had doubts about staying two full weeks (I’d booked a short break with friends in the middle), it turned out to be the most wonderful, precious time.

When my friend Anke visited, she said, “Your parents are shining.”

That moment alone made it all worth it.

But today, I want to tell you about someone else: my favourite aunt, Lies — my mum’s older sister.

Lies is 85. She’s fit, happy, vibrant. She sees the good in everything and everyone.

People of all ages are drawn to her.

Why?

Because her life is so full, so abundant, so rich — not in material things, but in spirit.

She truly is the richest woman in the world.

We spent a day hiking through the beautiful hills of Limburg.

And for the first time, I saw the world through her eyes.

Every flower.

Every landscape.

Every ray of sunshine.

She appreciated it all, fully.

I thought I already practised gratitude.

But Lies took it to a whole new level.

She opened my eyes to how much beauty and joy is around us — if we just notice.

✨ Lesson 1: Life’s richness is in the details we often overlook.

Why do we miss it?

Because we’re too busy, too stressed, too caught in our heads… or our phones.

Ask yourself:

👉 What can I do today to make my day richer and more beautiful?

It doesn’t have to be grand — a small shift can make a huge difference.

—

Lies, despite losing her husband very young and never remarrying, radiates joy and peace.

She has no jealousy, no bitterness, no comparing herself to others.

She stands strong in who she is — confident, trusting herself, loving herself deeply.

✨ Lesson 2: You can’t fake self-love and self-acceptance.

You feel it.

It’s not in the words someone says.

It’s in the energy they carry.

In today’s world, we compare, we criticise, we doubt ourselves.

But when someone truly stands in their own power, you notice.

Ask yourself:

👉 How can I appreciate myself more for all I am already doing?

The more you appreciate yourself, the stronger you’ll stand.

—

Lies has humour too — she jokes, “I’m 85, but I feel like I’m still in puberty!”

The night before our walk, she was up until 2 a.m. with old colleagues, laughing over mischievous memories from their teaching days.

She still contributes, still supports old students, still teaches Dutch to immigrant children.

Why?

Because it makes her feel valued. It makes her feel seen.

✨ Lesson 3: Everyone has something unique to offer — and when we express it, everyone wins.

Ask yourself:

👉 Where are you holding back from being seen — and what might happen if you showed up fully, just as you are?

You might surprise yourself.

—

This day together gave me more insight, more joy, and more inspiration than any leadership training ever could.

We ended with a beautiful local dinner, overlooking the rolling landscape, our hearts full. 

My cup was overflowing. With gratitude. With appreciation. With deep human connection.

✨ Who is your Lies?

✨ Who inspires you to be your best?

✨ Who shows you a way forward that lights you up?

Let them be your inspiration, your guide, your mentor.

And remember — you don’t need to search for richness.

It’s something you can live, right here, right now.

Wishing you all the goodness that’s already yours!

Sonja