Week 21 – What 400 people taught me about surrender, the power of small things, and a life-changing workshop in 2026
In the Christmas spirit
Last week I was in London and wow, it’s unbelievably wonderful there around Christmas with all those beautiful lights everywhere. If that doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit, I don’t know what will.
The days were a lovely mix of business and pleasure, because most of my international clients are based in London and I met up with several of them.
I love live coaching, but it gives a different vibe when you actually see each other in real life. New ideas for collaborations were born there. I’m curious where this will lead in the new year.
Bookstores are my favorite shops these days and I received a book from my love from an insanely beautiful, esoteric, Harry Potter-like bookstore, Watkins Books, which I’m already a fan of: Sage, Huntress, Lover, Queen. It’s about archetypes and shadow work. The first bit I’ve read is already promising and I can’t wait until I have more time to continue reading and share some insights with you!
The funeral
And then I came back and attended the funeral of my best friend’s father, which I wrote about last week.
My friend is such a rockstar that she gave an incredibly beautiful speech for and about her father. I was so impressed! Deep, powerful words with both laughter and tears.
What stood out to me in the other speeches? They praised him for never asking for help. Doing everything himself. Always strong. Never asking for anything. And I thought: interesting.
That generation still sees that as something to be proud of. As strength. As admirable.
I understand it too. In their time, that was the norm. Being independent. Not being a burden. Taking care of everything yourself.
But I’m so grateful we live in a time now where more people, at least from what I see, dare to ask for help.
Where vulnerability is no longer weakness. Where you can say: I can’t do this alone. Or even better: I don’t want to do this alone.
I also get that someone enjoys tinkering away on their own. I like that too.
But never asking for help also means: always being alone with the hard things.
My friend, on the other hand, told me how good it felt to receive so much support. A sweet card or a small gift. She received so many.
And it wasn’t about the gifts, but… and she said it with tears in her eyes: “That someone takes the effort to buy something for me!”
“But also that a friend buys or cooks a meal. Someone else cleans a room in the house. Helps me with a workshop. I’m so grateful for all the support!”
Wow. Did I already say how grateful I am for a friend like her who can name things like that? 🥰
It’s the small things that are so significant. And also daring to ask for them, because she did that too.
I find that powerful, because it’s vulnerable and it creates connection. You give someone the chance to do something for you and it’s wonderful to be able to give, right?
Barry Michels – Thy Will Be Done
After the funeral I read a post by Barry Michels from The Tools.
Barry co-wrote The Tools with Phil Stutz. And he shared that he has Lewy Body Dementia. A disease that threatens both your body and your mind.
He wrote about the loneliness of facing mortality. But also: that he was not alone. His Shadow was there. As a companion.
And one sentence kept coming back: Thy will be done.
Not: I give up.
But: I accept. Radically. Fully. And I do what I can.
Surrender without giving up.
And that touched me. Because that is shadow work.
Not: “oh look, poor me.”
But: “I see it. I acknowledge it. And I use it.”
The song
Barry’s story reminded me of a song at the funeral that we sang with nearly 400 people. It was a Christian song, but the lyrics were beautiful. It was about surrender and trust in something greater than yourself.
Whatever the future brings, I follow. I carry only the present. I walk with closed eyes toward the unknown land.
And that touched me.
Not that you shouldn’t do anything. Not that you should be passive.
But that you accept: I can’t control everything. And what I think I want might not be my path at all.
It’s about surrender and action. Following your heart.
It’s about letting yourself be guided by your shadow.
Not by your ego. Not by your Part X. But by that pure being within you.
Because when you peel away all the layers. When you remove everything you reject about your shadow. What remains is something extraordinary: a beautiful, pure being connected to something greater than yourself.
That which you are in essence and that can guide you, because it knows the way. Much better than we can with our little egos, which are only a small, though certainly important, part of who we are.
Because your ego? Your Part X? They want to lead from control. From “I have to know.”
And the result? You lead your life from fear and something is always missing. It’s never enough.
But when you let yourself be guided by your shadow… then it comes from within. Then it’s complete. Then you are enough. Whole. Then you don’t have to prove anything to anyone else, only to that part.
As Barry writes: Thy will be done.
Not: I decide.
Not: I control.
But: I follow. I trust. I do what I can. And the rest is not up to me.
Action in the Taxi
It was a quiet week business-wise, but also not really.
Because I was busy with the workshops. Putting the final touches on December 30. Preparing Heroic for January 10. I’m registering a brand and that came with a whole load of extra work. Practical, behind-the-scenes things in my business.
Action isn’t always visible. Not always big. Not always spectacular. Sometimes it’s simply: preparing. Organizing. Being ready. So you are ready and can let it rip.
Yes, you read a lot of English words mixed in with my writing (someone asked me about it recently). That’s because almost everything I follow is in English and I just like how it sounds. From the Tools, the books I read and from… Heroic.
Why I’m such a fan of Heroic
Even though it’s American, haha. I used to think: “Oh no, that exaggerated, inflated peak performance talk, not for us down-to-earth Dutch people” (although some people would disagree. I’m not naming names).
However… the Heroic framework, in my opinion the best personal development platform in the world, check it out for free, is “Energy, Work, Love”.
And it is unbelievably good. I’m not exaggerating.
It’s about turning words into action to close the gap between who you are and who you want, and are meant, to be.
Because that’s what I do. Every day. With myself. Family. Friends. Clients. The world.
It all starts with managing your energy, and I still have work to do there myself, more on that next week. It’s also about doing work that matters. Giving and receiving love.
Heroic gave words to something I already felt. But had never structured. It brought clarity to the chaos of my drive.
And it made action sacred. Not from pushing. But from love. Philosophical and practical. Shadow and light. Small acts of courage that become big.
Down-to-earth and practically spiritual. Very much my sweet spot. Heroic, together with the Tools, has changed my life in an incredibly positive way.
And soon I’ll be hosting a beautiful workshop from Heroic. Will you join?
Check the card below…
One red dot. Meppel. 😎😂 I’m the only one in the Netherlands, for now, giving this amazing workshop. Look at me being a pioneer, haha. That’s where you need to be. And I’m convinced that will change very quickly from then on.
Mark my words: you don’t want to miss this and who knows, you might be the next one hosting workshops yourself.
I’m going to teach you how to truly follow your heart, turn your words into actions. Day in, day out. So you start living with a sense of meaning and purpose and don’t get knocked off course by setbacks.
Because, spoiler alert, even if you follow your heart, that doesn’t mean your path will be easy.
Want to learn how that works?
On January 10 we have the Global Activation Day and I’ll be hosting the original Heroic Workshop completely FREE.
For everyone who’s ready to start 2026 differently. For everyone who’s had a tough year. For everyone who could use some help. Or who simply dares to ask for help.
You’ll gain clarity on what really matters. Tools to become stronger. A daily protocol, The Big 3. And connection with others.
It costs you nothing. Except your time. And the courage to show up.
Because sometimes that’s the hardest part: accepting help. And I’m happy to offer it to you.
What people say
This is what Marjon Wiendels wrote after the December 12 workshop, thank you Marjon for your beautiful words:
“Sylvia is funny, quick, warm and inspiring. It’s remarkable how deep a connection you can have together in such a short time, in words and emotions.
I left the session with a well-filled toolbox and a gentle, loving gaze toward myself.
I can recommend a workshop with Sylvia to everyone!”
December 30 – Gratefully Out, Enthusiastically In
In addition, we still have 3 spots left in this workshop for a maximum of 12 people, happening in just a few days. For those who want something different between Christmas and New Year’s than what they always do.
Read: breathwork, letting go of the old year, setting intentions for the new year and we’ll close with a deep gong and sound bowls.
Not just words like: “Next year everything will be different!”
We go deeper, more intentional, from love, but also from turning intention into action through trust and belief in yourself.
It may sound vague, but we help you feel it and make it concrete. Down-to-earth spiritual. With beautiful people and there’s still room for YOU if you feel it. But don’t wait too long.
Give yourself, and maybe someone else, a beautiful Christmas gift.
Practical: Binnenruimte Meppel, December 30 2025, 10:00-16:00, €147 (normally €197), lunch included. Max 12 people.
For people who are done with excuses. Ready for real change and willing to experience it physically through breathwork and sound bowl resonance in the body.
(The sign up is closed.)
In closing
This week? A few things.
Asking for help is powerful. And I’m glad we live in a time where more people dare to do that. Where vulnerability is no longer weakness.
Small things make a big impact. A meal. A conversation. A free workshop.
Shadow work? Not: “oh look, trauma.” But: “I see it. And I use it.”
Surrender without giving up. I do what I can. The rest is not up to me.
And you?
Who can you ask for help? Who can you help? Will you come January 10? It’s free but incredibly valuable, as Berry put it so beautifully.
Because asking for help is powerful.
2026 starts with letting go. With surrender. With small steps.
Come December 30. Come January 10. Or do it your own way. But do it.
I wish you a blessed Christmas. Enjoy the lights, the warmth, the connection.
Thanks again for reading.
May the life force be with you,
Syl
👉 Plan a free clarity call
Even if you just want to chat and hear how I do things. Maybe I can help you.
Remember: we meet each other in vulnerability.
Agenda
January 10, 2026 – Heroic Workshop: Clarity + Antifragile Confidence 📍 400 Blankenstein, Meppel FREE 9:00-13:00
Clarity | Antifragile Confidence | The Big 3 | Soul Force
Limited spots available. Reserve here.
December 30, 2025 – Gratefully Out – Enthusiastically In 📍 Binnenruimte Meppel 10:00-16:00 | Max 12 participants
3 modules: Breathwork (Mariska) | Shadow Work (Syl) | Sound (Hester)
Letting go. Anchoring. Integrating.
Investment: €147 (normally €197), lunch included
