I’m the founder of Mindbreeze by M — a space for women in midlife who are ready to stop holding back, start trusting their inner voice again, and create a life they’re proud to say YES to.
Growing up in the deep south of the Netherlands, I knew two things for sure: I was born in the wrong country (too cold, too grey, too rainy), and one day, I wanted a big family. In my late teens, I added a third: I wanted to live with intention — to become who I was meant to be and leave the world better than I found it.
After earning my Master’s in International Relations, I worked for a Human Rights Organization, an International Management School, and a Consultancy Firm. I traveled the world, met inspiring people — and yet, I felt called to more.
So I signed up for a post-executive program to become a trainer and coach, and founded Mindbreeze in my early 30s — long before I fully understood what it meant to live a truly intentional life. Back then, I was working with leaders and change-makers across the globe. I was ambitious, qualified, and confident — but I hadn’t yet lived what I now teach.
Then life changed course.
After losing our daughter, my husband and I — with her twin brother — left the traditional path behind. We moved countries, lived off-grid on a boat for over a decade, homeschooled our three children, and spent long summers traveling in Europe. It wasn’t always easy or clear — but it was free, intentional, and deeply formative.
When we eventually settled in Portugal, we chose a more conventional life: house instead of boat, kids to big building school, schedules governed by others. And with that shift in freedom, my sense of purpose as a full-time homeschooling mom flew out the window.
I trained for two half Ironmans in my late 40s — not for medals, but to regain clarity and purpose. I became president and lead official of an international swim team — not for the title, but to support my kids and build community.
And when midlife arrived — bringing the quiet unraveling of identity, menopause, grief, and an emptying nest — I did what I’ve always done:
I asked the hard questions.
And I listened closely for the answers.
Now in my 50s, I’ve brought Mindbreeze back to life, online this time — not as a career move, but as a continuation of my calling. This time, it’s built on lived wisdom. On the power of presence. On the belief that it’s never too late to begin again — and now, I do it in full alignment.
My Work
I guide women through personal rediscovery using my original 5C Method:
Courage — to ask the real questions, face the truth and make a decision.
Confidence — to show up imperfectly yet powerfully, and start trusting yourself again.
Clarity — to uncover what really matters now and start getting into flow.
Commitment — to take aligned action and stay the course — even when you don’t feel like it.
Celebration — to honor the journey, every little win, and own your becoming.
Five pillars. One powerful transformation.
I don’t believe in surface-level strategies or one-size-fits-all solutions. I believe in honest reflection, sustainable change, and small decisions that move the needle.
Whether we work 1:1 in Say YES to Life Again or inside my group program Say YES to Life Again 2.0 — I won’t lead from the front. I’ll walk beside you.
What I Stand For
Authenticity
I don’t do filters — in life or in coaching. I’ll always speak the truth, and I’ll help you do the same — first and foremost, with yourself.
Embodiment
This isn’t mindset work alone. It’s lived. It’s felt. We bring your whole self to the table — mind, body, soul, breath, and voice.
Alignment
I believe the life you’re seeking won’t come from pushing harder — but from coming home to yourself. We create from that place.
If you’re here, reading this, wondering if you’re too far behind to begin again — you’re not. You’re right on time. You’re exactly where you need to be.
And if you’re ready to say YES — not to someone else’s timeline, but to your own — I’d be honored to meet you there and walk this next chapter with you.