What do you do when your biggest fear becomes reality?

2019 - spotting orangutans in Sumatra

Letting go and trusting as keys to strength

Together with my then two-year-old daughter, Fleur, I traveled through Sumatra, hoping to see orangutans in their natural habitat - a dream I'd cherished for a long time. At this point, we'd already been backpacking tacross Asia for almost a year. Right there in the jungle, Fleur was loving every moment, but my body was struggling intensely: my legs felt like lead, and my energy drained rapidly. Soon we spotted a mother orangutan with her baby, yet my joy was quickly overshadowed by a growing fear: how could I care for Fleur if I couldn't even take care of myself?

From self-reliance to vulnerability

My health deteriorated rapidly. Deep in the jungle, I became completely dependent on others. My greatest fear - not being able to care for my daughter - had come true. How do you let go when you've always believed you had to carry everything on your own? How do you ask for help when you've sunk so deep you simply have no other choice?

Later, I learned I had contracted a severe form of dengue fever. For days, I lay in bed, completely exhausted, utterly reliant on others.

Accepting help: the lowest point and turning point

In those critical moments, something extraordinary happened: people who hardly knew us stepped in spontaneously. The hotel staff cared for Fleur as if she were family. Fellow travelers entertained her. A taxi driver personally took me to the hospital, ensuring my safety. Two women, complete strangers, entered my hospital room, lovingly cared for Fleur, and allowed me the crucial rest and space I needed to recover.

This was my absolute lowest point, but it was also precisely the moment where my transformation began. I had to break my old patterns: learning to ask for help and truly accepting it. From this place of vulnerability emerged my greatest strength - the ability to let go completely and trust others fully.

Why letting go and trusting are essential when facing loss and adversity

Now, nearly ten years later and enriched by countless experiences, I clearly understand how vital letting go and trusting others are. These are not signs of weakness; they are powerful tools for rebuilding yourself after loss or adversity. In my work as a mentor and speaker, I consistently witness how embracing vulnerability and accepting help makes people stronger and more resilient.

What can you take away from this?

How do you handle situations that require letting go and trusting others? Do you recognize how this makes you stronger, especially when life doesn't go as planned?

If you're interested in discovering how I can support you in finding your strength through vulnerability and trust, feel free to reach out.