Just after the launch of  her new

business, Waterhealing.eu Tineke won a global price

In October 2024, someone in my network nominated me for a global award. I was trying to decide whether to accept since I was relocating, had to pass an exam to be able to navigate a motorboat, and was launching my new business the week after. To get through the first round, I had to gather votes. I always find that a bit dubious because the person with the largest network wins. But here, it was to get through the first round. Judges would do the next round.

I contemplated for a week and meanwhile launched my business at a Veda Austin event in Amsterdam. She is a water expert from New Zealand. I was super excited to meet her. I was very proud because after COVID-19, I had to liquidate one of my businesses and my consulting business did not work anymore either. NOTHING worked anymore.
There was something I did not see, and I decided to wait and find out what it was.

After over two years of not knowing what to do and a few failed attempts at launching new businesses because I did not resonate with them, I was back in business.

I had a table with my flyers and a roll-up banner. All, beautifully designed according to my new brand, WaterHealing. It was a glorious day. The fact that my boyfriend at the time broke up with me on the phone while I was on my way to go and celebrate with him was not pleasant, but a friend of mine was at home, and I popped by her place. Sharing my exhilaration of the day and the downside with her helped me get through.

I want how I feel to be determined by something other than external factors. And that is what happened that day.

When it feels right, make a decision and act on it.

After the launch, I decided to take on the nomination and skip the exam. What better promotion would I get? I had manifested this opportunity. I asked my network to vote for my new business so they knew about it. It was heartwarming to get all these great responses. It took me much time and effort, but I made it to the next round, which was very exciting. I had left my dear place at the lake (de Maasplassen), where I had stayed for six months during summer, to run a watersports centre as an interim manager.

I left for a 2.5-month camping trip travelling from The Netherlands to Portugal. I landed in France near Lac De Salagou; what an Incredible energy! I stayed right by the lake. The internet was a nightmare at this campsite, and the day after, I had to attend the online nomination awards ceremony event. My 4-5G database needed more connection. The advertised FREE internet on the campsite only gave 3G speed, next to the modem. I could not log into the Zoom call or attend the nomination meeting. I raced in my car to the nearest village. I had to change in my car and found a Terras. I luckily took a jacket with me since it cools off quickly in October after the sun sets.

A lovely outdoor office

I installed myself and created a tiny office. I ordered water and Wine and was ready for the 4-hour online awards ceremony meeting.

After 1 hour, the owner of the terras came to tell me they would close in 10 minutes. Luckily, I speak French; I explained the importance of the meeting, and he allowed me to stay. He even directed me to a place to plug-in my laptop and switch on the light. I had to wait a long time, but eventually, I heard that I had won the Health and Well-Being category. What an honour.

Takeaways and rules I live by in this article

1. Wait to jump into something. Act when it feels good
2. Own your doing into opportunities that occur in your life. It is the deliberate creation and the manifestation of your thoughts, energy and actions
3. Dare to ask your network
4. There is always a way to make things work
5. Follow the flow
6. Trust a good outcome. NEVER hope