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Finally her first work is ready to publish! It took more than 20 years to clear hurdles to making the book (Dutch version) available to purchase. Years ago – in between two jobs – Annelies started to write her memoir of her own experiences in the international finance world, particularly her interaction with men. She was encouraged by her former PA and a business friend. Soon she accepted a new job, requiring her to travel and fly each day to various countries in Europe. There was no time left to edit and finish the book. When she joined another firm ten years later, she was somewhat restricted from publishing this book since that supervisor wanted to read the content and edit it where necessary. She abandoned writing for a short while, but started soon thereafter with the Jessie Golden Earth Series. When the first part, Quest to the Unknown, was published, she was confronted with another peculiar issue. Some businessmen learned that she had published a book. Thinking that it related to her biography outlining her experiences in the financial world, they demanded to know whether they would appear in this work. They were very relieved when they learned it was a different book. However, it did serve as a wake-up call. After talking to a lawyer, she decided to change the book from a biography into a fiction story inspired by her own experiences and those of others.  Some years passed by while she rewrote the book. Once again, two other employers were not so thrilled about the fact the book would expose the particular finance sector Annelies was working in, even though it was fiction. Now that she moved into the role of CFO, the time is finally right to publish her initial work as an author. At this moment the book is only available in Dutch.
“Initially I didn’t plan to publish this book. After so many years and the switch to the Jessie Golden Earth Series I was very busy with writing other stuff. When some (younger) colleagues and business relations – predominantly women – learned about the existence of this book and its content, they urged me to finish and publish it. The move to a different employer also made it easier for me to acquiesce to their request. I am happy it’s finally there and hope you will enjoy it.”
“Well written and easy to read book. I enjoyed reading it.”
Han Mouton, CFO Johan Cruijff Arena
Nice Doing Business with You, Ma’am, tells the story of 26-year old Lisa Simon as she enters the world of fast money after a move to a new city. As a rookie and one of the few females, she has to keep going in a male-dominated world, which is definitely not so easy. With the help of her boyfriend, Jack, she tries to find her way in the snake pit of jealousy, sexual intimation, #MeToo situations, temptation and deceit. Thereâs something new to experience every day. Her interaction with men leads from time to time not only to hileareous situations but also to harrowing encounters. Supported by her colleagues Ed and Karin and her business friends John and Loes she discovers during her thriving career that honesty, perseverance, self-esteem, know-how and hard work are the key to success.
In the past months we have already seen division among people about the danger and impact of a deadly disease which scientist called Covid-19. Some state itâs just another flu with governments going way out of line with their lock downâs and other interventions. Others call it a plot, stating that governments want to get more power over its people, brainwashing their minds with pharmaceutical companies being the great (financial) beneficiaries in this wicked game. And there are those who do understand the government measures and take the appropriate steps to protect themselves and others.
One thing, however, we canât deny: the bare facts of this deadly virus. Normally 600.000 people die due to the âregularâ flu on a yearly base with no particular precautions taken. Until the mid of August almost 800.000 people died as a result of Covid-19 with the year still having four months to come and severe measures were put in place. The more reason why we should carefully consider how we can beat this ugly beast, whether you call it âfluâ or refer to its scientific name âCovid-19â.
In the beginning governments just followed each otherâs example. China was the first country with a complete lock down, proving that this approach could decrease the number of infected people. âBut if they reopen, what will happen then?â was a question frequently raised at that time which nobody could answer. Having not been confronted with the situation before, local governments shut down society since most of the countries do have some form of financial buffer to support (partly) the financial constraints associated with their decision. And just like in China the numbers decreased.
However, the âsacrificeâ had enormous social and economic consequences and still has. Restaurants, theaters, shops, fitness facilities, travel agencies, hotels and so on were heavily impacted with bankruptcies and people losing their jobs as an on-going effect. People in care facilities were separated from their loved ones for months. I know what it is having a mother with Alzheimerâs. After 4 months of sending postcards, flowers and gifts I finally could see her in July. She was so happy to see me, wondering why I did not visit her for such a long time.
Since the bulk of the measures were withdrawn recently the number of infections increases again. So, what to do now bearing in mind that another shut down will have the amount of social and economic impacted victims outnumber the casualties of the virus?
I believe itâs a matter of carefully balancing the spread of the virus on the one hand and the need for society to get back to an adjusted way of living by using our common sense. Why shut restaurants and bars down if they have taken the appropriate measures to assure proper distance can be taken? Letâs look at ways to reopen theaters like Germany is currently testing with a pop concert so that the sector can get back to business in an adjusted way. As long as we ensure that we follow the basic rules I am convinced a proper balance is possible by following some simple guidelines: Â wash your hands, stay at home when ill and take a test, keep your distance and if this is not possible wear a mask and ensure the room you share with other people can be properly ventilated.
I know it is difficult for young adults, particularly since the virus is in general treating them mildly compared to those in vulnerable groups. They want to go out and party, which is okay if they follow the basic rules. Other people are also sick and tired of staying at home, organizing parties for large groups in tight spaces or massively visit events without wearing a mask or keeping their distance. Â And that is where it goes wrong. Those basic precautions are totally forgotten as they feel they are entitled to have their fun. For sure, we all have rights, but with rights come responsibility. And if we continue to disregard the very basic principles I mentioned in the aforementioned paragraph, the longer it takes for the virus to disappear until such moment a vaccine has been found that can be used by vulnerable groups.
Letâs all use our common sense with a balanced approach and contribute to a healthier world by taking our responsibility.
Thank you for reading my post.
With love,
Annelies
Click on the picture or link to watch the video “Responsibility”
Click on the picture or link to watch the video “Signs”
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Click on the picture or link to watch the video “Our Connection with the Earth” .
At the end of last year it wasnÂŽt hard to come up with a new theme for JanuaryÂŽs Loveable Light video. Â After all most of us do have good intentions at the start of each subsequent year. Losing weight, quit smoking, restart with exercise or more focus around family and friends instead of work are some general objectives to be achieved. Initially weÂŽre very passionate to reach our goals, but along the way we proceed with everyday life and lose track of our initiatives.
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With the on-going challenges we face around the globe relating to climate changes, such as the plague of locusts destroying the harvest and jeopardizing the food supplies in Africa and some parts of Asia like Pakistan, the horrifying fires in Australia depriving animals and people from their homes and killing millions of animals or the torrential rains in parts of Indonesia, causing major issues, a joint new start seemed appropriate from my perspective. Â After all climate change is (in)directly due to our behavior.
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The ones who follow my Facebook Page know by now that my philosophy is based on science and common thinking. On the one hand everything consists of energy, meaning that the vibration we create through our actions whether positive or negative interconnect with the energy of the earth. In the third part of the Jessie Golden Earth series I described this as âthe Laws of the Earthâ. What we give to the earth, the earth is giving back to us. If we live in peace and harmony, the earth will surround us with tranquility. However, if we create hate, violence and live selfishly, the earth will surround us with upheaval. Adding to that the emission of greenhouse gasses and the way to climate change as we experience it right now is wide open. Â
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If we all try to be conscious about the aforementioned causes, we slowly can make a new start to bring change to the situation we created throughout centuries on our lovely planet. Try to be positive, share your love, be selfless and act with your heart, no strings attached and we are opening the door to an influx of positive energy. To reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses we could (continue to) live environmental friendly, refrain from disposing our garbage in nature and be aware about the effects of the emission of greenhouse gasses in our everyday life. Â Together with the efforts our governments to reduce this on a worldwide base, we should at least be able to make a renewed start, minimizing the on-going climate change.
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Lastly, I would like you to consider the following. Â About nine years ago I started to write the Jessie Golden Earth series with the underlying message that change is needed to avoid a drastic shift of life on earth. Especially in part three, The Prophecy: the seven disasters before the final Apocalypse, I give some examples of what might happen if we close our eyes for climate changes. Therefore, I am asking you to consider what I try to communicate in this blog and all other videos, messages and blogs I regularly post on my Facebook Page, Instagram and website: please letâs make a change starting today before the unavoidable will happen.
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Thank you!
XX
Annelies
Click on the picture or link to watch the video “A New Start” .
As some of you know IÂŽm not a huge fan of politics. Once I was approached by the chairman of a political party who believed that my vision was equal to his. Although he had some good ideas and views to radically make some necessary changes, I didnÂŽt want to be associated with any political party. Why not? Since the truth is unfortunately harsh. Politicians tend to make huge promises to their voters while theyâre running for office. Once theyâre elected they donât act accordingly usually for the sake of staying in power or not being able to do what they really want as the true power is in the hands of others like for instance the army. And those who do want to make a change are locked up or shot to silence them.
That doesnât mean that I close my eyes for whatâs happening. I find it still unbelievable that certain world leaders are given the freedom to act in accordance with their own view, disregarding the interest of its own people. Harsh statements are made and measures are taken that not only impact other countries but will also have severe consequences for its inhabitants.
In earlier posts I already highlighted some examples which I wonât repeat. Actually, Iâm still astonished that acts of terror or any other activities that canât bear the light of day are covered up and killers are not punished if the person in question is a well-known powerful man, not to mention a country that doesnât act since it financially depends on the other where these horrible deeds are taking place.
Most recently some people asked me to say something about the current situation in Kashmir and the increased tension between Pakistan and India. As indicated Iâm not into politics and since I donât know the ins and outs of this particular issue apart from what the media is writing, I canât actually make a statement about it. Having said that I can of course share my limited point of view, whereas I still wish to remain neutral about the conflict as such.
Every human being is entitled to his or her rights. Therefore, no one should be trapped in his or her country, locked from the outside without anyone knowing whatâs going on. Having heard some speeches and reading recent interviews I find it kind of hypocrisy to point fingers when youâre responsible for a country in which people are discriminated for different views on religion, supported by extreme blasphemy laws. It certainly also doesnât help if one – genuine or not – claims to support peace in the region one day and talks about nuclear weapons on the other by an ill-considered choice of words. In the end true talk about peace can only happen when leaders are willing to exchange dialogue without pre-set conditions, open-minded to understand each otherâs point of view, looking for a midway to solve disputes.
I know that our world has become an amalgamation of 196 or something countries, each with their own power play which canât be changed overnight. If we really would like to make a change, it will take probably ages before the current situation can be transformed into another. But sometimes I truly wish that all these global leaders would stop with their thoughtless speaking and ill-considered ruling. How wonderful it would be if they start to rebuild a borderless world instead in which mutual respect for different views on life, religion, skin color and culture would unite all people to one loving nation with equal rights, plenty of food, water, housing, medication and education for everyone.
I know, itâs a utopian dream, but I do hope that one day in the very far future the world and its leaders finally will come to its senses and start to live life on Earth in the way it was supposed to be: a peaceful place of sharing and caring with plenty of time for inner growth. Until then I can only voice my opinion and hope that world leaders at least will have the presence of mind to use dialogue as the only way forward to solve intercountry issues and donât destroy by reckless acting in a split of a second the fate of everyone here on Earth.
Thanks once again for your interest in my videos and posts. It means a lot to me.
Love,
Annelies
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Click on the picture or link to watch the video \”STOP\” .