And I won, I actually won! Thanks to all of you...
And the winner of the 2016 Orange Awards is.... Karin Peeters of Vitalis Coaching & Therapy!
I won. I actually won. I have been awarded the title of "Best Dutch Entrepreneur in the UK". Thanks to all of you. I could never have done it without you.
The winners of the Orange Awards, organised by the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) and NL-Borrels (a Dutch networking organisation) were announced at a glamorous Gala Party. There were winners in three different categories (Best Start-Up, Best Entrepreneur and Best Cultural Organisation). The Dutch Ambassador in the UK, Mr. Simon Smits, and Mr. Alexander Jansens of the NL-Borrel made us feel proud of our contributions to the Dutch society in the UK, and afterwards we danced the night away to celebrate!
A week later we received our official certificates from the Ambassador Mr. Simon Smits and from Mr. Erik Vonk from the Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) at the Royal Embassy of the Netherlands in the UK in London. Lots of celebrations all around!
My musings on why we like (or need) to be appreciated
The difference between needing reassurance and appreciating recognition
My clients regularly ask me about how to increase their sense of self-worth. We all know that it has to come from within. That we better not make our confidence dependent on the words or actions of others. This award made me think of the difference between needing reassurance, and appreciating recognition. In the first case, we let our mood and well-being depend on someone else. We give our power away. While the second is about giving ourselves permission to take in the appreciation for our accomplishments. It enhances our mood, but we don’t crash if the appreciation doesn’t come.
I believe that true self-esteem comes not from external validation, but from knowing who we are, what we stand for in life and how we want to work/live/be. Once we start living aligned with who we really wish to be, we can look in the mirror at night and say to ourselves "I'm proud of how I handled ... that argument between my children… giving feedback to my employee….. explained to my partner what is going on for me….. leading my team... etc". And that is how we build true confidence. By behaving in line with our integrity. By doing our job and living our life aligned with who we truly want to be.
Kind, wise, compassionate, patient, clear, honest, friendly, open, joyous, courageous, intuitive, generous, friendly, nurturing... the list of noble qualities we can develop inside of ourselves is endless (and yes we can have an off-day, no need to be perfect, trying our best will do. Apologise, and simply try again). And that’s how we build a healthy foundation of self-esteem.
Musings on recognition, external validation and true self-worth
So how does it feel to be recognised in this way? Here I am, glowing about receiving this award. The one who so often talks about developing confidence and self-worth from within! Seems contradictory doesn't it? I have to admit, it feels good to be recognised for the work I do. Really good. I already knew that when I listen to a client or train a team, that what I do is good, virtuous work. That it has merit. But to have it recognised with this prestigious award does feel really special. Especially because one of the main factors the jury took into account was the contribution the nominees make to the Dutch Community here in the United Kingdom. And being of benefit to my fellow Dutchies here in the UK brings me lots of joy…
My personal thank you message…
Please take a moment to watch my personal video message of gratitude, of celebrations, of sharing of my joy and for me to say THANK YOU. Vitalis Coaching & Therapy would not exist without my clients, family, teachers, business partners, husband and friends. This award was possible because of all of you. I feel very grateful, thank you everyone. Thank you for being my client, for voting for me, for believing in me…
With love,
