Post by Thomas van der Laan

When I launched this post in December 2025, I wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t pull out from my off-time by announcing it to everyone out here. I was a little afraid and didn’t know what to expect from the time to come, especially the three weeks of cure in a clinic in Bad Mergentheim. The amount of likes and encouraging responses in the comment section from so many present and past colleagues and friends has grown my confidence that I’m on the right track. Thank you, Torben Martini, Daniel Flato, Martin Claußen, Constanze Blum, Janneke Reudel, Christina Oeltjen, Malte Ulken, Rutger LIEVERSE, Marcel Haendler and all others for the recognition and support that speaks from your comments! In a few days, I will be back to business. Some physical fitness goals have been achieved and mental stability and clarity are on peak levels right now. My family loves the care and attention I am currently able to give to them. But this is only the start of my quest for the “golden mean” (DE: “Maß und Mitte”) in my life. The stress test is yet to come; but I feel am ready for it now! During my time at the clinic in Bad Mergentheim I was lucky enough to be part of a great group of patients who openly shared their feelings and thoughts and gave me a lot of new perspectives. The best “therapies” happened in the pantry in between treatments. I was not expecting to make new friends out there, it just happened! (Not linked here for privacy reasons, but I know some are reading: You are amazing!) If you are thinking about a break – do it now and make sure to take some time off in isolation! Don’t be afraid of silence and the emptiness that will only settle in your head when all your routines are gone. It is important to accept and endure them to find clarity. I am back – same same, but different. 💪 See you soon!