Confidence – Paths Full of Light and People Who Accompany Us
Confidence – Paths full of light and people who accompany us: Confidence gives us strength – especially in times that challenge us. In my story, it’s about exactly this power: how it drives us to take new paths and how it emerges from a strong sense of togetherness. Resilience – the ability to emerge stronger from challenges – is not only based on ourselves. Often, it’s relationships that help our inner strength grow. Don’t we all need people who listen to us? People with whom we can let go and simply be ourselves?
My story inspires finding confidence and believing that together, we can achieve so much more. I’m firmly convinced of this. Are you too? A story that’s relevant no matter the season.
Look forward to the next part of my “Martha & Alva” series, which shows that together, we can achieve more than we sometimes think.
And now, here’s something special: Together with my friend Amelia from England, we’ve recorded the story on YouTube in both German & English for you. – No time? No problem! Feel free to just listen. Happy reading or listening! 🙂
Confidence – Paths Full of Light and People Who Accompany Us by Bettina Bonkas
Had another year really passed? It was hard to believe how quickly time had flown. Just recently, she had celebrated Christmas with Alva and the others. And now, she was back here—in Bad Homburg. With her.
Martha shook herself, almost automatically. Shake it off! That was her strategy for shaking off stuck thoughts. But today, it just wasn’t working. The sky was gray, and so was her mood.
Alva’s small B&B welcomed her like a safe harbor. Cozy as always, but something was missing—Alva. Her friend was in Scotland with Daniel, and Martha had to get by alone for a few days.
Martha remembered very well when she first came here. Back then, she had just separated from Björn. It had hurt so much. How comforting were the talks with Alva. She had learned so much from this woman. (Glühwein tastes good in Scotland too)
One visit hadn’t been enough. Alva had become an important friend. Once, she had even spent Christmas with her and her partner Daniel on a Scottish island—that had been absolutely magical!
Currently, Alva was in Scotland with Daniel; the two were in a long-distance relationship and saw each other whenever they could. Luckily, they would be back here in a few days. Martha would manage to pass the time until then.
Cats always help (dogs too! 😉 )
At least: Antonia, the cat, was there, purring and rubbing against her legs. “You know what, Antonia? Shopping for gifts can wait. First, let’s make ourselves comfortable.” She had learned that from Alva: Tea first. The rest can wait.
Less than 15 minutes later, Martha was sitting in the armchair by the fireplace. Her legs were on a footstool, a blanket kept her warm, and Antonia was purring on her lap. Steam rose from her cup of tea. Oh, if only life could always be so simple.
But then, it would probably be boring. Challenges were part of it. As she reflected on the last few years, she even felt a little proud: what she had learned and accomplished! But one thing was certain—without Alva’s support, she wouldn’t have made it. She had also learned that from her: relationships are what carry us. (Resilience)
This year, however, had been tough. Corona still lingered in Martha’s bones. Then there was the war in Ukraine, and now even the conflict in the Middle East. Trump in 2025, political instability in Germany, a struggling economy—and on top of it all, the looming threat of the climate crisis. To top it off, she was worried about her job. Would there be layoffs?
Another spiral of thoughts. Her confidence was dwindling.
Encounters That Enrich Our Lives
But before she got lost in it, she remembered Alva’s advice: movement helps—especially in nature. (Embodiment)
It was chilly, but the park was as beautiful as ever. The little bridge, the old trees, the calm pond. At least that remained unchanged. At the end of the park, she saw a pavilion with candles burning. Or were they LED candles?
As she got closer, she recognized a woman. She had a cup in her hand and was gently moving to the music. Catalina.
Catalina radiated joy of life—despite the dreary November weather. Her energy was contagious. She noticed Martha and waved her over.
“Would you like to join me?” she asked with a warm smile.
Martha hesitated for a moment, then followed the invitation.
“Hi, I’m Catalina. Would you like a hot chocolate? I always make a little extra in case someone joins me.”
Soon, the two were deep in conversation.
Encounters that enrich our lives
“Where do you get all your energy from? Especially in this weather? I’m so grateful you’re pulling me out of my November blues.”
Catalina laughed. “What’s the alternative? Gray thoughts for gray weather?” Her earrings swayed as she shook her head. “I’d rather go for confidence. I’ve learned that from my nan. She likes to quote Anaïs Nin:
‘We do not see the world as it is, but as we are.’
Martha let the words sink in.
“Your grandmother seems impressive.”
“She is. Full of joy and wisdom. She also says, ‘Create the world as you see fit. And don’t forget to take others with you.'”
“Are there no moments when you’re sad, Catalina?” (Mindset)
“Of course. We’re human, after all. But I draw strength from the relationships I have—family, friends. And moments like this one. That gives me as much as it gives you.”
Martha smiled. “So, you have your people, the ones you recharge with?”
“Exactly. Don’t we all need that?”
“Absolutely.” Martha fell silent, lost in thought.
Catalina wasn’t just inspiring—she was also a photographer and coach. “I love seeing people behind the facade. Sometimes, when I’m coaching, I take photos—before and after. Faces change when we relax. It’s beautiful to see. Especially leaders are often amazed at how different they appear.”
Catalina offered to take a few photos of Martha. When Martha saw the pictures, she was deeply impressed.
“Wow! No one has ever seen me like this. The photos are really strong—thank you so much!”
Catalina smiled. “You know, Martha, I firmly believe that each of us can contribute to a better togetherness. It doesn’t have to be something big. Every contribution counts. As long as it comes from the heart.”
“That wasn’t exactly small what you did for me, Catalina. You took time for me and shared your expertise with me. That means a lot to me.”
The New Year Can Come
The reunion with Alva and Daniel was warm. They had much to talk about, and Antonia enjoyed the extra cuddles by the fireplace. This time, they celebrated Christmas together with two of Daniel’s friends from Scotland. And as it goes with Scots—it was full of laughter, dancing, and of course, drinking.
Before Martha left, she met Catalina one last time. Anaïs Nin’s words still echoed in her mind: “We don’t see the world as it is, but as we are.”
Strengthened by the encounter with Catalina, the warmth of Alva and Daniel, and all the inspiring moments, Martha felt ready. The new year could come.
“Let’s roll up our sleeves and see what we can achieve together,” she thought. On paths full of light—and with people who carry us.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with inspiring encounters – Happy Holidays!
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