{"id":6542,"date":"2024-12-06T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T07:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bettina-bonkas.com\/?p=6542"},"modified":"2025-12-09T14:01:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T13:01:39","slug":"zuversicht-wege-voller-licht-und-menschen-die-uns-begleiten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettina-bonkas.com\/en\/zuversicht-wege-voller-licht-und-menschen-die-uns-begleiten.html","title":{"rendered":"(Deutsch) Zuversicht Wege voller Licht und Menschen, die uns begleiten"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Bank Confidence \u2013 Paths Full of Light and People Who Accompany Us<\/strong><\/h5>\n

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Confidence <\/strong>\u2013 Paths full of light and people who accompany us: <\/strong>Confidence gives us strength \u2013 especially in times that challenge us. In my story, it\u2019s about exactly this power: how it drives us to take new paths and how it emerges from a strong sense of togetherness. Resilience \u2013 the ability to emerge stronger from challenges \u2013 is not only based on ourselves. Often, it\u2019s relationships that help our inner strength grow. Don\u2019t we all need people who listen to us? People with whom we can let go and simply be ourselves?<\/p>\n

My story inspires finding confidence and believing that together, we can achieve so much more. I\u2019m firmly convinced of this. Are you too? A story that\u2019s relevant no matter the season.<\/p>\n

Look forward to the next part of my “Martha & Alva<\/a><\/span>” series, which shows that together, we can achieve more than we sometimes think.<\/p>\n

And now, here\u2019s something special<\/span><\/strong>: Together with my friend Amelia from England, we\u2019ve recorded the story on YouTube<\/span><\/a> in both German & English for you. – No time?<\/strong> No problem! Feel free to just listen. Happy reading or listening!<\/strong> \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Confidence \u2013 Paths Full of Light and People Who Accompany Us<\/strong> by Bettina Bonkas<\/span><\/h4>\n

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\u2014in Bad Homburg. With her.<\/p>\n

Martha shook herself, almost automatically. Shake it off! That was her strategy for shaking off stuck thoughts. But today, it just wasn\u2019t working. The sky was gray, and so was her mood.<\/p>\n

Alva\u2019s small B&B welcomed her like a safe harbor. Cozy as always, but something was missing\u2014Alva. Her friend was in Scotland with Daniel, and Martha had to get by alone for a few days.<\/p>\n

Martha remembered very well when she first came here. Back then, she had just separated from Bj\u00f6rn. It had hurt so much. How comforting were the talks with Alva. She had learned so much from this woman. (<\/span>Gl\u00fchwein tastes good in Scotland too<\/span><\/a>)<\/p>\n

One visit hadn\u2019t been enough. Alva had become an important friend. Once, she had even spent Christmas with her and her partner Daniel on a Scottish island\u2014that had been absolutely magical!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Katze<\/p>\n

Cats always help (dogs too! \ud83d\ude09 )<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

At least: Antonia, the cat, was there, purring and rubbing against her legs. “You know what, Antonia? Shopping for gifts can wait. First, let\u2019s make ourselves comfortable.” She had learned that from Alva: Tea first. The rest can wait.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014without Alva\u2019s support, she wouldn\u2019t have made it. She had also learned that from her: relationships are what carry us. (Resilience)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This year, however, had been tough. Corona still lingered in Martha\u2019s 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\u2014and 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?<\/p>\n

Another spiral of thoughts. Her confidence was dwindling.<\/p>\n

Encounters That Enrich Our Lives<\/strong><\/h4>\n

But before she got lost in it, she remembered Alva\u2019s advice: movement helps\u2014especially in nature. (Embodiment<\/span><\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"Ein<\/p>\n

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?<\/p>\n

As she got closer, she recognized a woman. She had a cup in her hand and was gently moving to the music. Catalina.<\/p>\n

Catalina radiated joy of life\u2014despite the dreary November weather. Her energy was contagious. She noticed Martha and waved her over.<\/p>\n

“Would you like to join me?” she asked with a warm smile.<\/p>\n

Martha hesitated for a moment, then followed the invitation.<\/p>\n

“Hi, I\u2019m Catalina. Would you like a hot chocolate? I always make a little extra in case someone joins me.”<\/p>\n

Soon, the two were deep in conversation.<\/p>\n

\"Eine<\/p>\n

Encounters that enrich our lives<\/strong><\/h4>\n

“Where do you get all your energy from? Especially in this weather? I\u2019m so grateful you\u2019re pulling me out of my November blues.”<\/p>\n

Catalina laughed. “What\u2019s the alternative? Gray thoughts for gray weather?” Her earrings swayed as she shook her head. “I\u2019d rather go for confidence. I’ve learned that from my nan. She likes to quote Ana\u00efs Nin:<\/p>\n

\u2018We do not see the world as it is, but as we are.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Martha let the words sink in.<\/p>\n

“Your grandmother seems impressive.”<\/p>\n

“She is. Full of joy and wisdom. She also says, ‘Create the world as you see fit. And don\u2019t forget to take others with you.'”<\/p>\n

“Are there no moments when you\u2019re sad, Catalina?” (Mindset<\/span><\/a>)<\/p>\n

“Of course. We\u2019re human, after all. But I draw strength from the relationships I have\u2014family, friends. And moments like this one. That gives me as much as it gives you.”<\/p>\n

Martha smiled. “So, you have your people, the ones you recharge with?”<\/p>\n

“Exactly. Don\u2019t we all need that?”<\/p>\n

“Absolutely.” Martha fell silent, lost in thought.<\/p>\n

Catalina wasn\u2019t just inspiring\u2014she was also a photographer and coach. “I love seeing people behind the facade. Sometimes, when I\u2019m coaching, I take photos\u2014before and after. Faces change when we relax. It\u2019s beautiful to see. Especially leaders are often amazed at how different they appear.”<\/p>\n

Catalina offered to take a few photos of Martha. When Martha saw the pictures, she was deeply impressed.<\/p>\n

“Wow! No one has ever seen me like this. The photos are really strong\u2014thank you so much!”<\/p>\n

Catalina smiled. “You know, Martha, I firmly believe that each of us can contribute to a better togetherness. It doesn\u2019t have to be something big. Every contribution counts. As long as it comes from the heart.”<\/p>\n

“That wasn\u2019t 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.”<\/p>\n

\"Waescheklammer<\/p>\n

The New Year Can Come<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s friends from Scotland. And as it goes with Scots\u2014it was full of laughter, dancing, and of course, drinking.<\/p>\n

Before Martha left, she met Catalina one last time. Ana\u00efs Nin\u2019s words still echoed in her mind: “We don\u2019t see the world as it is, but as we are.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“Let\u2019s roll up our sleeves and see what we can achieve together,” she thought. On paths full of light\u2014and with people who carry us.<\/p>\n

\"Roter<\/p>\n

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with inspiring encounters \u2013 Happy Holidays!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Viele<\/p>\n

Did you enjoy my post?<\/strong> I\u2019d be thrilled if you shared it: classic via email, on social media \u2013 anything is welcome. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you\u2019ll receive my posts automatically. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Are you interested in personal development,<\/h4>\n