Today I didn’t feel like writing. I felt blocked, slightly irritated, a little bit guilty as well. But I knew I need to do it. I knew I need to keep on going, I knew that commitment is everything in what I do. I knew there’s currently no space for ‘ifs’ and ‘maybes’ in my life. Even when nothing seems to make sense we have to go on.
After some careful self-examination, I understand these feelings have their roots in fear. A lot of what I do makes me have to put myself out there, and oftentimes that is scary as hell. Fear of ridicule, fear of judgement, fear of failure. It is as if all the old ghosts are going loose and making a damn party in my head, out of my fears. And the more I postpone certain tasks that feel difficult to me, the more the seed of insecurity grows. When you find yourself entertaining self-doubt, it is time to change the game. Because everything you feed, grows.
I went to a Yoga class, I went for bike stroll, I had coffee at a new place, and I’ve been trying to connect with myself. I know that if I can get back to this sacred space of truth within me – where there’s peace and trust – I can perform any task, no matter how demanding it is.
So I’m back to the uplifting stuff: this week’s cultural events. Don’t forget that every event includes a link to its website, and free events are signaled as well. To get updates please like Amsterdive’s Facebook page. And if you did it already, you have a place in my heart, of course.
Mon, 21st to Sun, 27th | IDFA | various locations
Festival. The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam is going on since the 16th but you still have a whole week for documentary-watching. Monday is Queer-day on IDFA, and you’re still on time to book tickets for tonight!
Tue, 22nd, 19.15 | Wie is er bang voor hedendaagse kunst?
Talk. This one is for Dutch speaking people amongst us. How’s afraid of contemporary art? An interesting discussion to serve as preparation to the Amsterdam Art Weekend.
Wed, 23rd, 18.30 | Community Dinner | Dokhuis Gallery – donation based
Dinner + music. I’m into community everything. And this is the 4th anniversary of Taste before you Waste, an organization which fights food waste ( did you know that 40% of the food we produce gets wasted?). A delicious donation-based dinner prepared by the volunteers of Taste, followed by live music by Dames.
Thu, 24th to Sun, 27th | Amsterdam Art Weekend 2016 | various locations
Festival. I’ll just copy-paste: Amsterdam Art Weekend gives you a comprehensive experience of the capital’s art scene. Discover the latest developments in contemporary art with an eclectic mix of exhibitions, performances, film screenings, artist talks and tours. I’M IN.
Sat, 26th, 22.00 | Tropicalismo | Roest – free entrance
Party. Tropical rhythms are all I need in the weekend. See you on the dance floor.
Sun, 27th, 15.30 | Wrldbeat | Hanneke’s Boom – free entrance
Concert. Trading the sofa for some positive musical vibes. Reggae, funk, latin and hip-hop by Wrldbeat to cheer-up your Sunday.
For a complete cultural agenda, check the I amsterdam website. For alternative events in the city check radar.squat.