Dear reader,

I have recently returned to the embrace of my beloved city, Antwerp. After a lively period in Amsterdam, where I could barely escape the hustle and bustle at times, the quiet streets of Antwerp bring me the serenity I longed for. Despite the pleasant calm, life here seems to bubble in various ways.

The decision to return to a familiar place brought forth various emotions. It was a new experience to come back instead of embarking on a new adventure. As I bid farewell to dear people in Amsterdam, I was confronted with doubt and uncertainty. The constant question in my mind was, 'Did I make the right choice?' A question often accompanied by a mix of fear of loss—or perhaps the opposite.

These days, I spend my time in a loft with my two best friends, turning this place into a warm and creative haven. The playful and lyrical moments in the city blur the line between fiction and reality. Someone whispers in your ear here and there. Words mingle with lively conversations, sometimes with a gentle touch of our vulnerable and deep-rooted wounds—something we can never fully escape as we grow older.

I soon realized that returning to a familiar place also brings new adventures. With full wine glasses in hand, we freely talk about life and laugh about our nightly escapades with new faces. Through this, we not only get to know others better but also ourselves. In other words, sometimes the answers are already there long before we need to make a choice.

With love,
Stefanie
Editor Hard//hoofd
Newsletter Hard//hoofd August 24, 2023