ANNEROELE IN THE WIDE WORLD

The author of this contribution to our column now lives in Zuidlaren. You might think: that’s hardly “in the wide world,” right? But her life story shows that she, of all contributors to this column, has spent time in the most remarkable places “out in the world.”

Around the world, and then back home within yourself!

I was born in Annen and grew up at Molenakkers 14, in a warm family with two sisters. As a child, I already dreamed of the wide world, and that dream took me to living in Cologne, London, India, California, and Taiwan. Now, six countries and twenty-one homes later, I live in Zuidlaren again.

I was born on July 2, 1970, the third daughter of Lucas Zondag and Roelie Zondag-Dekens. “Another girl,” was the first thing my father said. We often laughed about that together. My father was the village postman, later post office manager, and a familiar face in Annen. A hardworking, warm, humorous man with a big heart for his family and the community. My mother created a loving home; she was open, caring, and had a heart of gold.

Together with my sisters Greetje and Petra, I grew up in a safe environment where our door was always open to visitors. As a child I loved gymnastics: the challenge, the freedom, the feeling of strength. Betsy Torenbos was always one step ahead of me, and I looked up to her talent. I also played handball, although I didn’t enjoy it much, I did it because all my friends did.

I loved to dance; the annual performances and playback shows were highlights. I remember imitating Spargo with my best friend or the Dolly Dots with a group of girls. Disco ’76 was a big part of my youth. Sometimes famous Dutch bands came to perform, and it felt like the big, exciting world came to Annen. I also have fond memories of the sports week and the Annermarkt.

Every day I walked to school, something I later came to appreciate deeply. The simplicity of growing up in a small village. After primary school, I cycled to secondary school in Zuidlaren and worked at a snack bar. These were completely carefree and wonderful years, until my father suddenly passed away when I was sixteen. A major shock for our family, and a defining moment in my personal path. THE moment when carefreeness disappeared and self sufficiency began.

Following my father’s advice, I attended business school, though I found it terribly boring. After graduating, I chose a more creative path: studying Cultural and Social Development in Amersfoort. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with it, as long as it involved traveling.

In Amersfoort I lived on my own for the first time. A friend’s mother introduced me to my first yoga class. I was 21 and struggling with a negative self-image and an eating disorder. Yoga came at the right time and became a path toward recovery, balance, and self-acceptance.

After my studies, I moved to Cologne for love. Later, after that relationship ended, I did a yoga teacher training in an ashram near New York, which inspired me to explore the world further so I moved to London, where I worked as a general manager at a large dance and holistic center. Spend four intense, inspiring years there.

In London I met Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, founder of Ashtanga Yoga. Inspired by him, I went to Mysore, India, to study. There I met the father of my children, an American yogi.

In 2004 we moved to California, where our children Evan and Maya were born. After six years, we moved to Taiwan for a teaching opportunity. Although the time there was very successful, life for me was challenging with two young children, so after 2 years we returned to California, settling in Monterey. We opened a yoga studio and lived a sunny, outdoor life. I still miss it, California is my second home.

Unfortunately after fourteen years together, our marriage ended. Continuing alone in California wasn’t financially feasible for me, and life in the U.S. was changing. I wanted my children to grow up with the freedom and safety I had known.

So in 2018 we moved back to the Netherlands and settled in Zuidlaren, close to family. After 22 years abroad, it felt both strange and familiar. The circle was complete.

Living in so many countries has been enriching, but it comes with a price. Every move means saying goodbye, to people, places, and parts of yourself.

I miss California, the sun, the rhythm, the people. My children do too. I try to teach them that this is part of moving: missing one place while embracing another.

Now I teach yoga in Annen, Roden, and online through my platform Heleen Yoga. Teaching in Annen feels special. Sometimes I smile thinking about the journey, from a village gym to temples in India and studios in California.

Through it all I see one clear red thread: movement, connection, growth, and starting again. In my heart, I am a citizen of the world with roots in Annen.

Life is quite magical