Life is not about numbers but about people.

Name : Annick Boosten

Profession : Personal assistant / coach

What makes you happy? : uncomplicated things, such as sun, rest and a nice drink.

What do you dislike? People with a negative attitude.

Favorite color : Blue

Favorite book : The house with the blue roof. (This was the first book I received from my adoptive parents)

Favorite song : Pink- "Dear mister president"

Who inspires you? By people who can tell their own story in an uncomplicated way. Who can articulate themselves beautifully and are open to share their experiences.

Who is Annick?

I have traveled all over the world and I found sources of inspiration everywhere. From stranger to friend, all unique people. I love it when someone goes for their dreams and succeeds in making them come true step by step.

I am social, emotionally charged, a whirlwind. But always with two feet on the ground. The most important thing for me is being with friends.

"By continuing to believe positively in yourself and following your heart, you can pursue all your dreams and sometimes make them come true."

Which people have left an impression on you?

Simone de Beauvoir - feminist avant la lettre.

Emmeline Pankhurst: champion of women's suffrage.

Positive people.

Which book gives you strength?

'I never promised you a rose garden' - book by Joanna Greenberg. She shows in an insipid manner that anyone can go crazy but with the help of the right people can get out of the fight.

Which Film has left an impression on you?

Taare Zameen par (2007)

This is one of the reasons why I studied to be a kindergarten teacher. In this world you are unfortunately judged on scores. This while people with low scores can do even better. These people must compete against prejudice. I want to show children that they are worth it and also how to deal with their downsides.

"It is not our skin color that makes us different, but the color of our thoughts."

You are co-manager of, among others, the facebook group 'Adoptie Schakel'. Can you tell us more about this?

'The link' actually means 'circle / connection' of small groups. We noticed that adoptees, adoptive parents and birth mothers felt abandoned. The cry for more information and aftercare grew.

In this group connection is very important. We want to help people with concerns and questions. Because some traumas need specialized help, we also work with psychologists. We are, as it were, the stepping stone to them. We also receive training to guide and direct people to the right people.

The peer support group is also very important to enter into discussions with each other and thus learn from each other. Experiences are shared and so everyone can grow.

There are also divisions of the group, focusing on the country of origin. Here you can find tips and tricks; info about clothing, local dishes, ...

"Connection is the most important thing in our groups."

How did you get started with this?

When I was young, I mainly looked for fellow sufferers. at one point the Joy Sowers (Adoption Agency) stopped and we were abandoned. Especially the older generation (1971-2008) had nowhere to turn. We still received information from Ray of Hope, but no aftercare. We noticed that there was a real need for more care.

We started up with a group, at that time it was even through advertisements in the newspaper and on the radio. We wrote letters, organized meetings and more. In the last ten years this has grown enormously in popularity and this resulted in 'De Schakel'.

What are you proud of?

for 80% my plan was successful. And create a safe forum where everyone can ask their questions. We have already been able to assist many people.

That is why network creation is so important. That way we can help many people and keep educating ourselves. We consider development to be a permanent work point. This only benefits our members. Without the members, each with their opinion and experience, I am nothing. We need each other to create broad support. The other 20% is more difficult, but no less valuable. It continues to motivate me to still be able to help that other 20%.

Are there any less positive aspects?

There are always downsides, sometimes you are praised while being put down by others.

Some of the characters are difficult, which gives you a fight. That is the case in every group. Sometimes the trauma is too great that you can no longer open up.

Suppose others want to join or help, how could they do this?

We give everyone a chance. The most important thing is to show interest and have the time. You will also have a conversation with the administrators to see if you can really handle this. You have to be right with yourself first.

It's emotional and tough, but we give everyone the opportunity to grow.

Which mountains did you have to conquer?

I was a very social kid and the things I missed I found with my friends. Because I have had to do it all myself and overcome it, I am stronger in my shoes. This makes it difficult for me to outsource things.

I can also have a hard time sometimes with confidence. I like to trust, but meeting people with bad intentions can cause backlash.

How can people join the Schakel?

'De Schakel' - Facebook group

'Adopted Belgians': Facebook group:

Tips for the readers:

- Before you can help others, you must first help yourself.

- Do not let people or numbers put you down. Have faith in yourself, you can do it.

“Loneliness is the human condition. Cultivate it. The way it tunnels into you allows your soul room to grow. Never expect to outgrow loneliness. Never hope to find people who will understand you, someone to fill that space. An intelligent, sensitive person is the exception, the very great exception. If you expect to find people who will understand you, you will grow murderous with disappointment. The best you'll ever do is to understand yourself, know what it is that you want, and not let the cattle stand in your way. ”