Vitality... A topic that has been discussed, written about, and researched extensively. Looking at PDG Health Services and the vision I want to convey with it, there are always certain examples in life. People who inspire you and who fit in with your vision. People who you often cite as examples during a workshop, training session, or individual coaching conversation. For me, vitality is more than just health. However, I do consider health to be the most important pillar of vitality. We can divide this into physical and mental health. When our physical health fails us, it demands a lot from your mental health to continue living a vital (energetic, positive, and zestful) life.

Dare to set goals and go for them!

A great example of someone I deeply admire and who embodies vitality for me is Bibian Mentel. She was six-time Dutch champion in the halfpipe and seven-time Dutch champion in snowboard cross, the last time more than six months after her right lower leg was amputated due to bone cancer. She was a three-time Paralympic champion and four-time Para World Champion. In addition to her successful sporting career, she was committed to getting children and young adults with disabilities involved in sports. This year, she was given her own Cruyff Court at De Hoogstraat Revalidatie in Utrecht, which she was able to unveil herself on March 23.

The power of thinking in possibilities

During her life, she was told no fewer than fifteen times that the cancer had returned to her body. The first time, in 2001, she had to undergo a forced amputation of her right lower leg. I still find it incredibly special and powerful that I then read a piece in which, not long after, the prosthetist stood next to her bed with five prostheses and her leg was amputated at the "ideal sporting length" at her request. She always looked at what was still possible, adapted again, and continued to view the situation positively. This earned her another Dutch snowboard cross title seven months later in 2002.

I could name many more things that I found and still find so incredibly powerful about this woman. For me, one thing is certain:

Bibian Mentel was, is, and remains a vital example!