With Elli

Today, I had one of those moments—a small slip-up that spiraled into something bigger. I was selling an item online and accidentally overpriced it. A potential buyer pointed it out, and the mistake hit me harder than I expected. Not because of the error itself, but because of the flood of shame and panic that followed. I noticed how quickly I moved to apologize. How deeply unsettled I felt. How hard it was to just let it go. And then it clicked: Somewhere along the way, I learned that mistakes aren’t just mistakes—they’re threats . A voice from the past echoed in my mind: “When you make mistakes, we lose money.” That belief took root. It taught me that being wrong isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s risky. That I have to be perfect to be safe, to be trusted, to be enough. Suddenly, so many things started to make sense: Why I freeze before sending emails Why job searching feels paralyzing Why I second-guess myself, even in the smallest, lowest-stakes situations ✨ A Truth...

  My Story with Mild Chronic Depression — and What Helped For a long time, I didn’t have a name for what I was feeling. It wasn’t dramatic. I didn’t fall apart in public or scream into pillows at night. It was quieter than that. A kind of dullness. A fog I couldn’t quite shake. Days that felt heavy without reason. Mornings where motivation felt out of reach. Smiling when needed, functioning well enough—but always with a subtle undercurrent of sadness that never fully left. Eventually, I learned this has a name: mild chronic depression , also known as dysthymia . And with that name came a quiet relief—because if it has a name, maybe it also has a path out. 🧠 What It Felt Like Chronic depression doesn’t always look like people expect. For me, it looked like: Functioning “just enough,” but constantly feeling tired Overthinking everything, especially emotionally charged situations Struggling to make decisions, even small ones Feeling emotionally disconnected—like wa...

For a long time, I struggled with certain tasks—especially the ones tied to deadlines or external expectations. It wasn’t always the tasks themselves that were difficult; in fact, some of them I even enjoy when the pressure is off. But the moment they’re expected of me—on a schedule, with a sense of urgency or judgment attached—they feel heavy. Simple things like booking a doctor’s appointment , calling customer support , or preparing a spreadsheet with client contacts suddenly become overwhelming. Tasks like reaching out to clients to schedule a meeting , or being told, “We need you at that time to book the entrance tickets” —they all start to feel like a test I can’t afford to fail. It’s not about laziness or lack of skill. It’s the weight of the context , the invisible pressure to perform, to do it right, to not let anyone down. That’s what turns an ordinary task into something I dread.Whenever I had to deliver something, it felt like I was being judged, and that made it incredib...

 For most of my life, I knew sadness. I knew fear. I knew worry, guilt, and the heavy silence of overwhelm. But anger? Anger was something that felt far away from me, something dangerous or loud that belonged to other people. I didn’t realize that my anger had simply gone underground. That it had turned into tension in my shoulders, fear of confrontation, constant overthinking, and moments of crying without knowing exactly why. I grew up learning that being "nice" meant being calm, pleasing, and non-confrontational. I was a sensitive child, often picking up on others' feelings before my own. If someone was upset, I thought it must be my fault. If I was upset, I hid it to keep the peace. Slowly, my nervous system became trained to associate any flicker of anger with danger, rejection, or shame. It took me a long time to recognize my suppressed anger. I needed to experience a panic attack and a complete shutdown of my body to finally see it. I remember it vividly. I was sit...

1. Biking in a Suit During a Storm 🚲 Dutch people bike in any weather — wind, rain, snow, even dressed for work or in heels. It's the norm! 2. Separate Trash Bins for Paper, Plastic, and Organic Waste… but Different Rules in Every City Recycling is taken seriously, but every gemeente (municipality) has different color bins and rules. 3. Paying with Tikkie Instead of Cash 💰 Going out with friends? One person pays, and the rest use Tikkie to send their share instant 4. Keeping the Curtains Open 🪟 Privacy is not as important here — many Dutch people keep their windows wide open , even at night. It's considered gezellig (cozy) and open. 5. Eating Hagelslag (Chocolate Sprinkles) on Bread for Breakfast 🧁 Yes, chocolate for breakfast is perfectly normal in Dutch households. 6. Not Small Talking with Strangers 💬 Dutch people are polite but direct. Don’t expect small talk at the checkout — just efficiency! 7. Appointments for E...

 Some days feel like they vanish into nothing. Yesterday was one of those days. I couldn't do anything. I stayed in bed, feeling this heavy wave of sadness wash over me. I had no energy. It felt like I'd never have energy again. And the worst part? The thoughts that whispered in my head: “You’re worthless because you cannot function today.” These days come unexpectedly. I don’t always know what triggers them, but at least once a month, it happens. A full day lost. And each time it happens, I ask myself the same questions: What is this? Why does it happen? Is this part of chronic depression or something else I’ve been diagnosed with? What Are “Lost Days”? They are more than just “lazy” days. They are days when the mind and body seem to shut down , when the weight of existing feels too heavy. There’s no motivation. No spark. No forward motion. Just a fog that surrounds everything. Is This Connected to Chronic Depression or Anxiety? Yes. It absolutely can be. W...

  In January 2019, in the heart of Thessaloniki, Greece, a small team of friends— Elli, Sofie, and Antony —came together with a big idea: to create an open, inclusive space for young people to explore, question, and learn about sexuality in a respectful and stigma-free environment. From this shared vision, SHAAG (Sexual Health Awareness Across Genders) was born. 🌱 Where It All Began SHAAG was more than a youth initiative—it was a heartfelt response to the gaps we saw in conversations about sex, relationships, and gender. We wanted to normalize curiosity, dismantle shame, and build a culture of openness. We believed—and still do—that sexuality is a natural, wonderful, and deeply human part of life that deserves to be talked about with honesty, respect, and joy. 💡 What We Did Over two exciting years, SHAAG became a hub for young people who were eager to learn and share. Through: Youth-led research Interactive online content Community dialogues we cultivated a space...

  🌿 My Journey — From Greece to “With Elli” Hi, I’m Elli. I’ve always been drawn to meaning — in stories, in people, and in the quiet details of everyday life. My journey began with a simple question: How can life feel softer, kinder, and more balanced? I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve learned that curiosity, connection, and creativity make a beautiful place to start. 🇬🇷 My Roots I’m from Thessaloniki, Greece — a city full of contrasts and deep cultural layers. Some echoes come from the glorious Ottoman past, others from ancient myths and philosophies that still shape our lives today. I carry both the light and the shadows of my hometown with me — memories that continue to shape who I am. My grandmother, my beloved yiayia, was a guiding light. Through her, I learned to honor traditions, cook with love, and see rituals as a way to stay connected to those who came before me. Even today, I follow the customs she passed down — not only to remember her but to feel rooted a...

Gentle support | Real learning | No pressure Welcome! I'm Elli , and I guide adults in reconnecting with creativity, building digital confidence, and exploring the depth of Greek culture — all in a warm, relaxed, and non-judgmental space. Whether you’re feeling curious, stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking to do something just for you , my sessions are designed to support your unique journey. 🎨 Creative Art Sessions for Adults No pressure. No rules. Just your creativity. Let art be your soft place to land. In these expressive and playful sessions, we explore: Mythology-inspired drawing or collage Visual journaling and mood art Nature & Greek culture themes Emotional expression through colors Relaxing group creativity (online or in person) You don’t need any artistic experience — just curiosity and a willingness to try. 📍 Available online or in-person (Leiden, Netherlands) 🧘 Art as self-care | 🎨 For fun, growth, and exploration 💻 Computer Basic...