Jorinde Rapsey

I was born in the Netherlands, but at 18, I took a leap of faith and traveled to New Zealand for a year. Little did I know, this journey would not only introduce me to the stunning landscapes of the country but also to my husband, who would become a central part of my life. As I pursued my studies in education and philosophy, my path took a profound turn when I became a mother at 25.

When my husband and I began our family, we envisioned a life very different from the one we had been raised with. We imagined a life filled with freedom, where we could live life fully without the constraints of the daily “have-to’s.” Our love for the outdoors led us to countless adventures. One of our proudest achievements has been walking the entire length of New Zealand, every step of the way. A snippet of this journey was even featured in New Zealand Geographic here: The Longest Walk.

Yet, while we made a good attempt to live our dream, family life and parenthood brought its own challenges. Before we got married, we’d both agreed that maintaining a marriage can’t be that hard as long as you keep communicating. But, our communication often led to conflict and challenges. Ultimately, this led me to discover Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and I attended my first workshop in 2015. This discovery became a turning point in my life, offering me a new lens through which to see and engage with the world around me.

I am incredibly grateful for the many teachers I’ve had and continue to learn from. And some of my most profound lessons have come from living daily life with my family. As my children enter their teenage years, I look back with gratitude on the many precious moments we’ve shared. Of course, there have also been many difficult times. During those moments, I found immense value in the NVC skills I had learned; skills that helped me navigate challenges with greater understanding and compassion. Again and again, I’m struck by the power that emerges when I choose to embrace NVC consciousness.

In 2022, I co-founded Peace Talks with Sally. I’m fascinated by the science and lived experience of connection and feel incredibly blessed to share the transformative power of NVC with parents. I don’t consider myself an “expert” in parenting, nor do I ever expect to master it. Instead, I see myself as someone deeply passionate about continuous learning, practice, and sharing this incredible way of being with others and ourselves.

Finally, I am truly passionate about building communities; the powerful act of coming together, sharing joy, shedding tears, and supporting each other through life’s highs and lows. As Daniel Siegel puts it: “We are wired to connect, and it is through our relationships that we grow, heal, and thrive.” I’ve experienced immense richness in my connections with others during NVC courses and events, and I hope to pass on the gift I received by offering the same through Peace Talks.

“For me, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) has been a pathway to moments of true connection, when we slow down, listen deeply, and let ourselves be touched by one another.”