Esther’s Fragments

Stories gathered in the light. A diary of memory, ritual, and becoming.
These are personal reflections shaped by the waking world—where silence holds meaning, and the self reveals itself in fragments.

Featured Posts


Unrushed, Uncertain, and Free

How to allow yourself the time to discover?

The Girl I Locked Away
Journal Esther Derksen Journal Esther Derksen

The Girl I Locked Away

"I feel such deep sadness for my younger self—surrounded by friends, yet so incredibly alone."
This is a reflection on the girl I once locked away, the memories I buried, and the quiet courage it takes to open the box again.

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The Beast within
Esther Derksen Esther Derksen

The Beast within

The gardens where the dead rest in hallowed grounds—where their monuments remind us of our mortality, and where new life slowly overgrows and crumbles the markers made of marble. As a young child, I always felt drawn to these places, and at the same time, I was terrified that at night these peaceful grounds of remembrance would turn into something sinister. I felt that the silence held something more than just peace—something otherworldly, though I could never quite name it.

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I Wish
Journal Esther Derksen Journal Esther Derksen

I Wish

“I wish I could be like a bird in the sky…”When I first heard these words, they weren’t sung by Nina Simone, who performed "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" so beautifully, with so many layers of emotion and meaning. The first time I heard this song, it was performed by the Belgian band The Radios

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Easier said
Esther Derksen Esther Derksen

Easier said

When the sun hits my face in early spring or on a quiet winter’s day, I can’t help but pause and soak it in. Just a few seconds of feeling completely content and in touch with myself. In this blog, I reflect on rituals, fear, and reclaiming self-worth through stillness.

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When the Hustle Breaks you: Part 2
Esther Derksen Esther Derksen

When the Hustle Breaks you: Part 2

Burnout didn’t hit me like an explosion—it crept in slowly, quietly. In this post, I share what burnout felt like from the inside: the overstimulation, guilt, isolation, and how I began to listen to myself again. It's a story of unraveling, and slowly, finding my way back.

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When the Hustle Breaks You: Part 1
Journal Esther Derksen Journal Esther Derksen

When the Hustle Breaks You: Part 1

Part 1: I didn’t crash—I slowly unraveled. This is the story of how years of chasing dreams, wearing masks, and pushing through pain led me to burnout. And how, step by step, I’m learning to come home to myself again.

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Exploring the Shadows
Journal Esther Derksen Journal Esther Derksen

Exploring the Shadows

From childhood loss to my love for light and shadows, my artistic journey has been shaped by deep emotions and storytelling. Art is my way of expressing what words cannot—through photography, digital painting, and creativity. Join me as I explore the power of darkness, vulnerability, and self-discovery

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Exploring Street Photography
Exploring and learning Esther Derksen Exploring and learning Esther Derksen

Exploring Street Photography

Stepping into street photography challenged my comfort zone, but I found beauty in the unexpected—light, shadows, and untold stories. This journey isn't about rules; it's about creating art that resonates with me. Join me as I explore the streets with my camera, embracing imperfection and capturing fleeting moments that tell their own stories

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Unrushed, Uncertain, and Free
Journal Esther Derksen Journal Esther Derksen

Unrushed, Uncertain, and Free

It’s been two months since I left my job. I’ve been taking driving lessons and picking up my camera, wandering through the city with no plan—just searching. Finding compositions in reflections on the water, following the light, or maybe even chasing shadows.

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Leap into the Unknown
Journal Esther Derksen Journal Esther Derksen

Leap into the Unknown

After 12 years in the casual gaming industry, I made the scariest decision of my life—I walked away from stability to reclaim my creativity and purpose. Burnout forced me to pause, reflect, and rediscover what truly fulfills me: creating, exploring, and growing. Now, I’m embracing the unknown, prioritizing my art, and sharing my journey. I believe It’s never too late to start over.

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