Désirée de Wit Leaves An Indelible Mark on Beijing

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Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. In our #MondayMotivation series, we feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.

Désirée de Wit has lived in 14 different countries, and is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Dutch. Currently the Director of Business Growth and Expansion at BEARAPY, a company dedicated to mental well-being at the workplace, she maintains her own mental health by teaching fitness classes at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and KOBOX boutique fitness studio in Beijing. She enjoys traveling (off the beaten path), hiking, skiing, playing golf and many more outdoor sports. She is an avid reader and loves tackling crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Désirée is married with three teenage daughters.

What’s On Your Mind?

Three Cs: curiosity, choice and community.  My mind is always swirling with to-do lists.  Every day is a balance of juggling my family, my work at Bearapy, planning my spinning classes, and leading numerous organizations I belong to here in Beijing including Wild Women on the Wall (WW) and the Champagne and Caviar Club (CCC).

I have been an expat for 28 years and have always been very active in each community where I have lived.  My curiosity for learning has always shaped the way I spend my time. Once I became a mother, I made a conscious choice to find flexible work so that I could be home and present for my daughters.

I love the work that I do at Bearapy as I truly feel our company makes a large impact and difference in people’s lives. After a Bearapy session, I hope people can take away at least “one lesson” to help improve their mental health, create more meaning in their lives and help manage their stress better. We are committed to supporting businesses to enrich their company culture and create meaning for employees by building mentally healthy workplaces.

Being a part of Wild Women the last 5 years has been extremely rewarding. Wild Women started in South Africa in 2010 with 2011 marking the start of a decade of fabulous wild women.

In 2019 we ran our 1st WWOTW in China. We had 25 ladies from 14 nationalities run, climb and hike 80km along and around the Great Wall. WildWomen has become a wonderful fundraising vehicle over the last 10 years.

In China we have raised 682,868 RMB in the last 4 years and hope to smash this in 2023. Not only does WW change the lives of the women and children we support, but it changes the lives of the women who tackle the adventure.

Now after 10 years, I’m sadly leaving Beijing and moving to Amsterdam this summer. Of course this move is weighing on my mind. I’m sad to close my Beijing chapter but looking forward to a new challenge of rediscovering a beautiful city. As I often tell my daughters, “don’t cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened”. I am so grateful for the incredible friendships and memories I have made in this special city.

What’s Motivates You To Get Moving?

Carpe diem and “Work hard and play hard” have always been some of my favorite taglines.  Another favorite affirmation from my dear friend Lucille is “what doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you”. I am always looking for the next physical or exercise challenge which helps keep me in shape.

Every day I’m looking for something new to discover.  I am not very good at spending the day at home if I don’t have work to do. I’m much happier exploring Beijing hutongs or trying out a new Beijing restaurant.

How Do You Stay Sane in

All the Madness?

Exercise helps me process life’s challenges, understand the madness and get through the challenges.  Exercise is a must for me every day.  Every day I make time to run, do strength training or teach spinning. I used to teach 5 spinning classes per week until last April when Beijing came to a screeching halt. Now I’m teaching 2 spinning classes per week and I’m finding more time to slow down and enjoy Beijing. I love exercising and getting the endorphins going ! I’m a better mother, wife and friend when I exercise!

Just over a year ago, I also discovered the Wim Hof Breathing Method which my husband and I practice every day. This breathing method has improved my fitness, my health, my mood and sleep. It’s a great way to start and end the day.  Especially at the end of a busy day, it’s a perfect way to calm my mind, slow down and reflect on my priorities.

What Is Your Favorite Thing

About Beijing?

I love the Great Wall - this is probably one of the best aspects of Beijing. Unfortunately I cannot go there everyday but every time I am at the wall - I am always in my happy place surrounded by the majestic Great Wall.

Besides the Great Wall, I love the ability to make things happen here so quickly. With the speed of WeChat, it’s amazing how quickly one can find resources, tips, or any kind of services you need 24/7!

Images: Courtesy of Désirée de Wit

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