Loretta Schrijver, the renowned television presenter, has opened up about her health and career reflections following her cancer diagnosis, offering insights on the challenges she faced both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on the past year, Schrijver has undergone significant changes after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer. This devastating health issue has led her to reconsider her approach to life and her career. "Ik leef met de dag en heel bewust," she states, emphasizing her newfound focus on living for the present. This awareness has come from observing many people around her face unexpected life-threatening situations. "Niemand weet toch wat hem te wachten staat?" Schrijver notes, highlighting the uncertainty of life.
Schrijver's career spans decades, but it has not been without its struggles. During her time on the daytime show Koffietijd, she often felt misunderstood and frustrated. "Ik heb mij ook vaak onbegrepen gevoeld. Helemaal in de Koffietijd-periode," she admitted. Though she cherished her relationship with her co-host, Quinty Trustfull, there were moments of discontent about how the show's preparations were handled. She recalls instances where she received topic lists and wondered, "Wie heeft dit samengesteld?" indicating her perfectionistic tendencies which were seldom acknowledged by her peers.
The shift within the television industry has not escaped her notice either. Schrijver pointed out the emergence of what she calls an "angstcultuur," or culture of fear, following several reports on inappropriate behavior. "Na alle zogeheten grensoverschrijdende gevallen, ontstond er juist een angstcultuur op weer andere plekken. Zo durfde niemand meer een ander te corrigeren. Volledig doorgeslagen," she explained. This has led to increased tension among employees, contributing to her decision to step back at the right time, which she feels was necessary for both her mental and physical health.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Loretta Schrijver reflects on her television career with gratitude. She acknowledges the friendships forged during her time on Koffietijd, particularly with Trustfull. "Met Quinty vormde ik een front. Wij hebben een vriendschap voor het leven," she said, emphasizing the positive relationships created alongside the difficulties. Yet, her perfectionism often drained her energy, leaving her feeling depleted as she navigated the pressures of the television industry.
Now, grappling with the side effects of chemotherapy, including fatigue, she candidly admits to the uncertainty surrounding her future. "Ik vroeg mijn oncoloog of ik mij ooit nog zo als vroeger ga voelen. Nee, schudde ze toen haar hoofd. Tot die chemopillen ben ik immers de rest van mijn leven veroordeeld," she shared, representing the difficult truth of her diagnosis. Her honesty about her experience serves to humanize the often glossy world of television, highlighting the real struggles behind the scenes.
Looking back on her life and career, Schrijver expresses the stark realization of how easily one can overlook the importance of living fully. "Als ik het over had kunnen doen, zeg ik steeds tegen mijzelf, dan had ik het echt heel anders gedaan," she reflected. This acknowledgment combines the wisdom gained from her health struggles with her professional experiences, encouraging others to be more present in their own lives.
At this juncture, Schrijver is focused on what matters most. Her reflections serve as eye-openers for those who watch her, reminding them to cherish each moment. "Het was mooi geweest. Tijd voor dingen die echt belangrijk voor mij zijn," she concludes, emphasizing the need for prioritizing personal essentials over professional demands.
Through sharing her experiences, Loretta Schrijver not only sheds light on her intimate battle with health issues but also offers pointed observations on the television industry, advocating for greater openness and honesty. Her story resonates with many, creating connections far beyond the screen, as she navigates this challenging chapter of her life with grace and resilience.
