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Lola Akinmade
  • Photos
  • Books
  • Stories
    • Blog
    • Latest News
    • Reviews + Partnerships
    • Travel Narratives
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    • Snapshot Interviews
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Tag: Traditions

When home morphs into space

by Lola AkinmadeAfrica, Travel NarrativesPosted on May 21, 2020December 17, 2020Comments are Disabled

Thoughts on decoupling home from place…

My visual story from Uzbekistan

by Lola AkinmadeAsia, Reviews + PartnershipsPosted on November 6, 2018November 7, 2018Comments are Disabled

Here is my image bank with several galleries filled with memorable photos of Uzbekistan.

Latvia Files: Making Crowns and Rekindling Creativity

by Lola AkinmadeEuropePosted on March 6, 2018Comments are Disabled

I didn’t anticipate struggling as much as I did making crowns…

Latvia Files: Culinary Tastes of Latgale

by Lola AkinmadeEuropePosted on November 15, 2017November 15, 20172 Comments

Culinary moments from my time exploring Latgale…

Latvia Files: A Cultural Tour through Latgale

by Lola AkinmadeEuropePosted on September 17, 20174 Comments

To explore Latgale is to step back in time…

Latvia Files: Preserving culture in Ludza

by Lola AkinmadeEuropePosted on September 5, 2017September 6, 20178 Comments

Exploring one of the Baltics’ oldest traditions…

Posts pagination

1 2 3

My Travel Book

DUE NORTH by Lola A. Åkerström

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  • With only 12 seats at the counter, dining at Kanshuku-en ESHIKOTO’s Chiso En in Fukui Prefecture was an exquisite experience. An intricately crafted multi-course meal centered on aged soy and seafood from the Gulf of Japan. Every dish prepared from scratch in front of you by Michelin starred chef Shinpei Komatsu, who might as well be a rockstar too.

Run by renowned Kokuryu Sake Brewery, its name blends the Buddhist concept Kanshuku-en, meaning “celebrating a rare connection,” with ESHIKOTO, signifying “good fortune” or “eternity.” 

I experienced Hokuriku as a guest of @cril_privee.

#japan #finediningexperience #gastronomy #hokuriku japanesefood
  • CALLING ALL BOOK CLUBS!!
=======================
Thank you for reading @bitterhoneybook and selecting it for your several clubs 💙💛

This winter/spring, I will be virtually joining your book clubs for author chats so reach out to my team at -> team@geotravelermedia.com <- to book your slot.

Would love to meet you all virtually! 💙🧡

#bookclub #booktour #bitterhoneybook #bookclubs #bookclubofinstagram
  • The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
  • There are some moments in life that become permanently seared onto your heart. 

One such moment was meeting the vibrant Akiko Tamamura who has been crafting washi paper for most of her life. Over a bento lunch with Aki-chan, she said she wanted to sing for @silviapisci and I. Her beautiful and intimate melody became the fitting soundtrack of Japan’s quiet midwestern Hokuriku region.

Here, you’ll truly enjoy life’s last true luxuries which include solitude, nature, stillness, and craftmanship. Three-room ryokans welcome you with private matcha tea ceremonies. Twelve-seat Shabu-Shabu restaurants force you to slow down as you watch your meal slowly cook. Kutani porcelain artists and Echizen washi paper artisans like Aki-chan create modern innovations to preserve old traditions, and the region’s exquisite seafood-based gastronomy (think stinger fish and hairy crab fresh from the Sea of Japan/East Sea) is a pescaterian’s dream.

Kogei means craft and every year, the Hokuriku region asks how we can reframe craft through its annual GO FOR KOGEI @goforkogei showcase, where for several months, local Japanese artists exhibit edgy contemporary art within shrines, temples, and behind 200+ year old wooden structures dotting the region, with the goal of preserving craftsmanship.

Thank you for opening your culture and heart to us ❤️ 🇯🇵 

Music: Licensed / ”Dawn of Change” / Composer: Roman Senyk

I was a guest of @cril_privee.

#japan #culture #gastronomy #tradition #craft
  • Portraits from Japan -> Japan’s paper making history In Echizen spans over 1,500 years and at Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill was where I met 80-year old Akiko, a Washi paper master for over 60 years. 

You’re going to meet her too ❤️ 🇯🇵 

And yes, I gave her my ”BE STILL” @mudlove bracelet 🫶🏽

#japan #culture #portraitphotography #kogei #tradition
  • My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
  • “The minute freedom requires courage, fear will convince you that what almost destroyed you is safer than what’s about to transform you.” - Zevin Clark @zevinclark

What a quote 🙏🏽🌟

As you start 2026, move with less fear and more courage. Use your voice. Free your mind. Follow your convictions. Respect yourself. Trust God to guide your path. 

What you’ve always dreamt of is on the other side of your fears.

#courage #freedom #transformation #trust #2026
  • Don’t let someone else’s envy recruit you against someone who could have been your own blessing.

#quoteoftheday #lifelessons
  • This year demanded a single thing -> Gratitude

It’s that time of the year when we all reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what we could have personally and professionally done better.

It’s also been a year of global strife, economic challenges, and constant attacks on values and our collective humanity.

So, 2025 is definitely one for the books mentally, physically, emotionally, professionally, and financially.

Normally, this is the time I often count my blessings despite all the challenges, naming them one by one. From amazing book launches and book tours across three continents to photography exhibitions, storytelling collaborations, mentorships, travel, and other brand partnerships that continue to push me into alignment with my purpose. I would have loved to put together a collage of specific wins.

But this year hit me differently.

I often write a lot about gratitude and grace. 
Gratitude because the more you affirm the little things, the small blessings, the amazing moments, and even the privilege of silence and freedom, the more you evolve emotionally and spiritually. 

Grace, because we are allowed to stumble along that journey and should be given space to grow when we know better.

So, as I finish out 2025, I’m sitting in complete gratitude.

I am thankful for my various communities.

I am thankful for my network.

I am thankful for my loved ones.

 I am thankful for your continued support.

 I am grateful for people who hold space.

 I am grateful for the pruning of dead ends.

I am grateful for the invitation of new doors.

I am grateful for those who pour back into me as much as I pour into others.

And I am grateful I get to write this.

May this season bring rest, rejuvenation, clarity, and special moments with loved ones as we prepare for what 2026 will bless us with.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ❤️

#merrychristmas #happynewyear #seasonsgreetings #grace #gratitude
View on Instagram
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
With only 12 seats at the counter, dining at Kanshuku-en ESHIKOTO’s Chiso En in Fukui Prefecture was an exquisite experience. An intricately crafted multi-course meal centered on aged soy and seafood from the Gulf of Japan. Every dish prepared from scratch in front of you by Michelin starred chef Shinpei Komatsu, who might as well be a rockstar too. Run by renowned Kokuryu Sake Brewery, its name blends the Buddhist concept Kanshuku-en, meaning “celebrating a rare connection,” with ESHIKOTO, signifying “good fortune” or “eternity.” I experienced Hokuriku as a guest of @cril_privee. #japan #finediningexperience #gastronomy #hokuriku japanesefood
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
CALLING ALL BOOK CLUBS!!
=======================
Thank you for reading @bitterhoneybook and selecting it for your several clubs 💙💛

This winter/spring, I will be virtually joining your book clubs for author chats so reach out to my team at -> team@geotravelermedia.com <- to book your slot.

Would love to meet you all virtually! 💙🧡

#bookclub #booktour #bitterhoneybook #bookclubs #bookclubofinstagram
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
CALLING ALL BOOK CLUBS!! ======================= Thank you for reading @bitterhoneybook and selecting it for your several clubs 💙💛 This winter/spring, I will be virtually joining your book clubs for author chats so reach out to my team at -> team@geotravelermedia.com <- to book your slot. Would love to meet you all virtually! 💙🧡 #bookclub #booktour #bitterhoneybook #bookclubs #bookclubofinstagram
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
The year was 2010.

I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this.
On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha).

They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too.

So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine.

16 years later… 

What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛

#adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
The year was 2010. I was on an Egypt Bike & Sail trip where we biked long stretches of desert as the first group to do this. On that trip, I met two incredible friends who were already in their 60s (Ann) and 70s (Alpha). They epitomized what it meant to live life fully and on your own terms, while aging gracefully. And being such badass adventurers too. So much so that I profiled them in several publications, including Women’s Adventure magazine. 16 years later… What an absolute privilege and joy it was to not only reunite with Ann @annievl07 in Stockholm at the @golden_age_models Gala, but to also be part of the same modeling agency 💛 #adventure #egypt #goldenage #womenintravel #seniormodel
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
There are some moments in life that become permanently seared onto your heart. One such moment was meeting the vibrant Akiko Tamamura who has been crafting washi paper for most of her life. Over a bento lunch with Aki-chan, she said she wanted to sing for @silviapisci and I. Her beautiful and intimate melody became the fitting soundtrack of Japan’s quiet midwestern Hokuriku region. Here, you’ll truly enjoy life’s last true luxuries which include solitude, nature, stillness, and craftmanship. Three-room ryokans welcome you with private matcha tea ceremonies. Twelve-seat Shabu-Shabu restaurants force you to slow down as you watch your meal slowly cook. Kutani porcelain artists and Echizen washi paper artisans like Aki-chan create modern innovations to preserve old traditions, and the region’s exquisite seafood-based gastronomy (think stinger fish and hairy crab fresh from the Sea of Japan/East Sea) is a pescaterian’s dream. Kogei means craft and every year, the Hokuriku region asks how we can reframe craft through its annual GO FOR KOGEI @goforkogei showcase, where for several months, local Japanese artists exhibit edgy contemporary art within shrines, temples, and behind 200+ year old wooden structures dotting the region, with the goal of preserving craftsmanship. Thank you for opening your culture and heart to us ❤️ 🇯🇵 Music: Licensed / ”Dawn of Change” / Composer: Roman Senyk I was a guest of @cril_privee. #japan #culture #gastronomy #tradition #craft
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Portraits from Japan -> Japan’s paper making history In Echizen spans over 1,500 years and at Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill was where I met 80-year old Akiko, a Washi paper master for over 60 years. 

You’re going to meet her too ❤️ 🇯🇵 

And yes, I gave her my ”BE STILL” @mudlove bracelet 🫶🏽

#japan #culture #portraitphotography #kogei #tradition
Portraits from Japan -> Japan’s paper making history In Echizen spans over 1,500 years and at Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill was where I met 80-year old Akiko, a Washi paper master for over 60 years. 

You’re going to meet her too ❤️ 🇯🇵 

And yes, I gave her my ”BE STILL” @mudlove bracelet 🫶🏽

#japan #culture #portraitphotography #kogei #tradition
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Portraits from Japan -> Japan’s paper making history In Echizen spans over 1,500 years and at Iwano Heizaburo Paper Mill was where I met 80-year old Akiko, a Washi paper master for over 60 years. You’re going to meet her too ❤️ 🇯🇵 And yes, I gave her my ”BE STILL” @mudlove bracelet 🫶🏽 #japan #culture #portraitphotography #kogei #tradition
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities.

By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is.

2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. 

Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control.

#abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
My word for last year was MANIFEST and 2025 started off on such an incredible note of intentionality, speaking my wishes to power, and envisioning incredible opportunities. By February, it threatened to derail me in a way I never imagined. Swipe on to figure out what my focus word is. 2025 ended up being a remarkable year of personal growth and 2026 will continue that evolution in all aspects of my life. Here’s wishing you all a 2026 filled with intention, abundance, and peace within your control. #abundance #growth #patience #obedience #focusword
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
“The minute freedom requires courage, fear will convince you that what almost destroyed you is safer than what’s about to transform you.” - Zevin Clark @zevinclark

What a quote 🙏🏽🌟

As you start 2026, move with less fear and more courage. Use your voice. Free your mind. Follow your convictions. Respect yourself. Trust God to guide your path. 

What you’ve always dreamt of is on the other side of your fears.

#courage #freedom #transformation #trust #2026
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
“The minute freedom requires courage, fear will convince you that what almost destroyed you is safer than what’s about to transform you.” - Zevin Clark @zevinclark What a quote 🙏🏽🌟 As you start 2026, move with less fear and more courage. Use your voice. Free your mind. Follow your convictions. Respect yourself. Trust God to guide your path. What you’ve always dreamt of is on the other side of your fears. #courage #freedom #transformation #trust #2026
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Don’t let someone else’s envy recruit you against someone who could have been your own blessing.

#quoteoftheday #lifelessons
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Don’t let someone else’s envy recruit you against someone who could have been your own blessing. #quoteoftheday #lifelessons
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
This year demanded a single thing -> Gratitude

It’s that time of the year when we all reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what we could have personally and professionally done better.

It’s also been a year of global strife, economic challenges, and constant attacks on values and our collective humanity.

So, 2025 is definitely one for the books mentally, physically, emotionally, professionally, and financially.

Normally, this is the time I often count my blessings despite all the challenges, naming them one by one. From amazing book launches and book tours across three continents to photography exhibitions, storytelling collaborations, mentorships, travel, and other brand partnerships that continue to push me into alignment with my purpose. I would have loved to put together a collage of specific wins.

But this year hit me differently.

I often write a lot about gratitude and grace. 
Gratitude because the more you affirm the little things, the small blessings, the amazing moments, and even the privilege of silence and freedom, the more you evolve emotionally and spiritually. 

Grace, because we are allowed to stumble along that journey and should be given space to grow when we know better.

So, as I finish out 2025, I’m sitting in complete gratitude.

I am thankful for my various communities.

I am thankful for my network.

I am thankful for my loved ones.

 I am thankful for your continued support.

 I am grateful for people who hold space.

 I am grateful for the pruning of dead ends.

I am grateful for the invitation of new doors.

I am grateful for those who pour back into me as much as I pour into others.

And I am grateful I get to write this.

May this season bring rest, rejuvenation, clarity, and special moments with loved ones as we prepare for what 2026 will bless us with.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ❤️

#merrychristmas #happynewyear #seasonsgreetings #grace #gratitude
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
This year demanded a single thing -> Gratitude It’s that time of the year when we all reflect on what went well, what went wrong, and what we could have personally and professionally done better. It’s also been a year of global strife, economic challenges, and constant attacks on values and our collective humanity. So, 2025 is definitely one for the books mentally, physically, emotionally, professionally, and financially. Normally, this is the time I often count my blessings despite all the challenges, naming them one by one. From amazing book launches and book tours across three continents to photography exhibitions, storytelling collaborations, mentorships, travel, and other brand partnerships that continue to push me into alignment with my purpose. I would have loved to put together a collage of specific wins. But this year hit me differently. I often write a lot about gratitude and grace. Gratitude because the more you affirm the little things, the small blessings, the amazing moments, and even the privilege of silence and freedom, the more you evolve emotionally and spiritually. Grace, because we are allowed to stumble along that journey and should be given space to grow when we know better. So, as I finish out 2025, I’m sitting in complete gratitude. I am thankful for my various communities. I am thankful for my network. I am thankful for my loved ones. I am thankful for your continued support. I am grateful for people who hold space. I am grateful for the pruning of dead ends. I am grateful for the invitation of new doors. I am grateful for those who pour back into me as much as I pour into others. And I am grateful I get to write this. May this season bring rest, rejuvenation, clarity, and special moments with loved ones as we prepare for what 2026 will bless us with. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ❤️ #merrychristmas #happynewyear #seasonsgreetings #grace #gratitude
1 month ago
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