UnikBlends

Having just returned from a visit with my in-laws in Yola, Nigeria, I’m reminded of the profound truth in J. Krishnamurti’s words: "The understanding of relationship is infinitely more important than the search for any plan of action", a quote from my recent read 📚

As an engineer, I’ve been trained to focus on plans💹 to drive progress. But over time, I’ve come to realize that the real power lies in relationships—cultivating genuine connections with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers. These relationships, alongside our connection to nature, are the lasting legacy we truly leave behind, far more impactful than any farfetched program alienated from lived experiences.

In 🇳🇬 (Abuja vs Yola), I was struck by the stark contrasts—massive buildings juxtaposed with extreme poverty and environmental degradation. It reinforced my belief that caring for our common home, as one human family, is essential. But true care can only happen when we’re deeply connected—to each other and to nature 🌿

As I reflect on my time in Nigeria, I wonder💭: What kind of Yola will be here when I return? Hopefully, it won’t take another 17 years, as it did for this visit. I also think—What kind of world do I want to leave for my children, their children, and the generations to come?

I wrestle with these questions, not with despair, but with creative optimism—by courageously facing the good, bad, and ugly realities of our world. Rather than feeling like a victim of the problems that need solving, I choose to see them as an opportunity for self-reflection, dialogue, and connection 🍀

That’s why I’m excited about the upcoming Wellbeing Weekend in Tilburg,NL from 27–29 September. Through meaningful conversations, stories, and insightful discussions, we will explore how we can cultivate a more connected and sustainable world. 🌍

I hope to see you there!!! See link in bio for details.

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Unexpected beauty in Lome! ✨
This striking art piece greeted us at the hotel we stayed due to planing flight issues. What started as a bad situation turned out great as now I can list Togo 🇹🇬 as a country visited plus I discovered , a pan African ✈️

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Words can't capture the essence of profound moments—only celebration and joy can. 🌟
This image of me visiting a women-led organic farm in Ibadan, Nigeria captured by highlights such a moment. For finally, I can truly focus with my head, heart and hands on a sustainability journey that aims to make an impact on people’s lives, mine included in a coherent and consistent way.

My recent time in Nigeria, was made possible thanks to the wild adventurous journey thus far with , which started exactly 2 years ago. This particular trip to the land of my birth country fills me with joy and hope, for the land is a real teacher, reminding me of life’s marvellous  gift, transcending anything I could imagine, offering me possibilities for growth with a deep sense of responsibility and reciprocity.
This March, as we approach International Women's Day, I choose to celebrate the gift of life as received, while acknowledging that there are fears to face, battles to fight and realities of joy to embrace through authentic friendships.

Let's acknowledge our journeys and the powerful transformations they bring 💫

Ringing in the New Year with a heart full of gratitude

🎆✨Wrapped in these gorgeous gloves crocheted by .vandu I am reminded that true happiness blossoms from gratitude.

"For only when we let our heart react with gratitude can we attain true happiness 🌟
And then joy begins to flood our hearts when we stand back to appreciate the fruit it produces.

Nothing can be more sublime, nothing greater than the love which stoops down, descends, and becomes dependent 🌱
Indeed, a child has been given to us; he closes the past, ends the time of expectation, and opens the future 🌱

🎁 Now, therefore, our peace is not promised but given, not deferred but granted; it is not prophesied but made a reality. For realities are greater than ideas, and the reality is that this is what Christmas time is all about, at least to me. 🎄

A slowing down to take it all in, for one must never be too busy to be loved; otherwise, one misses the subtle but hopeful adventure of this journey, called LIFE. 💫"

Together is our reality. Opposing it is like denying reality, a battle we're bound to lose.

Our mindset determines if we accept or resist what life presents. It's the difference between bringing together or dividing, the crossroad that allows us to shift from a current situation to a desired outcome.
As always, I had an enlightening experience at annual wellbeing weekend retreat surrounded by 30 incredible women from different walks of life. It was colourfully packed with laughter, learning, and lingering connections thanks to the authentic stories shared, courageous discussion on the role of women in our ever-evolving world and the emotional awareness session brilliantly led by Veena of

What resonates most with me is the “Anatomy of Peace" workshop facilitated by Marjanke Edeling from the . It offered an insightful lens to understanding and resolving conflicts. Now, more than ever, as global tensions rise, just a week post our retreat, this lesson feels vital.
In a world fractured by conflicts, embracing an is our beacon. For in it lies the power to see, to value, and to uplift the equal and shared humanity in each one of us.

Diving deep into Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass," I'm reminded of the profound wisdom it holds. The true essence of our journey is rooted in restoring relationships, anchored in respect, responsibility, and reciprocity. It's these connections that sustain us 🌿

Kimmerer beautifully illustrates that it's not just our Earth that needs restoring but so do we as human beings too for our personal growth and well-being 🌍💚

Rather than getting lost in the whirlwind of life and frantic busyness of daily living, sometimes we need to slow down, away from routine distractions, to reflect, and reconnect. That’s the beauty of retreats; they immerse us in serene landscapes, reminding us that our biggest dreams unfold in quiet moments of introspection, growth, and genuine connections. 🍃

Join me for a transformative 2023 weekend retreat for women in Zonnewende. This weekend is dedicated to holistic well-being, merging the spheres of Family, Work, and Society. When in harmony, these realms empower us to thrive and flourish, both as individuals and as a community.

See link in bio for registration details

If you want to change the world, go home and love your family..
St. Teresa of Calcutta

And I am doing exactly that with this holiday because love is the birthplace of wonder and wonder is what sustains us on our journey towards our true identity, prompting us to question not because there is a lack of clarity but because there is an excess of ☀️ Light ☀️

With these longer daylight hours, I am finding space to rest, read, and reflect, delving into historical books, philosophical ideas, and powerful biographies. A particular read, 'Called to Love', has caught my attention for it echoes the themes of another book that left an impression on me, 2 summers ago - 'The Promise That Changes Everything.' Both remind me of the power of wonder, the importance of questioning, and the transformative nature of ❤️.

Called to Love is a motivating nudge, a refreshing reminder that love is a guide, which transcends mere attraction or activism for it is more than feelings or passions, but rather a purposeful journey of being and discovery, through which we give ourselves, to find ourselves, so as to be the best we can.

What better way 'To Be' than giving myself at home surrounded by my family?

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Freshly home-baked banana bread, using a recipe crafted by three generations: my steadfastly grounded mother, my own nurturing touch, and the innovative spark of my daughter

I miss this; writing in this space!

For it has been weeks of rushed doings and less “being” and while the next month marches on with its own engagements, I am urged to slow down for it is not activism that saves but the sincere and generous concern for one another ❤️

So, today I am intentionally taking time-out to recollect some of the incredible happenings of the past month, most of which have being amazing including celebrating my birthday 🎊🎉 in the continent of my birth (Africa for those wondering) and kicking off the project (INCiTiS), which I hope contributes to food security, economic empowerment and environmental justice through circular 💫 food systems.

Not only was I able to visit parts of the continent I have never been to, I got to experience Kenya 🇰🇪 and Uganda 🇺🇬, some of the dynamic energy and youthful enthusiasm characteristic of the continent which is bursting with incredible potential.

While there were constant reminders of the many things that may be lacking, there were continuous encounters of hope, joy and peace leaving one with a sense of abundant wealth. A sense of communal wealth that I often miss in our individualistic fast-paced developed world riddled with excessive ‘comforts’ and mindless consumption; the very reason for rising inequalities, poverty and marginalization.

While I am tempted to flee, speed and get going with the delusion that these hyper activities would change things (as if), I know it is best to pause, prioritise and simply focus on the present for love can only be given and received in the present moment.

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Me, on my birthday at surrounded by smiles of strangers who have become friends.