writing – Simply O

Reflection from the Road: What Work Reveals

What Travel Helps Us Remember

I picked up a new book to read and within a few chapters of the book- what the happiest retirees know by Wes Moss he quoted an alarming statistic he cribbed from a Gallup poll a few years back.

“What the Gallup numbers reveal is something many of us have felt quietly, but seldom say aloud: work, for most people, is not the sanctuary it pretends to be.”

As I read that passage, I found myself thinking of the many colleagues, patients, leaders, and young physicians I’ve known over the years. Some arrived every day with fire in their spirit—those rare 20% whose work felt like calling. I’ve met them: the nurse who stayed late to comfort a frightened patient, the pharmacist who looked past numbers to see the human story, the physician who found joy in mentoring rather than metrics.

But for the majority, work was simply the thing that allowed life to happen.

A means, not a meaning.

And then there were the others—the ones quietly suffocating under toxic leadership, impossible expectations, or the slow erosion of dignity. Talented, kind, capable people swallowed by systems that did not see them. For them, work became a place of depletion rather than purpose.

Now, in this next chapter of retirement, it is liberating to step outside that structure. To realize that purpose was never tied to the badge, the inbox, the meetings, or the title. It was tied to the impact we made, the people we lifted, the stories we shaped, and the legacy that remains long after the shift ends.

Retirement does not silence purpose.

It simply removes the walls around it.

There are moments in travel when the world becomes a mirror—reflecting not only landscapes but long-buried truths. On this journey, somewhere between airport terminals, open skies, and the rhythm of my camera shutter, I came across that Gallup statistic again:

Only one in five Americans feel engaged in their work.

Three in five drift through it.

One in five are crushed by it.

Reading this while unbound from schedules and calendars hit differently.

Because for decades many of us believed that work was the centerpiece of our purpose. That identity lived inside job titles, performance reviews, and the approval of structures that seldom paused to see our humanity.

But the truth I’m learning—step by step across continents—is this:

Purpose is not a location. It is not an office. It is not a role.

Purpose is a way of being.

As I walked the rocky coastline of Dubrovnik…

As I wandered through the quiet alleys of Vilnius scented with morning bread…

As I stood in the golden light of London’s South Bank or climbed the hills of Patmos…

I realized that distance clarifies what routine obscures.

Travel reveals the difference between living and merely enduring.

In my former life as a medical director, I saw all three categories Gallup describes:

the delighted few,

the steady middle,

and the exhausted many.

All trying—often against the tide—to find meaning in systems that drained more than they restored.

Now, moving freely between cities and seasons, I see more clearly:

• Work gave me service. Travel gives me perspective.

• Work gave me responsibility. Travel gives me breath.

• Work shaped my days. Travel is reshaping my life.

And somewhere on this journey, a quiet truth rose in my spirit—one I now claim as my own:

“Purpose is not earned by our labor; it is revealed by our living.”

And so, as I write from yet another corner of the world—today perhaps a café in Athens, tomorrow a quiet street in Paris, or a bustling market in Singapore—I’m learning that fulfillment was never confined to employment.

It was waiting for spaciousness.

For curiosity.

For rediscovery.

For this.

We don’t retire from purpose; we simply retire from whatever once dimmed it.

This travel series isn’t just about the places I’m seeing.

It is about the pieces of myself I am recovering along the way.

This journey is teaching me that the world is wide, life is fleeting, and meaning often waits just beyond the borders of familiarity—ready for those courageous enough to step into the unknown.

SimplyO

Another Trip To London:

🎉 A Reflection on My Sister’s 60th Birthday Celebration 🎉

The Manor at Bickley, Bromley — St. Andrew’s Day, November 30th

I had the privilege of attending my sister’s 60th birthday celebration on St. Andrew’s Day, November 30th, at the serene and charming Manor at Bickley in Bromley, London. The weather was brisk and characteristically English — cold enough to make you question your life choices, yet perfectly in keeping with the season. But even that chill could not dull the warmth of the occasion. My sister was radiant, surrounded and supported by her three lovely daughters, who stood proudly by her throughout the event.

The evening itself was unforgettable. Guests were welcomed with generous servings of finger foods and pies, leading into an abundant spread of dishes that reminded us of home — smokey jollof rice, white rice with designer stew, and of course, the ever-present swallow selections. And then came my personal favorite: a steaming bowl of spicy pepper soup, perfectly suited for the cold weather outside. Hot tea and coffee flowed freely, fortifying everyone against the brisk London night.

My sister danced her heart out, joined by family, friends, and loved ones who traveled from near and far just to celebrate her. Even those who couldn’t attend sent their heartfelt messages, prayers, and support. And while everyone did their part to honor her on the dance floor, I must mention Temitope — the undisputed dancing queen of the family. Though she began the night modestly, once she warmed up, she lit up the room with her energy, ably supported by Tayme. My nieces and nephews were also in attendance, impeccably dressed and glowing — but none of us could rival the elegance of the three sculptured dresses worn by the celebrant herself. She understood the assignment.

My sister called, and we all showed up — because that is what family does.

And speaking of family, I was blessed with the best company at my table. I was flanked by my brothers Gbenga and Leke, and their adorable wives Nada and Margaret, whose warmth, laughter, and easy companionship added richness to the evening. We ate together, toasted together, and enjoyed the kind of fellowship that reminds you why family bonds are priceless.

The refreshments flowed generously — Irish cream for the ladies, a variety of single-malt selections, and, unbeknownst to me, a box of Cointreau, my favorite, tucked away just behind my seat. It wasn’t discovered until long after the party had ended — perhaps a blessing in disguise, as the bar had already provided more than enough delightful, alcohol-infused cocktails to keep spirits high.

The music was absolutely banging — an electric mix of 80s and 90s classics blended seamlessly with Nigerian hits that have now become global staples. At this stage, no one should be surprised to hear Afrobeats at parties in every corner of the world. It was a soundtrack worthy of the celebration.

Yes, African timing made its appearance, as always. But in the end, none of it mattered.

What mattered was the love, the laughter, the dancing, and above all, the celebration of a woman who has lived 60 meaningful years — filled with achievements, memories, grace, resilience, and triumph over many of life’s challenges.

Sister, I raise my glass to you.

I wish you many more years of joy, abundance, and—above all—peace.

The grace of God that has carried you this far will continue to go ahead of you, surround you, and sustain you.

Your faith will continue to light your path.

Amen.

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A Thanksgiving Reflection: A Grateful Heart Amid the Journey.

This year has tested and stretched me in ways I could never have imagined. There were moments that demanded strength I didn’t know I possessed, seasons that revealed how fragile plans can be, and lessons that reminded me that grace is not earned — it’s freely given. Through it all, I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t reserved for the easy days; it’s born in the quiet resilience that grows from hardship.

As I pause to reflect this Thanksgiving, I am profoundly grateful — not because everything has been perfect, but because grace met me at every imperfection. I’ve witnessed the faithfulness of God in the small mercies and in the grand provisions. The love of family, the loyalty of friends, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and the strength to keep going — these are blessings beyond measure.

So, I enter this season with a grateful heart. Grateful for the storms that refined me, for the peace that followed, and for the countless ways my journey has been guided by unseen hands. May this Thanksgiving be a reminder to us all: even in life’s uncertainties, gratitude remains the surest expression of faith.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Simply O

Title: Day 2 – Family, Food, and Finding My Roots

Category: Travel Journal

Tags: Lagos, Ogun State, Family Visit, Nigeria, M Lounge, Glaucoma Awareness

A Morning in Lagos

Woke up this morning feeling refreshed and recharged.

I did notice the scale tipping upward slightly—unsurprising, given how hard it is to resist the rich, nostalgic flavors of home. There’s something about the tastes you grew up with that calls to you, calorie count or not.

Being in the tropics, we kept to our daily ritual of taking Malarone—our antimalarial prophylactic. Unlike the typhoid vaccine, which we completed before departure, this one is a daily commitment while we’re here.

With that done, we headed down to the Marriott M Lounge for breakfast.

Breakfast: A Blend of Home and Abroad

As expected, breakfast was sumptuous.

I had a delicious mix of oatmeal and orange juice—classic continental staples—but also couldn’t resist the Nigerian yam and egg combo, topped with a spicy pepper sauce that was absolutely 🔥.

It’s a beautiful thing when breakfast feels like a cultural reunion.

On the Road to Otta

We soon set out to visit my mother in Otta, Ogun State.

Navigating Lagos traffic is a full-body experience—less about the distance and more about maneuvering through a moving maze. The roads themselves aren’t terrible, but the sheer volume of cars creates a kind of vehicular ballet as everyone jostles for space.

One thing I hadn’t seen in a while?

🛒 Street hawkers weaving through traffic, selling everything from bottled water to plantain chips—negotiating deals through car windows. It’s chaotic, yes—but also uniquely Nigerian.

And I’ll say this:

✅ The traffic lights? They work.

A Visit to My Mother

Visiting my mother was deeply grounding.

Though her health is challenged—she’s legally blind due to glaucoma and battles severe arthritis—her spirit remains unshaken. We sat together, reminisced about family stories, and she offered a heartfelt prayer for us all, especially in honor of my retirement.

In that moment, I felt the weight of heritage and the grace of belonging.

Despite my earlier apprehension, this visit reminded me of who I am and where I come from. It was humbling—and necessary.

Evening Reflections: Shared Meals and Quiet Joy

We returned to the hotel for a light refreshment at the M Lounge, anticipating a special delivery:

🍽️ Home-cooked meals from my sister.

Back in our room, we gathered as a family—brothers, sisters, niece, and nephew—sharing dishes full of local delicacies, laughter, and memories. These are the kinds of evenings that fill the soul, not just the stomach.

Eventually, as the night settled, everyone headed out. We packed up for the night and reflected quietly on what had been a full and meaningful day.

Looking Ahead

So far, I must admit—my initial fears have been mostly misplaced.

But tomorrow begins another chapter: traveling to the hinterlands to begin the process of organizing my wife’s family home.

That story unfolds next.

Antarctica

Reflections from Antarctica (2013)

Long before its icy shores were ever seen, Antarctica existed in the human imagination—a place of mystery, balance, and symmetry. As early as the 6th century BCE, the philosopher Pythagoras proposed that the Earth was round. Building on this idea, ancient Greek thinkers reasoned that if there was land in the north, there must be land in the south—a great unknown mass to balance the globe. This theoretical land became known by many names through the centuries, including Terra Australis Incognita—the Unknown Southern Land.

Even today, Antarctica remains a place apart—untouched by borders, politics, or ownership. Governed not by conquest but by cooperation, the Antarctic Treaty stands as a rare testament to international unity, preserving this continent for science and peace.

From a geological perspective, Antarctica’s isolation shaped its destiny. Around 60 million years ago, it began drifting apart from Australia. As the Drake Passage opened between Antarctica and South America, the formation of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current created an invisible moat—circling the continent and insulating it from the warmth of neighboring seas. This current became a key player in locking Antarctica in its frozen stillness, sealing it off in time and temperature.

Standing on its frozen expanse in 2013, I was humbled—not just by its stark beauty and ferocious winds—but by the realization that Antarctica is both a frontier and a mirror: a final wilderness where the Earth whispers its deepest secrets and challenges us to protect what is rare, wild, and essential.

Palmer Station, Antarctica

Established in 1968, Palmer Station is named in honor of Nathan B. Palmer, one of the first people to lay eyes on Antarctica during his expedition in 1820. Located on Anvers Island along the Antarctic Peninsula, the station can accommodate up to 44 researchers and staff, typically reaching full capacity during the austral summer months.

Palmer Station serves as a hub for vital scientific research, focusing on marine ecosystem monitoring, atmospheric studies, and the impact of heightened ultraviolet radiation on both marine and terrestrial life. Much of this work has been spurred by the expanding ozone hole, a growing environmental concern over the past few decades.

One of the more visible consequences of climate change in the region has been the decline of the Adélie penguin population. Changes in sea-ice patterns and snowfall—driven by a warming climate—have contributed to a dramatic population drop: from over 8,000 breeding pairs in 1974 to fewer than 3,300 pairs. By 2014, researchers predicted that Adélie penguins could disappear entirely from the island, a stark symbol of the broader ecological shifts underway in the Antarctic.

Icebergs of Antarctic Proportion

Though most icebergs remain confined to coastal waters by prevailing winds and currents, the largest ever recorded have calved from Antarctica’s vast Ross Ice Shelf. These colossal slabs of ice, known as tabular icebergs, break off and drift into the Southern Ocean, sometimes becoming legendary in size and spectacle.

One of the most famous, Iceberg B-15, was captured by satellite imagery in the year 2000. It measured approximately 295 by 37 kilometers (183 by 23 miles), covering a staggering surface area of 11,000 square kilometers—larger than the entire island of Jamaica.

Even more astounding was the largest iceberg ever observed, sighted on November 12, 1956, by the crew of the USS Glacier. Spotted 150 miles west of Scott Island in the South Pacific, this tabular giant measured an estimated 335 by 97 kilometers

Because the density of pure ice is approximately 920 kg/m³, and that of seawater about 1025 kg/m³, typically only one-ninth of the volume of an iceberg is visible above the water. The shape of the submerged portion is often difficult to discern from what is seen above the surface. This phenomenon has given rise to the expression “the tip of the iceberg,”referring to a problem or situation where only a small part is visible while a much larger issue remains hidden beneath the surface.

Final Reflections: Elephant Island, Deception Island & Paradise Harbor

Elephant Island, just northwest of the Trinity Peninsula, would likely have remained obscure were it not for the remarkable survival story of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition. After being trapped in the Antarctic pack ice for over a year and spending an astonishing 497 days without touching solid ground, Shackleton and his 27 men finally broke free and rowed northward in search of refuge. Frozen, exhausted, and clinging to hope under a dim polar sunset, they miraculously landed on the desolate shores of Elephant Island. It may not resemble paradise to most, but for those men—it was salvation.

Yet Shackleton’s resolve was far from spent. Realizing no one would come looking for them, he and five others embarked on an improbable 800-mile voyage across the treacherous Southern Ocean in a 22-foot open boat. Their goal: reach South Georgia Island and summon help. Against staggering odds, they not only survived but crossed the island’s rugged, icy terrain to organize a rescue. After 105 days stranded, the remaining 22 men were finally retrieved from Elephant Island. Not a single life was lost. Shackleton’s feat remains one of the greatest survival and leadership stories in exploration history.

Further west lies Deception Island, a partially submerged volcanic caldera offering a rare natural harbor in Antarctica’s otherwise hostile coastline. Entry is only possible through Neptune’s Window, a narrow breach in the volcanic wall. Ships must carefully navigate around Raven Rock, a deceptively shallow hazard that lurks near the center of the channel. Inside, the island reveals its strange serenity—steaming beaches and colorful cliffs, remnants of a geologic past still simmering beneath the ice.

Finally, we sailed into Paradise Harbor—also known as Paradise Bay—a name that feels poetic rather than literal. There are no swaying palms here, no sun-kissed sands, yet its beauty is undeniable. Towering glaciers and jagged mountains frame the tranquil inlet in a striking composition of ice and stone. Along its edge lies the charred remains of Almirante Brown Station, an Argentine research base destroyed by fire in 1984. Now abandoned, it stands as a quiet reminder of the challenges faced even in humanity’s most remote outposts.

Adekunle Omotayo MD.

Going Back to My Roots: A Journey of Reflection and Renewal

As I stand at this pivotal moment in my life, transitioning from decades of dedication to my career into the vast possibilities of retirement, I feel a deep pull—a call to go back to my roots. Like the lyrics of a familiar song that speaks of self-discovery and reconnection, this is more than a nostalgic return; it is an intentional journey back to the essence of who I am, where I came from, and the values that shaped me.

Before I set foot on the vast tapestry of the world, weaving my way across the seven continents, I must first make a sacred stop—going home. This is not just a visit; it is a homecoming, a return to the place where my story began.

For years, I have built a life filled with accomplishments, financial wisdom, and the fulfillment of professional success. But beyond all of that, my greatest treasures—the ones that truly define my legacy—are my two incredible daughters, whom I love beyond measure, and my wife, my life partner, who has walked beside me through every triumph and challenge.

As I step into this next chapter—one of exploration, reflection, and pure experience—I realize that before I embrace the vastness of the world, I must first reconnect with my own beginnings.

Home: A Journey Through Time

Going home is more than a journey across distance; it is a journey through time. It is stepping onto the soil where my roots run deep, where the laughter of family still echoes, and where the traditions of my ancestors live on. It is where I will find renewal before expansion, gathering the strength of my heritage before I venture into the unknown corners of the earth.

I want to walk the familiar streets, hear the stories of those who remained, taste the flavors of my childhood, and stand in the presence of the history that shaped me. This is not just a visit—it is a ritual of reconnection, ensuring that no matter where I travel next, I carry home with me in my spirit.

But home is not just a place—it is my family. My daughters are my living legacy, the continuation of everything I have worked for and built. In them, I see the future—brilliant, full of possibility, shaped by both where we come from and where we are going.

And by my side, as she has always been, is my wife—my partner in this incredible journey. She has been my constant, my foundation, my greatest companion in life’s adventure.

Now, as I step into this new phase, I find myself drawn back—not just geographically, but spiritually and emotionally—to the values, traditions, and stories that made me who I am.

Reconnecting with Culture & Legacy

Growing up in Nigeria, my foundation was built on a rich culture of resilience, family, and purpose. My journey took me far from home, into the world of medicine, leadership, and financial strategy, where I dedicated myself to building something meaningful—not just for myself, but for my family and the communities I’ve served.

Yet, no matter how much success one attains, there comes a time when the heart longs for something deeper—a return to the essence of one’s identity.

Part of this journey is deeply personal. Going home means honoring my parents, the two people who poured everything they had into me.

I will stand at my father’s grave site, not in mourning, but in gratitude. He was a man of strength, wisdom, and unwavering love—a guiding presence who set the standard for the kind of man I strive to be. Though he is gone, his legacy remains etched into the fabric of my life.

And I will sit with my mother, the woman who gave me life, nurtured me, and instilled in me the values that have shaped my journey. She is my living history, my direct connection to all that came before. In her eyes, I will see the sacrifices she made, the love she poured into me, and the legacy she continues to build through me.

This journey back is about gathering strength, clarity, and purpose before I step forward into the vastness of the world.

The Seven Continents: A Life Fully Lived

Once I have touched the essence of home, honored my roots, and reaffirmed my foundation, I will set my sights on the vastness of the world.

From the icy peaks of Antarctica to the bustling streets of Asia, from the cultural depths of Europe to the raw beauty of Africa, from the open landscapes of Australia to the wonders of South America and the familiar yet ever-changing spirit of North America—this journey is about more than places.

It is about perspective.

Each continent will tell me a different story. Each land will offer a lesson, a piece of wisdom, a moment that expands the boundaries of what I know.

But before I listen to the world, I must first listen to the heartbeat of home—the love of my family, the sacrifices of my parents, and the legacy I carry forward through my children.

A Journey of Wholeness

This adventure—both the return home and the global exploration—is about more than travel. It is about wholeness.

It is about ensuring that as I collect experiences, I do not forget where I started. That as I expand, I remain grounded. That as I move forward, I do so not as a wanderer, but as someone deeply rooted, carrying the past into the future with wisdom and purpose.

I do this for myself, to see the world with open eyes.
I do this for my daughters, so they can witness a life lived fully, boldly, with intention.
I do this with my wife, my partner in all things, because every journey is more meaningful when shared.
I do this to honor my father and mother, whose sacrifices made every step of my journey possible.

Going home is not an end. It is the beginning.

And from that foundation, I will step forward—onto the tapestry of the world, onto the seven continents of this planet, embracing all that life still has to offer.

Just as the song reminds us, sometimes the best way to find ourselves again is to go back—not to stay, but to gather strength, clarity, and a renewed sense of direction for the road ahead.

This is my season of reflection, renewal, and reconnection.

And in going back to my roots, I find not just where I have been, but where I am meant to go next.

Adekunle Omotayo MD.