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By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo (Updated but first posted by the author on the Atlas Corps Fellowship site on June 28, 2023) I grew up in the ghetto and spent the first 18+ years of my life in  Olodi Apapa , popularly called “ AJ City ” or “Ghetto City,” in  Lagos, Nigeria . Survival of the fittest was the code, but there, I made friends like family and learned invaluable skills and life lessons that I have applied in leadership, business, career, relationships, academia, finance, parenting, and many other areas. In this piece, I will focus on some career lessons I learned as a child that have helped me grow professionally. Build Your Ark Before It Rains:  While in primary school, I was part of the school’s march past team. We represented  Wowo Primary School  in March Past competitions and during the  Independence Day celebration  march past ceremonies. We always came first, and our competitors accused us of either using ‘juju’ (black magic) or bribin...

    Photo Credit: FNPH Yaba By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo When last did you listen to the soft whispers of your soul? In a world that constantly keeps us busy with concrete deadlines, infoxication, pressure to succeed, and the need to be liked and known, stress, anxiety, and depression become the norm when we fail to keep up. As we mark another World Mental Health Day, an interesting report released by Gallup and Radiant Foundation reminds us of a powerful ally we often ignore in our quest for mental health and well-being: faith and spirituality. The research, which covered 140 countries and pulled from world poll data between 2012 and 2022, reveals a highly significant connection between spirituality and mental and physical well-being. It submits that those who identify as spiritual or people of faith are likely to have lower rates of depression, suicide, and social isolation. One of the exciting things I find in this study is how it links spirituality and faith to DEI and e...

  Source: Shutterstock By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo It is all too tempting to get swept up in negative vibes, especially in our fast-paced and often overwhelming society. Negative energy can drain you and make you nervous and depressed, whether it comes from work, relationships, or the daily hustle. It is crucial to surround yourself with positivity to combat negative energy and cultivate a mo re serene life. Here are some helpful tips to get you started: 1.  Practice Gratitude Practicing thankfulness is one of the best ways to create positive energy. Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on all of the things in your life that you are thankful for, whether great or small. It can be as simple as being alive or observing the beauty of nature around you among others. A 2022 study showed that grateful people have fewer common health complaints, such as headaches, digestion issues, respiratory infections, runny noses, dizziness, and sleep problems.  2. Surround Yourself Wi...

SIX THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ACCEPTING THAT JOB OFFER Source: Takasuu By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo It can be both exciting and stressful to look for a new job. Even though you may be excited about the new prospects that lie ahead of you, it's crucial to approach the process with a critical mind. Before accepting a new job, it's crucial to take into account a number of things to be sure you're making the right choice. We'll look at six things to watch out for before accepting that new job offer: 1. Company Culture And Values An organization's culture is one of the most important factors to consider before accepting a new job. This covers the organization's core principles, purpose, and workplace culture. You want to make sure that the corporate culture and the atmosphere in which you will work are compatible with your personal values. Choose a company that values open dialogue, cooperation, and teamwork. The culture and values of a company can affect your job...

Source: Meadow Hall Group By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo Our lives are built around our families. It is the place where we find solace, support, and love. But how do we create a strong family bond in a world where everyone is too busy? In this article, we will share some tips and tricks to help you strengthen your family bond. Here are some suggestions below: 1. Spend Quality Time Together Spending quality time together is one of the best ways to strengthen family bonds. This does not have to be a large, elaborate event. It can be as simple as eating dinner together every night or playing a board game on the weekends or competing for a prize. The important thing is to be fully present and engaged with each other rather than let technology distract you from the little time you can spare. 2. Communicate on a Regular Basis Communication is essential for forming a strong family bond. Make it a point to talk to one another every day during and/or after work. Inquire about each other's d...

Source: Dreamstime.com By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo In a world that is more interconnected, diversity and inclusivity have become vital components of our social fabric. Nonetheless, as much as we aspire for a world where everyone is treated equally, bigotry continues to be a chronic and prevalent problem. This not only impairs our social cohesion but also constitutes a threat to individual well-being and our collective future. Bigotry, tribalism, and racism are all manifestations of prejudice that cause individuals to view others through a limited prism of suspicion and mistrust. Bigotry is characterized by intolerance and prejudice towards those who are different from ourselves, whether that be in terms of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other element. Tribalism is a sort of groupthink that produces a sense of US Versus THEM, which can lead to the exclusion and demonization of individuals who are perceived as outsiders. Racism, meanwhile, is the conviction that on...

    #EmbraceEquity : Happy International Women's Day                                                                                            Source: Yahoo Money By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo International Women's Day is a celebration of women throughout the world, commemorating their achievements and their continued battle for gender equality. This year's focus is on #EmbracingEquality which is a poignant reminder of the need to fight toward establishing a more just and equitable society for women. The theme for this year's celebration is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."  This is a powerful movement that has the ability to alter the way we think about gender equality. With the rapid growth of technology, we have the ...

15 Common Phobias People Have But Don't Know Their Names  Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo Happy New Year!!! Welcome to 2023. We have lots of thought-provoking and interesting articles lined up for you this year.  In our last post, we shared what phobia is, its causes and symptoms. We also established that there are many types of phobias and people often shape their lives to avoid their phobias.  So, let's get straight into our top 15 phobias you may have but may not know their names: 1. Acrophobia: This is the fear of heights. 2. Achluophobia: Fear of darkness. 3. Atychiphobia: This refers to the fear of failing/failure. 4. Caligynephobia: This is the fear of beautiful women 5. Entomophobia: Fear of insect 6. Glossophobia: This is the fear of public speaking. People with this phobia often avoid situations that will make them talk in front of group of people. 7. Gamophobia: Fear of marriage 8. Nyctophobia: Is the fear of the dark or being in a dark place, hence most people wit...

By Comfort Umoren-Olorunnisomo Phobias are anxiety disorders that causes a person to experience irrational or overwhelming fear of a situation, place, creature or object  which may not necessarily cause harm (Medical News, 2017). It can lead to panic attacks, anxiety and depression. Even when not in the situation that causes phobia, the brain creates a reaction to these worrisome situations (NHS UK, 2021).  They can be traced to traumatic, fearful or stressful event in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. It can also be genetic or environmental factors. The imagined fear is usually greater than the actual threat of the phobia.  Some of the symptoms attached with phobias include: Sweating and trembling Difficulty in breathing or choking Hot flushes or chills Racing heartbeat or tightness/pain in the chest Headache, nausea, dizziness Instant stomach upset fear, anxiety, depression Confusion, rapid speech or inability to speak According to DSM-5, phobias fall within the...