Saturday, 9 March 2019

'BECOMING' BY MICHELLE OBAMA: LESSONS FOR NIGERIA

In spite of the fact that today, 9th March 2019, Nigerians are trooping out to vote for candidates of their choice in the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections, I cannot resist the temptation to highlight lessons for Nigeria and indeed the electorate from Michelle Obama's New York Times best-selling book, 'Becoming'.

'Becoming' is a lucid, down to earth rendition by Michelle Obama (former First Lady of the US) on her journey so far this earth life. I can relate to the contents of the book because it has valuable lessons for women and indeed men in Nigeria at both the individual and national levels. Some of the lessons I can decipher are:

*In spite of anyone's success, there are times when we humans still feel insecure. Let Michelle speak for herself: 'I have become, by certain measures, a person of power and yet there are moments still, when I feel insecure and unheard'. Could this insecurity at the personal level be the reason that many otherwise successful persons seek political power by all means?

*Becoming isn't a static notion. 'It isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as a forward motion. It means evolving. A way to reach continuously towards a better self. The journey doesn't end'. Are we Nigerians constantly trying to improve ourselves at the personal level which should eventually translate to a better socio-political and economic life. By this I mean constantly refining our Electoral Act in good faith and in line with our realities to ensure free, fair, credible and inclusive elections. The lessons learnt each election season should be reflected in the conduct of subsequent elections. Remember: Election is not war. It is only one significant element of any democratic process. Others are clear separation of powers between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary; respect for the place of the fourth estate of the realm (the press) in the polity; etc.

*Becoming is not about being perfect. It's not where you get yourself in the end. There's power in allowing yourself to be known and heard. In owning our own story. In using your authentic voice. There's grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for Michelle, is how we become. We in Nigeria need to commit to using our 'authentic voice', we should own our own story while being open to ideas from all sections of the country.

*There are lessons for us in Nigeria, especially before, during and after elections. We should embrace one another, while playing down ethnic and religious sentiments in the name of politics.

*In Nigeria, as advised by Obama, 'let's invite one another in. Maybe we can begin to fear less, make fewer wrong assumptions and let go of the biases and stereotypes that un-necessarily divide us. Maybe we can better embrace the way we are the same'.

*What struck me about the book was Michelle Obama's candour about her concerns, fears, insecurities and pain throughout her life so far, including as First Lady. The major lesson for us in Nigeria this election season is to remember that after the elections, Nigeria remains in spite of the winners and losers. We have no other country to call ours, let's embrace peace!

Related Links

*Michelle Obama's memoir has sold over 10 million copies   https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/26/politics/michelle-obama-memoir-10-million-copies/
*Michelle Obama's DNC speech   edition.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/08/17/michelle-obamas-dnc-speech/
*15 inspiring quotes by Michelle Obama   https://idscreate.com/2020/05/29/fifteen-inspiring-quotes-michelle-obama/   
*8 ways to improve your posture   thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-improve-posture-back-tips-success-confidence/
*How to be kinder to yourself   ideas.ted.com/how-to-be-kinder-to-yourself-self-compassion/
*Tips for middle-aged women who want to look stunning in photos   newyorker.com/humour/daily-shouts/tips-for-middle-aged-women-who-want-to-look-stunning-in-photos
*The 'Neuro-biology of Affiliation': Why 'care' & 'scare' are inseparable when you love someone   aeon.co/essays
*How the failure of multiculturalism led to the rise of 'Black Lives Matter' (BLM)   https://theconversation.com/how-the-failure-of-multilateralism-led-to-black-lives-matter/
*Maya Amgelou's myth   next-element.com/maya-agelous-myth/
*Michelle Obama discusses going through menopause as First Lady   elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/a33594028/michelle-obama-menopause-white-house/
*Don't stress: Scientific secrets of people who keep cool heads   newscientist.com/article/mg24532700-600-dont-stress-scientific-secrets-of-people-who-keep-cool-heads/
*21 year old Special Olympics athlete with Downs Syndrome (DS) Chris Nikic, has made history as 1st person with DS to complete an Iron-man triathlon   cnn.com
*When a smile is not a smile: What your facial expressions really mean   newscientist.com/article/mg24532690-900-when-a-smile-is-not-really-a-smile.../
*4 myths about 'finding your purpose'   thriveglobal.com/stories/myths/finding-your-purpose/
*How to disappear: The art of listening to silence in a noisy world   brainpickings.org/2019/10/14/gordon-hempton-silence-in-noisy-world/
*Larry King's children die within weeks of each other   edition.cnn.com/2020/08/22/media/larry-king-children-died-trnd/index.html
*Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' set to become best-selling memoir in history   nypost.com/2019/03/26/michelle-obamas-bocoming-set-to-become-best-selling-memoir-in-history
*How to love: Mastering the art of 'Interbeing' - Thich Nhat Hanh (Budhist teacher)   brainspickings.org/2015/03/31/how-to-love-thich-nhat-hanh
*Perfectionism can make you sick   thriveglobal.com/stories/perfectionism-how-to-deal-advice/
*5 ways to finally break a bad habit even if you've had it for years   thriveglobal.com/stories/break-bad-habit-strategies-healthy-lifestyle/
*7 tools for making sense of Life & Death   WillowEoL.com/shop
*Is spiritual growth possible without confronting whiteness?   https://www.hcn.org/issues/52.10/ideas-books-is-wth-possible-without-confronting-whiteness/
*2 ways to improve your Emotional Intelligence - Neuroscience: The RULER Approach   thriveglobal.com/stories/new-neuroscience-reveals-what-makes-emotionally-intelligent
*Have we found the true reason for diabetes, alzheimers & stroke?   https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24332420-900-have-we-found-the-true-cause-of-diabetes-stroke-alzheimers
*30 signs that reveal someone is middle class   self-made.io/30-signs-that-reveal-someone-is-middle-class/
*Why procrastination is about managing emotions, not time   bbc.com/worklife/article/20200121-why-procrastination-is-about-managing-emotions-not-time/
*A small glass of juice or soda a day linked to cancer   https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/10/health/sugary-drinks-cancer-risk-study-intl
*Cand crusher: The man who trned the world against sugar   https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23531420-800-candy-crusher-the-man-who-turned-the-world-against-sugar/
*Foodie calls: Women who date for a free meal more likely to exhibit dark triad personality traits   https://neurosciencenews.com/food-dating-dark-triad-14291/
*The joy of not ewaring a bra   https://www.newyorker.com/culture/personal-history/the-joy-of-not-wearing-a-bra/
'The bra is a product spring from a perceived necessity and from an attempt to create necessity where there is none or very little - Everett Collection
*Having kids makes you happier, only when they move out   newscientist.com/article/2213655-having kids-makes-you-happier-only-when-they-move-out/
*Does size matter?   https://africanpressclub.com/does-size-matter/
*Power of a mentor   https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-mentor-sanchayan-d
*The human skills you should build to succeed in an unpredictable world   t.ted.com/oSkTx41
*Sitting for nine hours a day linked to early death   newscientist.com/article/sitting-for-nine-...
*How to spot little Einsteins (gifted kids)   econ.st/2N47OkG
*Too much sunscreen? How avoiding the sun could damage your health   newscientist.com/article/ng24132210-100-too-much-sunscreen-why-avoiding-the-sun-could-damage-your-health/
*How to deal with people disrespecting & undermining you at work: Rising above toxic difficult situations in the workplace   http://go.drkathyobear.com/turn-the-tide
*Happiness is being, not just doing - Richard Branson   https://web.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2555810397772259&set=
*People who are naturally slim have smaller and more active fat cells   newscientist.com/article/2214792-people-who-are-naturally-slim-have-smaller-and-more-active-fat-cells/
*How to make healthy financial choices   thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-make-healthy-financial choices/
*You can train your brain to manage worries   thriveglobal.com/stories/train-brain-stop-worries/
*Autism can bring extra abilities   newscientist.com/article/mg3931860-200-autism-can-bring-extra-abilities...
*How much sleep is enough?   thriveglobal.com/stories/sleep-research-nocturnal-brain-neurologist-physician-advice-tips/
*Denmark's first country to ban PFA's chemicals which have been linked to cancer from food packaging starting 2020   edition.cnn.com/2019/09/04/health/denmark-pfas-food-packaging-ban.intl/
*Vegetarian diet linked with 22% lower risk of heart disease/
*A network in the brain is involved in a range of mental health issues   newscientist.com/article/2216175-a-network-in-the-brain-is-involved-in-a-range-of-mental-health-issues/
*The truth about intelligence: What makes someone smarter than others   http://bit.ly/2Q78V6e
*Happy life in retirement by Harvard Psychologist   thriveglobal.com/stories/harvard-psychologist-interview-retirees-happy-life/
*5 ways to find your purpose   thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-find-your-purpose-life-wisdom
*4 ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable and work harder   wef.ch/2mDlE2e  #fashion #sustainability   weforum.org/agenda/2019/09/make-your-wardrobe-more-sustainable-and-work-harder
*A single bag can leak billions of pieces of micro-plastic into your brew   edition.cnn.com/2019/09/22/health-microplastics-tea-bag-study-scn-scli-int/
*Fathers and perinatal mental health: A guide for recognition, treatment & management by Jane Hanley & Mark Williams   https://www.linkedin.com/feed/#
*Why de-cluttering may be the most under-rated self-care strategy   thirveglobal.com/stories/organisation-tips-declutter-stress-mangement-pop-up-grocer/
*How neuroscience could explain the rise of addictions, heart disease & diabetes   https://t.co/OtVEnHiM3q
*I'm not the radical left, I'm the humane middle   https://johnpavlovitz.com/2019/09/26/im-not-the-radical-left-im-the-humane-middle/
*The key to a good life is avoiding pain   https://t.co/HYcWrEqKUq
*'Naps' may be good for your heart   https://t.co/B8onGDgsh4
*The book of 'Gutsy women: Favourite stories of courage & resilience' by Hilary & Chelsea Clinton (Published by Simon & Schuster)   https://www.simonandschuster.com>books>Hilary-Rodham-Clinton
*Happiness: Saying 'yes' to these 7 questions means you are happier than you think   thriveglobal.com/stories/if-you-say-yes-to-any-of-these-7-questions-you-are-much-happier-than-you-think/
*6 ways to give your mental health the daily care it deserves   thriveglobal.com/stories/give-mental-health-daily-check-in/
*The 'germiest' place in your home   edition.cnn.com/2019/10/07/health/germs-home-wellness/
*Being authentically you: 3 choices you can make   thriveglobal.com/stories/being-authentically-you/
*Owning a dog tied to lowering your risk of dying early, studies show   edition.cnn/2019/10/08/health/dogs-help-us-live-longer-wellness
*John B. Goodenough just became the oldest person, at 97, to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for research on improving battery technology (lithium ion batteries)   edition.cnn.com/2019/10/09/us/john-goodenough-nobel-prize-trnd/
*5 scientifically backed ways to stop worrying   thriveglobal.com/stories/ways-to-stop-worrying/
*Oprah Winfrey opens up on moments that changed her life   people.com/movies/oprah-winfrey-moments-that-changed-my-life/
*15 things that ruin a first impression immediately   thriveglobal.com/stories/things-youre-doing-that-make-people-dislike-you/
*Fight self-doubt: You are stronger than your inner bully   thriveglobal.com/stories/physical-tips-fight-off-self-doubt-martial-artist/
*Becoming the primary earner? Female breadwinners share their advice   https://www.forbres.com/sites/biancabaratt/2019/09/24/becoming-the-primary-earner-female-breadwinners-share-their-advice/
*9 Science-Backed ways to reduce stress   thriveglobal.com/stories/9-science-backed-ways-to-reduce-stress/
* Do you have a hard time saying 'no'? Tips here   thriveglobal.com/stories/trouble-saying-no-tips-protect-time-well-being/
*Singapore to become first country banning ads on sugary drinks   edition.cnn.com/2019/10/11/health/singapore-sugar-drink-ads-intl-hnk-scli/index.html
*Scientific proof that happiness is a choice   thriveglobal.com/stories/happiness-is-a-choice/
*How to hurt less just by sleeping more   thriveglobal.com/stories/relieve-pain-quality-sleep-connection/
*About sleep   thriveglobal.com/stories/mental-health-deep-slow-wave-sleep-brain-science-emotion-decision-making/
*7 tips for late bloomers   thriveglobal.com/stress/7-tips-for-late-bloomers/
*All you need to know about the menopause (but nobody tells you)   newscientist.com/article/2145060-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-menopause-but-nobody-tells-you
*28 ASMR (Autonomous, Sensory Meridian Response) Triggers for anxiety, relief, sleep, etc   thriveglobal.com/stories/asmr-triggers for-anxiety-relief-sleep/
*Richard Branson's relationship advice: Healthy relationships are the foundation of a healthy life   thriveglobal.com/stories/richard-branson-profound-relationship-advice-love/
*Strategies to transform your relationships into strengths   thriveglobal.com/stories/turn-failure-to-success-mistakes-learning-strengths/
*The back pain epidemic: Why popular treatments aren't working   newscientist.com/article/mg24332450-600-the-back-pain-epidemic-why-popular-treatments-are-making-it-worse
*Why you should never forget who you were before having kids   thriveglobal.com/stories/never-forget-who-you-were-before-having-kids/
*5 ways to reach forgiveness   goalcast.com/2019/05/23/how-reaching-forgiveness-helps-us-live-healthier-lives/
*Dancing can reverse the signs of aging in the brain   https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-08-reverse-aging-brain.html
*Michelle Obama shares her workout, reminds us of the power of self-care   thriveglobal.com/stories/michelle-obama-work-out-exercise-self-care/
*MRIs show screen time linked to lower brain development in preschoolers   edition.cnn.com/2019/11/04/health/screen-time-lower-brain-development-preschoolers-wellness/
*The link between lack of sleep and cancer is now so strong that the WHO has classified any form of night time shift as a probable carcinogen   t.ted.com/BFWOfuD
*The kindness paradox: Why be generous?   newscientist.com/article/mg23130860-400-the-kindness-paradox-why-be-generous/
*How to deal with loneliness   thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-deal-with-loneliness-in-your-thirties/
*Michelle Obama says it's important to become more than just somebody's wife   https://www.xonecole.com/what-michelle-obama-taught-us-about-becoming.../
*7 ways to get someone to like you by FBI expert   thriveglobal.com/stories/how-to-get-someone-to-like-you-according-to-fbi-expert/
*13 Resolutions that will make you more productive   thriveglobal.com/stories/new-year-resolutions-focus-productivity-microsteps-tips/
*How to deal with toxic family around the holidays   goalcast.com/2018/12/06/deal-with-toxic-family-holidays/
*20 brutal truths no one wants to admit   inc.com/matthew-jones/20-brutal-truths-no-one-admits-to.html
*Chance inheritance: The subtle power of birth order   newscientist.com/article/mg21929330-700-chance-inheritance-subtle-power-birth-order/
*How much sleep do you really need?   newscientist.com/article/mg23030750-300-how-much-shuteye-di-i-need/
*How do you know if you have found the one?   thriveglobal.com/stories/found-the-one-meant-to-be-relationship-advice/
*On how being optimistic actually re-wires your brain   thriveglobal.com/stories/benefits-of-optimism/
*14 most inspiring travel destinations on earth   https://www.goalcast.com/2019/06/28/most-inspiring-travel-destinations-on-earth/
*10 mindful new year resolutions: Focus on self-knowledge, not self-improvement   thriveglobal.in/stories/10-mindful-resolutions-that-might-change-your-life/
*Why new year resolutions don't work for you and what you can do instead   goalcast.com/2019/12/19/why-new-year-resolutions-dont-work/
*The difficult art of giving space in love: Rilke on freedom, togetherness & the secret of a good marriage (autonomy vs togetherness)   brainpickings.org/2018/09/03/rike-love-marriage/
*Strategies for success in the new year   thriveglobal.com/stories/tips-strategies-for-success-new-year/
*The trials of Sister Meghan   theinterview.ng/2020/01/24/trial-sister-meghan/
*BBC Africa Editor leaves role because of PTSD   bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-51236199?ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source...
*Michelle Obama describes her family's daily routine during their CoV self-quarantine   edition.cnn.com/2020/03/26/us/michelle-obama-family-cov-routine-trnd
*Michelle Obama is hosting a weekly story time for kids during the CoV pandemic   edition.cnn.com/2020/04/17/politics/michelle-obama-pbs-read-aloud-series-trnd/
*Barack Obama's Memoirs (November 2020) - 'A Promised Land': I still believe in America    theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/11/barack-obama-i-still-believe-america/617073/...
*Michelle Obama reflects on how she put her anger aside for a peaceful transition    https://cnn.it/3puM7L.../
*15 inspiring quotes from Michelle Obama    idscreate.com
*Barack Obama's Memoir sells more than 887,000 copies on first day    https://on.wsj.com/35LXQgz
*Jack Ma's empire in crisis: How China lost patience with its loudest billionaire    bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-12-22/jack-ma-s-empire-in-crisis.../
*Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's review of 'A Promised Land' by Barack Obama    nytimes.com/2020/11/12/books/review/barack-obama-a-promised-land.html
*All the celebrities Barack Obama name-drops in his new book    https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2020-11-18/obama-celebrities-names-memoirs-a-promised-land/
*Remembering some of the artistes we lost in 2020: The lives they lived    https://nytimes/3mMgyK8
*Dog missing for weeks wanders into local Walmart to find its owner at work   https://www.instagram.com/p/CJHfKs1jYjs/
*The son of an Iraq war veteran designed an App to stop his dad's PTSD nightmares    https://www.instagram.com/p/CJRZy23nFhl/
*10 takeaways from Barack Obama's memoir: 'A Promised Land'    https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a34670429/barack-obama-memoir-a-promised-land-takeaways/
*5 faith facts about Barack Obama's book: 'A Promised Land'    https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/11/19/5-faith-facts-president-barack-obama-a-promised-land/
*Barack Obama reacts to his memoir topping Michelle Obama's    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/barack-obama-reacts-to-his-memoir-topping-michelles/ 
*Michelle Obama inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame  cnn.com 









 

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