Mariyam Mohamed

Some people seem to go through life unable—or unwilling—to say no. Whether it’s taking on too many responsibilities, agreeing to things they don’t want, or allowing their boundaries to be pushed, their constant "yes" is not just about being kind or generous. It is often rooted in early experiences, emotional needs, and internal patterns shaped over time. In many cases, this behavior begins in childhood. A child who grows up in an environment where love, approval, or attention is conditional—offered only when they comply or please others—learns an important, but damaging lesson: their value is tied to their ability to make others happy. If saying 'no' leads to punishment, guilt-tripping, or emotional withdrawal, that child begins to associate safety and acceptance with always saying 'yes'. These early experiences can hardwire a belief system that persists into adulthood: saying no means rejection; saying yes means love and validation. As these individuals grow,...

The internal voice shaped by years of emotional abuse does not vanish overnight. For those who have endured prolonged narcissistic relationships, self-doubt becomes deeply ingrained—often echoing long after the relationship has ended. Even when others express confidence in your abilities, there may still be a lingering question: Am I truly capable? This silent erosion of self-worth, carefully constructed over time through gaslighting, control, and emotional invalidation, is not easily undone. Yet, facing it is the beginning of freedom. It takes immense courage to confront the psychological residue of narcissistic abuse. The process requires more than the decision to leave—it calls for a confrontation with the beliefs implanted during the relationship: that you are not enough, that your voice does not matter, that your achievements are accidental. These are not just passing thoughts; they are narratives repeated so often that they can become internal truths. However, psychological res...

Mental health continues to be a taboo subject in many corporate settings despite increased global awareness and advocacy. In workplaces across the world, particularly in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, employees often hesitate to speak openly about their mental well-being due to fear of judgment, job insecurity, and the perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. A culture of toxic productivity, where long hours and burnout are normalized, further discourages individuals from addressing their mental health needs. In many organizations, discussions around emotional well-being are still limited, and managers may lack the training or empathy required to support employees facing psychological challenges. This silence not only affects individual employees but also undermines workplace culture, productivity, and overall business performance. In response to these issues, the United Kingdom has taken notable steps toward normalizing mental health in the workplace. One of the...

Speaking at the MPSA event. Photo credit:  Abdulla Abeedh Rejection is often seen as a setback, a sign of failure, or a harsh verdict on one’s worth. In a world that celebrates success, hearing ‘no’ can feel like a roadblock that halts progress. The power of ‘no’ lies in its ability to open doors to growth, self-discovery, and new opportunities. It serves as a reminder that the path to success is not always a straight line, but a journey filled with detours that lead to the most meaningful destinations. For over a year, I faced rejection after rejection, applying for job after job. Over fifteen times, to be exact, I found myself turned away. Each ‘no’ felt like a blow to my self-esteem, a challenge to my belief that I had something valuable to offer. As each rejection piled up, I started to see the story behind the ‘no’—and it was a story of personal transformation. At first, I felt frustrated and disheartened. I questioned my qualifications, my experience, and my abilities. In t...

Photo Credit to Ridha Last night, I attended the Maldives Professional Speakers Association get-together, where I witnessed people supporting each other and sharing their knowledge. One individual I deeply admire has built something unprecedented in his field despite facing criticism. This led me to reflect on life. As I looked back on the past years, I recognized a profound truth: people often talk about those who have achieved success in their respective fields. They discuss their accomplishments, analyze their journey, and sometimes even criticize them. However, beneath these conversations lies something deeper—an unspoken desire for success and recognition. As I reflect on these discussions, I can't help but think of a question many people have asked me: "Why are you hanging out with these people?" The answer is simple—because they inspire me. They push me to think bigger, to grow, and to continually challenge myself. Surrounding yourself with people who share knowle...

"When children witness a father's betrayal and a mother is forced to beg for money while children survive on others' leftovers, the cruelty of that society becomes evident."  Mariyam Mohamed The world is full of surprises—some bring joy, while others test our resilience. However, the way we perceive these events defines our reality. In today’s society, truth often struggles to find an audience, while gossip spreads like wildfire. People are drawn to scandal, controversy, and deceit rather than honesty and integrity. This shift in values is evident in every corner of our world, raising concerns about the state of morality and human consciousness. We live in an age dominated by artificiality, both tangible and intangible. Social media has become a tool for deception, where individuals curate false versions of their lives to impress others. The pursuit of authenticity is fading, replaced by a culture of exaggeration and materialism. People chase validation through likes ...

The human experience is rich in diversity, with one of the most profound distinctions in the differences between men and women. These differences are not limited to the obvious physical traits but extend deeply into the realms of psychology and physiology. While acknowledging that no two individuals are identical, exploring these distinctions can enhance understanding and foster greater collaboration in personal and professional relationships. Neuro-Wiring: The Brain’s Blueprint One of the most fascinating aspects of gender differences lies in the neuro-wiring of the brain. Research has revealed structural and functional variations in male and female brains that influence how individuals process information, handle emotions, and interact with their environment. For instance, studies indicate that women tend to have a larger corpus callosum, the bundle of nerves connecting the brain’s two hemispheres. This may contribute to women’s ability to multitask and integrate emotional and ration...

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the concept of the subconscious mind, recognizing it as a force beyond the tangible confines of the physical brain. Ancient philosophies and thinkers have referred to this inner power by many names: the spirit, the will, the conscience, or the Universal Mind. Each term reflects an understanding that this force is not merely an adjunct of the brain but an essential part of human existence, deeply interconnected with the divine and the universe. In Islam, this inner force resonates with the idea of the ruh (soul), a gift from Allah, described as a source of guidance, strength, and moral compass. The subconscious mind is often regarded as the essence of life, an ever-active entity that knows no limits. It operates in mysterious ways, offering solutions in times of distress, providing clarity in confusion, and even inspiring actions that seem beyond human capability. The Quran often alludes to this internal guidance, reminding believers to tru...

Photo Credits:  Abdulla Abeedh  P rofessional speakers summit in the Maldives by MPSA The human brain is a highly complex organ, and its structure, function, and behavior can vary between individuals based on numerous factors, including biological sex. The male and female brains differ significantly in their hormonal makeup, neurotransmitter activity, and structural composition, influencing how men and women think, behave, and lead. Testosterone, the primary male hormone, is linked to risk-taking, competitiveness, and decisiveness traits. This hormone often drives men to make quick decisions and favor a more direct, goal-oriented approach, especially in high-pressure situations. In contrast, estrogen, which is more prevalent in women, enhances emotional intelligence, empathy, and social bonding. Women tend to excel in tasks requiring emotional sensitivity and are more inclined toward collaboration and teamwork, shaping a leadership style emphasizing communication and inclusivi...

When basic human needs go unmet, individuals often experience a profound sense of devastation, feeling unwanted or disconnected. However, this reaction is not universal. Intriguingly, there are instances where individuals with fewer material resources appear more content than those who seemingly have everything. This paradox raises essential questions: Why do some people find fulfillment amidst scarcity while others, surrounded by abundance, remain dissatisfied? Could the answer lie in the concept of gratitude—or a lack thereof? Gratitude is a mindset that shifts focus from what is lacking to what is present. Individuals who practice gratitude often derive joy from non-material aspects of life, such as relationships, community, and personal growth. Neuroscience reveals that practicing gratitude has measurable effects on the brain. Expressing gratitude activates the brain's reward system, including areas like the hypothalamus and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This activation p...