Michelle Obama is as real as they come. A few days ago, I was lucky enough to listen to her speak live during her “Becoming” book tour stop in Ft. Lauderdale. I, like most people, first heard of her when her husband was running for President. And after learning about her, I wish I’d known about her sooner! She has such an inspiring story. A true “started from the bottom now we’re here” story most of us can relate to. She’s so down-to-earth and relatable, and truly one of my favorite people.
I’m not a big reader. So I listened to her audio book to and from work for a few weeks. If you don’t have the time to read, like me, I highly recommend listening to this book. Especially if you’re a busy mom. The added bonus is the book is read by Michelle Obama herself. She is truly telling her story. Audible offers a free trial, for those looking to save money!
As a mom, here are a few of my takeaways from her book and event. Michelle Obama’s inspirational message for moms:
It takes a village
During her book tour, Michelle Obama talked about the importance of having a village. That includes having a circle of girlfriends you can rely on, family, and even your babysitters. She told a story that was totally relatable. About how losing her daughters’ babysitter was the worst thing that could’ve happened to her at the time. I completely get it, and I know most moms do. I don’t know what I’d do without my daycare, or our family members who pour into us and our kids regularly!
In our society nowadays, we tend to live like islands, when back-in-the day people really lived as a village. When I was growing up, we nicknamed our neighbor across the street “Neighborhood Watch”. She always knew what was going on. And would definitely let our parents know if something was happening with us kids that shouldn’t. People just don’t do that anymore. We’re so wrapped up in ourselves and our own families. But, you have to make a point to form your village. You need the support, and your kids can learn so much from other positive adults. You have a limited perspective (we all do). Allow your kids to to get a broader view of the world.
Share your story
Throughout her book and tour, Michelle Obama talks a lot about sharing your story – especially us as women. Even if you feel like your story’s irrelevant or you don’t have much to say. You never know who wants to hear it! That being said, it’s not enough to just talk about what you do for a living or where you went to school. That’s just so superficial. Really sharing your story – your background, where and how you grew up, your memories from your childhood, etc. It really helps people to get to know you and to really connect.
Without hearing Michelle’s story, I wouldn’t know we had so much in common. I wouldn’t know that she grew up with a middle class background, had a close-knit family, and grew up taking piano lessons. She was accepted to an Ivy League school, yet failed a major exam and recovered from it. She had a tough time balancing raising her kids, focusing on her career and deciding what she wanted to do with her life. All things that made her just like me. When I hear her talk now, it has so much more validity because I truly know her story. The same goes for our everyday lives, with the people we meet. We can make lasting connections with others just by sharing our stories. Your individual experiences are important. You never know who can learn from and relate to your experiences, if you only share.
Don’t diminish your child’s flame
We all either know or are raising a feisty child. Michelle Obama talked about how she was a feisty child, and I can totally relate to this too! Her parents encouraged this “feistiness”, as long as she was respectful to adults.
I have a daughter who is the epitome of feistiness. She’s sassy, speaks her mind, and asks a ton of questions. My husband and I joke that she’ll make a great lawyer one day! She can tell you exactly why she needs to do something, and can convince you into just about anything. This head-strong daughter of mine rarely takes no for an answer. She’ll be a great adult, but makes a tough kid to parent!
But, as parents, we need to encourage this feistiness to a certain degree. Allow your kids to forge their own path in this world. It’s not helpful to silence them or diminish their flame. We do this, especially to our young girls, far too often. They’re stereotypically taught to be pretty and quiet, and to not speak their mind. Their flame is so important for them to do well in our society today. And we, as parents, need to encourage it.
Support your children
Michelle Obama talks a lot about her parents, especially her mother. Her mother’s parenting style was one that was supportive, but not restrictive. She gave criticism and guidance when necessary, but didn’t t pressure Michelle or her brother into anything. This is an awesome way to raise independent kids. A lot of parents are “helicopter parents” to kids nowadays. Never allowing them to make a mistake. And kids are left never learning the valuable lessons they should learn from their mistakes. Being supportive but not restrictive, is the way to go when raising kids.
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Don’t be a box checker
Being a “box checker” was the way that Michelle Obama described her life throughout her schooling and career. She was always going from one achievement to the next. Never really taking a break from her studies and work to focus on anything else. I have to admit that this was the way I was for some time. Though I do feel I’ve enjoyed my life, for a while, I was always focused on my next step. Later in her life, after some losses and after meeting laid-back Barack, Michelle realized that “box-checking” wasn’t the way to live.
A lot of times, we as career women get so focused on achievement that we forget to live and enjoy our lives. As a busy mom, I want you to remember this. Don’t end up doing so much that you end up empty and unfulfilled. It’s not always about the destination – it’s about enjoying the ride to get there. Sometimes the scenic route is the best way to go.
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The unknown won’t kill you
Throughout her early life, Michelle Obama describes staying on a pretty well prescribed path. She grew up in her familiar neighborhood, with familiar people around, and didn’t really venture out much. It wasn’t until adulthood, after meeting Barack, that she realized she could take a step out of her comfort zone. She gave up a high-paying, prestigious lawyer job to pursue her passions in community work. She took a risk and went into something that was completely unknown to her. And it ended up being a great move. Sometimes you just have to get past your fear of the unknown to really live the fulfilling life you deserve.
Respect your elders
When she was younger, Michelle Obama describes learning a lot from her older family members. She talks about how so many people don’t respect their elders or their opinions nowadays. You can learn so much more from your elders than you can from a textbook. It’s so important to respect them, and listen to all the wisdom they have to share.
There’s still hope for our future
I’ve always believed the main way to contribute to the future is by raising responsible, compassionate children. I think this is probably the most encouraging piece of Michelle Obama’s inspirational message for moms. There’s a lot going on in our country right now. But as moms, we truly have the future in our hands. We’re raising the future lawyers, doctors, politicians, and leaders in our homes right now. It’s up to us to make sure we’re raising them right. We may not be able to change the world on a grand scale right now. But we can start with our kids. So, don’t complain about where we are right now. Get to it! There’s still hope!
I think that’s enough! Again, if you haven’t read the book yet, I highly recommend it! Sign up for the Audible free trial to save some $.
If you’ve read the book, did you have any other thoughts on Michelle Obama’s inspirational message for moms? Leave them in the comments below!
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