My Takeaways from the "Becoming" by Michelle Obama Book Tour

I had the absolute pleasure of attending Michelle Obamas’, Becoming Book Tour a couple of weeks ago in Fort Lauderdale. Mrs. Obama has been my mentor in my head since her campaigning days with former President Obama. I have always admired her poise, style, relatability, strength, and beauty! So I was super hype when it was announced that she had a forthcoming memoir. Many times our perceptions of influential people we admire are shaped from third party sources. Her memoir is the perfect opportunity for all of us to get to know her story, told by her.

An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama

When it was announced that Mrs. Obama was expanding her tour to include South Florida I knew I had to attend. My ticket was purchased as soon as they went on sale. I didn’t even bother to let my social-anxiety tendencies get the best of me. In the past, I would have tried to find someone to go with instead of just going alone. Yay me for stepping out of my comfort zone.

I was happy that I didn’t let my anxiety hold me back because it was amazing to see so many women coming together. The arena was easily 95% women, showing up and showing out for Mrs. Obama. I myself ended up having the most random mishaps that almost ruined my experience.

#IAMBECOMING

Of course, Mrs. Obama had everyone mesmerized by her candor, humor, and authenticity. I felt like I should have been taking notes but I was completely in the moment. Below are a few points that stuck with me:

Never Let Anyone Dim Your Fire – Mrs. Obama spoke about having a fiery spirit for as long as she can remember. She used that fiery spirit at an early age to share with her mother how unhappy she was with her second-grade teacher. Mrs. Obama mentioned to her mother that her teacher was not challenging her enough. Which resulted in Mrs. Obama be tested out of the second grade and moved up to the third grade. I sometimes look back at challenging situations I’ve had and smile at obstacles I’ve overcome. Other times I think about how many more fights I have ahead of me and instantly become exhausted. My fire is still lit but I won’t lie, sometimes it’s just a flicker.
There Will Always be Doubters – This point definitely coincides with the one Mrs. Obama made above. There is always going to be a naysayer waiting for a misstep or mistake. As a black woman, I’ve felt as if I’ve had to work twice as hard on many occasions to prove my knowledge and expertise. When I was 18 in the Navy I found myself surrounded by people that continual downplayed my hard work just to look out for others. I was constantly fighting for everything…the positions I wanted, my evaluation even respect. As a woman working with mostly among men I doubted and challenged often.
Having a Girl Tribe is a Must – Mrs. Obama shared that her girl tribe came along with her to the White House. She had built substantial friendships and she was not leaving them behind because she became First Lady of the United States. Her friends provided support and help when needed, kept her grounded and provided an escape when necessary. I personally don’t have a girl tribe and don’t think I ever will. I find it hard to make friends at this age. I’ve even resorted to Bumble BFF, still no luck. Having a tribe to support you is a beautiful thing.
Don’t Go Through Life Just Checking Boxes – I myself have been guilty of this. I was definitely raised to believe you had to live your life a certain way i.e., marriage, kids, nice home and retire from a great job. In my early twenties, I had perfected being “perfect Patty”, the girl that had it all together. Until I couldn’t pretend anymore once my marriage started to fall apart. I really struggled during that time because I had been conditioned by my southern baptist grandparents. Divorce was not an option where I came from. I also felt as if my life was over at that age of 28. Not knowing that I really had an opportunity to start over and live my life on my terms. Find my voice, experience life, instead of doing what I was “supposed to do”.

Mrs. Obama also mentioned the struggles her and President Obama had conceiving, their marital problems, how they tried to make living in the White House as normal as possible for their children. It really was a great conversation.

Even though Mrs. Obamas’ story is vastly different from mines I was still able to relate to many of the things spoke on and mentioned in her memoir and book tour.