Michelle Obama- Mom, Wife, First Lady, Mentor

Listening to Mrs. Michelle Obama speak is inspirational, heart-warming, and just simply awesome. She has a distinct persona and voice. She wears her heart on her sleeve.

As First Lady Michelle Obama prepares to make her exit from the White House, I’m proud to say she has inspired me to be the best version of myself and continue to live honestly. I knew from the moment she took the stage; Michelle Obama was going to make a difference. She has proven that her greatness can’t be matched.

Recently, I watched a couple of videos of a commencement speech at The City College of New York (CCNY) Graduation and a conversation she had with Oprah Winfrey on the Next Generation of Women. Mrs. Obama shares her experiences on life, family, and relationships.

Here are a couple stand-out quotes from the commencement speech that tells a lot about Mrs. Obama’s love of people and obligation to public service:

“Our greatness comes when we appreciate each other’s strengths.”

“Our greatness has always come from people who expect nothing and take nothing for granted, folks who work hard for what they have and then reach back and help others after them. That is your story, graduates, and that is the story of your families. And it’s the story of my family, too.”          

I remember when Michelle Obama first came on the scene, I focused a lot on her style, fashion, and her overall swag. Little I knew, she was much deeper than her ballroom gowns, J-Crew outfits, and fun casual wear as she danced and invited people who normally would not have access to the White House to chill on the lawn. As she says, “I’m Michelle.” She stays true to herself regardless of her role.

I admire that she is humble and care so much about women and their place in society. When she talks, I hang on every word. It feels good to see a woman of color with so much power. She has definitely shined a positive light on African-American women. And I hope that we all love her for that. Mrs. Obama was honored to give her final commencement as the First Lady. Oh boy, she knocked it out the park.

Here are few points and words of wisdom she gave the graduates:

• Be resilient
• Dream
• Share lessons learned
• Use opportunities to help by adding your voice
• Tell your story
  • Piece of Michelle’s story- waking up in a house that was built by slaves
  • Piece of Barack’s story- Son of a man from Kenya becomes President
• Create jobs
• Invest and strengthen public universities
• Pursue your own version of happiness (my favorite)

In a talk at the White House, Oprah Winfrey’s talking points were thought-provoking and captivating. The conversation was phenomenal.  The primary theme was to give us a side of mom, wife, daughter, First Lady Michelle Obama as Michelle.  You’ll know what I mean if you watch the video. I can sum it up and say Mr. and Mrs. Obama are both “swagalicious.”

Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey talked at length about self-value, self-worth, public expectations as First Lady, bravery, and being a woman of color in the White House. Michelle Obama said, “Our first job in life as women is to get to know ourselves.”  The basic premise throughout the conversation is to know who you are.

What’s outstanding about the conversation is that the ladies talked as if they were sitting in the living room having a girl’s talk.  I love that.  It felt authentic.

Here are a few memorable moments and great takeaways:

“If you don’t prioritize your time, people will gobble it up.” Michelle Obama

Obama does not sell herself short when applying for jobs.

Don’t depend on others to bestow your goodness.

Like who we are.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you.

Do things you authentically care about.

Stop lying on Facebook. (my favorite)

Haters:

Sometimes you have to turn off the world (social media).

Wake up do something of value and do it well, let that speak for itself.

Oprah Winfrey asked Mrs. Obama, “What can men do to be better at everything?”

Mrs. Obama responded and gave the following tips:

Be a better employer

Be better fathers

Love your daughters-You don’t babysit your own children

Be solid examples of men – Better husbands, be a part of family life, wash the dishes

Hope you are inspired by the following videos:

Next Generation of Women: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey

Michelle Obama’s Commencement Speech

Enjoy! Comment below and share what inspires you.

~Crystal

Follow crystal on www.crys2sana.com & Twitter @ TousanaC