I am becoming… a role model for other women. And for the two little women and man I have at home.
I am becoming… better at navigating the life of a working mom and mom to three children.
I am becoming… less guilt ridden when I do things for myself.
I am becoming… more honest with myself about both my shortcomings and strengths and working on how to grow by harnessing both.
Last week I had the opportunity to attend Michelle Obama’s Becoming book tour, which are a series of intimate conversations navigated by a moderator. The energy was electrifying when we entered the Frank Erwin Center, it was as if we were going to a Beyonce concert and not a glorified book interview, albeit with a former FLOTUS. The soundtrack was on point. The crowd was pumped and maybe a little liquered up. The estrogen was strong. I laughed, I cried. Here were the most memorable things to me during my ‘intimate conversation’ with Michelle..
“If they go low, you go high” This is how Michelle reacts in the face of negativity. We shouldn’t let people change who we are and bring out the worst in ourselves. This is one of those nuggets to remember.
“Marriage is hard. The hard work starts on your first joint project- raising a kid”. Wow, I never thought about raising kids as a joint project. Sometimes we may in our house, but we need to work on being aligned and partners in our parenting. Just like in a work project, an overall strategy and tactics are key . When the husband and I are not consistent then it yields less than desired results. These are tough times right now in our house. We have a now 7 year old that thinks she’s 17, a 5 year old that is all about tantruming over perceived inequities, and a happy go lucky 6 month old that just won’t sleep.
“Put on your Oxygen mask first” Preach! How many times have I said self care is important. You can’t take care of anyone if you can’t take care of yourself first.
Duality. Michelle talked about the duality in her life as illustrated by her conversation with her cousin who asked her why she talked like a white girl. I feel you. So often I’ve felt that I’m out of place, too white in the Cambodian world and out of place in the white world, sometimes in business. As someone who promotes the diversity of thought and ideas everywhere, I think its our job to embrace this duality and broaden the perspectives of those around us.
All in all, it was a wonderful evening shared with some of my neighbors.
Positive Thought of the Day: In this tough political climate, this book tour was not about politics at all but about becoming who you are meant to be.