‘The Light We Carry’ Highlights

Recently I read Michelle Obama’s book ‘The Light We Carry’. It is a book filled with hope in a world of uncertainties and promotes balance. It is an excellent read with good reminders, lessons, and strategies. I’d like to share with you what stood out to me.

All the small things

It’s a big world; we see headlines of chaos, confusion and death wherever we look. It’s all very stressful. Even at home, we can think of the chores that need doing and feel overwhelmed. In ‘The Light We Carry’, Michelle suggests thinking small. Turning a big vision into smaller, manageable chunks. Taking an immense stress-inducing thought and minimising it through stress-relieving pastimes such as knitting. The idea is that smaller equals less stressful. It may not be less stressful but it is certainly true that smaller is usually easier to handle.

Fear analysis

Fear is an ugly thing; it attacks us in various forms. Doubt when we are unsure, jealousy when we are insecure, paranoia when we are afraid, and so on. Fear is not invincible; just good at sneaking up on us unaware. It can be stopped by reasoning, sheer willpower, and finding and eliminating the fear’s root cause. We ought to analyse our fear and ask ourselves why we feel it. One less fear would get rid of a whole lot of stress. But it also doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Being nervous indicates leaving our comfort zone, which is good for us as long as it is not paralysing. Nerves can guide us to do what is right because sometimes if we run from fear, we can miss out on opportunities and live in regret. Sometimes we just have to push through the fear to do what is best for us, even if it feels like it might kill us.

The importance of being restful

It seems life is two extremes, with very few walking the path of balance. We are running around, hustling, trying to do as much as possible in the name of success, finding ourselves burned out and exhausted. Or we become complacent in our laziness and perhaps even overtired from sleeping too much because we just can’t find it in us to care about anything or do anything. Two extremes, none of which bring much rest. Balance is vital to rest; rest is critical to a healthier life. Rest is essential; it is healing and energising. It reminds those who are rushing they need to slow down and those who do nothing that too much of it takes away its power.

Be thankful

When was the last time you laughed? When you felt truly happy? Some days I have moments where I suddenly think, where is the joy in life? We live in an era where we can have anything and do whatever we want, but everything comes with a cost. We begin to take things for granted. We can stream anything we want on Netflix or Amazon Prime for a fee, but it’s become normal. So normal that we have forgotten the miracle that watching TV used to be. Now it is just background noise, and some of the joy has been lost.

Take a moment and think of all the things you have. A home, water that is safe to drink, electricity… be grateful for it. What you have today, you may not have tomorrow. Others already go without, and that number is sadly rising. Be thankful for what you have and appreciate it daily.

Being real

Everyone is unique, and while there can be similarities, each life journey is very different. It’s good to be different; the world would be dull if we were all the same. But be mindful that you never know what is happening in someone’s mind. Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Be honest. Be open. Be vulnerable. It’s in these moments that real connections can be forged, and deep friendships can begin. I don’t just mean online; I mean in person. Although online is good. Real in-person connections are invaluable, someone you can hug if that’s your thing. And never pretend you have all the answers; it’s okay to say you don’t know because friends are there to help you find out, there to help you find the tools you need.

Keep the poison out

By poison, I mean negativity, toxic people and environments. Remove yourself from them entirely, even if it means isolating yourself for a bit. I’ve learned it’s much harder to improve or do what you want stuck in such places. Being alone can be pretty enjoyable too, but you don’t have to be alone; you can make new friends. I know it’s scary, but what if it’s worth it. Have you ever seen someone and thought you’d like to get to know them? Why not go and speak to them? You never know; maybe they felt the same but were afraid. Sure, it may be awkward at first, but awkward passes it doesn’t last forever. Be intentional if you want to make new and better friends. After all, friendships are formed on intention.

Go high

If you’ve followed Michelle for a while, you may have heard the saying: “Go High”. It’s become one of her most quoted sayings. What it means is to take the high road, don’t stoop to the lengths your enemies would go. Stay classy when they attempt to undermine you, be humble while they brag, and be honest. Lies are constantly discovered, particularly in this era of social media.

Those were some of the highlights of ‘The Light We Carry’. The book has many more nuggets of wisdom, which I recommend you read.