How awesome is Michelle Obama’s “Becoming?”
If you’ve read it, or are currently reading it, you know what I’m talking about.
If you haven’t read it yet… What? You need to rectify that ASAP!
Melissa and I have been listening to “Becoming” as we’ve been traveling. Normally, I don’t like audible books, but hearing “Becoming” in the voice of the woman who wrote it is a sweet treat. Hearing her voice makes the book that much more compelling and intimate. This happened to her. And she’s telling us about it!
Hearing “Becoming” in the voice of the author also made my big takeaway that much more poignant.
Several times during the book, Michelle Obama shares a question she’s asked herself throughout her life when she’s felt challenged, when she’s doubted her ability to tackle what’s in front of her:
This question is primal. It is the beating heart of so many of our insecurities. And finding out that a woman who has overcome so many obstacles, and who has achieved so much, has asked this question of herself? It’s leveling. It’s a gift.
I so appreciate her willingness to be vulnerable enough to share the question.
And then, because she’s Michelle Obama like that, she also shares the answer. She shares the entire phrase she says to herself in times of daunting challenges:
It takes courage to ask the question, the question so many of us struggle with, whether conscious of it or not.
And then to answer it in the affirmative? It’s such a simple answer, but its power is measureless.
We’ve all been given gifts. We’ve all been given talents and abilities to share with the world. Some of us play on big, worldwide stages like Michelle Obama. Some of us play in less visible but no-less-vital ways.
But whatever is ours to do, we invariably find ourselves asking the question: Am I good enough?
Michelle Obama reminds us that the answer is Yes.
It’s yours to do and you’re up for the challenge. Even if it’s hard. Even if you want to quit every other second.
No matter what you’re called to do, big or small, you’re up to the task. You’re good enough.
Thank you, Michelle Obama, for asking and answering this question.
For yourself.
And for all of us.
What is your experience with “Am I good enough?” Share your comments below!
