I believe that each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual, a flame that’s worth protecting. When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it.

Michelle Obama

Life plagues us with questions that we do not always have answers to and challenges that we need to overcome. Michelle says that just like everyone, she doesn’t have all the answers, and she too struggles with doubts and uncertainties. There isn’t one neat answer to the questions that we seek answers to, and there surely isn’t a master formula to life.
Michelle, however, offers us a glimpse of her toolbox. These are tools that help her maintain her balance and confidence and move forward in times of anxiety and stress. ‘The Light we carry’ is a comforting book and offers the weary mind reassurances.
These are some of my takeaways after reading the book.

Michelle introduces us to the power of small, where we put something small alongside the big stuff. Sometimes, things can get overwhelming, but when we move towards something small, it gives us a sense of accomplishment. ‘A win is a win’. This could be anything that helps unwind you. It could be a nourishing hobby or anything fun that revives you.Writing has been one of the tools that nourishes me even without having to share them. Speaking to a friend in difficult times also helps me ‘face’ the big stuff.

Every now and then, something might shake our very core. Michelle believes that the choices we make when feeling afraid often determine the larger outcome in our lives. The goal is not to shed fear altogether, she writes. Instead, we must learn to be comfortably afraid – finding a way to deal wisely with fear and allowing our nerves to guide us rather than stopping us. We must also trust our own assessment of what’s harmful and what’s not.

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.

Nelson Mandela

Michelle reminds her readers to start their day with some kindness to themselves and offer approval to the imperfect people that we are. Starting our day with kindness is an act requiring deliberate and conscious efforts. If this is looking at yourself in the mirror and speaking word of affirmations to start your morning or saying hello to the person you see in the mirror, that too is starting kind.

Real growth begins with how gladly you’re able to see yourself.

Michelle Obama

When it comes to friends and loved ones, she calls them her ‘Kitchen Table’. Michelle did not shy away from giving a vivid description of the significance her friends hold in her life. She mentions her keen interest in getting to know people and making worthwhile connections.
A statement she made that I found quite profound is ‘It’s harder to hate-up close’ and often the screens of our phones cannot provide us with adequate info to overcome our mistrust of others or even understand their points of view. Real world connections can cut against stereotypes. However, we need to first of all, as she calls it, ‘lay down our shield’.

It does not matter the quantity of friends you have – what’s important is the quality. As an individual, this has bothered me for so long. I’ve always had a really small circle, and I often envied people who seemed to have so many friends around them. I wanted that for myself. I wanted that security. The feeling of being wanted or desired.I saw it happen to others and wanted it for myself. That desire has been greatly curbed over time. I’m grateful everyday for the people I have in my life.
This book reminded me once again that one friend cannot offer everything. I cannot categorize everyone into one box.Each individual has within them their own uniqueness and will all offer something different. Though one friend may exude so much strength and confidence, another may exhibit a quiet resilience. We’re reminded that just like different phases of our our lives come and pass away, so will friends come and go. It is okay to let go of difficult or estranged relationships.

This book has kindled in me a need to find my own tools to help navigate my own challenges. It’s about time I got a little comfortable not having satisfying answers to every question I seek. I might need to consult my personal tool box every now and then.