Book Review 2025/01 - The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

I have always believed in book energy. Some books sit patiently on our shelves, waiting for the right moment to speak to us. Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry was one of those for me. I had it for months, and it wasn’t until the end of December 2024 that I felt ready to pick it up. And what a journey it has been!

As a huge Michelle Obama fan, I see her as the embodiment of possibility. Watching her serve as the First Lady of the United States made me believe that nothing is impossible. That is the power of representation.

I admire how she speaks her mind, acknowledges mistakes, and boldly took on a role where she had no predecessor (of colour) to guide her. She carries herself with confidence, and even her dress sense reflects her authenticity. I have followed her career, studied her approach, and was completely engrossed when she released Becoming. I devoured that book in just a few days, barely sleeping! (Laughs)

But The Light We Carry felt different. It felt like a personal gift she didn’t have to give us after leaving the White House. She speaks about life’s complexities. How our backgrounds shape us, the decisions we make, and how we navigate relationships. One story that stuck with me was about something as simple as placing a toilet roll, does it go over or under? How do we react when those we live with prefer it differently? It reminded me of the age-old Colgate debate! Her message? Do not sweat the small stuff.

Key Takeaways from the Book:

1. Name the Negative Voice – That little negative voice that undermines you or your decisions? Name it, so you can tell it to shut up! I named mine Blindy after a mischievous puppy we once had who caused chaos until we had to rehome him. I command Blindy to be quiet almost daily.
2. Say Hi to Yourself – Look in the mirror every morning and greet yourself. It may seem small, but it cultivates self-love and confidence. It leaves a smile on your face. I do it now.
3. Change is Constant – Embrace it. Growth happens when we allow ourselves to evolve.
4. Not Everyone Will Like You. So What? – Stay true to yourself regardless.
5. Create Your Own Circle of Friends – Surround yourself with people who build you up with love and positivity. be responsible to crafting your circle.
6. Home Should Be a Place You Want to Return To – Work on your relationships, whether with yourself, your partner, your children, or those you live with. Your home should feel warm and welcoming.
7. “When They Go Low, We Go High”

One of the most personal moments in the book for me was when Michelle Obama spoke about her height. She is a tall woman, and so am I! (If you haven’t met me, I am often the tallest person in the room in Eswatini. My hidden networking strength.) I never realized she once saw her height as an insecurity. Reading that chapter gave me permission to heal my own insecurities.

This is more than just a memoir; it’s a self-help book filled with wisdom, truth and warmth.

Rating: 10/10 – Highly recommend!

If you haven’t read The Light We Carry yet, buy it and read it when the time feels right. It might just be the book you need.