The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

by Michelle Obama

PART ONE Nothing can dim the light that shines from within. —Maya Angelou

For now, though, I want to offer one small reminder, which is that real growth begins with how gladly you’re able to see yourself.

You can’t process the challenges of being different all on your own. It’s just too big, too painful, to keep inside. To try to carry it alone can be corrosive, draining.

The goal, instead, is to find someone who will do the work with you, not for you, contributing on all fronts and in all ways.

We only hurt ourselves when we hide our realness away.

Read books by people whose perspective is different from yours, listen to voices you haven’t heard before, look for narratives that are new to you. In them and with them, you might end up finding more room for yourself.

The challenge in leading a big life becomes trying to find ways to protect your dreams and your drive, to remain tough without being overly guarded, to stay nimble and open to growth, allowing others to see you for who you are. It’s about learning how to shelter your flame without hiding its light.

We can’t know for sure what the future holds, but I do think it’s important to remember that we are also not helpless in the face of our worries.

Going high is a commitment, and not a particularly glamorous one, to keep moving forward. It only works when we do the work.

What I want to say, then, is stay vigorous and faithful, humble and empathetic. Tell the truth, do your best by others, keep perspective, understand history and context. Stay prudent, stay tough, and stay outraged. But more than anything, don’t forget to do the work.