Books have the power to lift our spirits, connect us through word, and transport us to a different time and place, allowing us to live vicariously through someone else’s experiences. Every month, Sand to Pearl Coaching will be featuring a must-read book. I believe that great lessons can be learned through books and a favourite self-care activity of mine is reading. For both these reasons, and many more, it was inevitable that I would share some of my must-read books with you.
This February, the book of the month is “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
“Becoming” was gifted to me over the holidays and I am so glad to have received it. This book is an inspirational and ground-breaking memoir by the former First Lady of the United States. It is an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Michelle’s incredible journey growing up on the South Side of Chicago, becoming a lawyer, a wife, a mother, and the First Lady.
I will be the first to admit that this is not a book that I would have likely purchased myself. I have never been very interested in reading memoirs. “Becoming” greatly changed my perspective. Michelle’s writing is captivating, her imagery is descriptive, and her stories are pure. Not afraid to speak the truth, Michelle dares to share her entire life story: the ups, the downs, and everything in between in a refreshingly honest way.
"For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” - Michelle Obama, Becoming
“Becoming” is brimming with love, laughter, and relatable moments. Not only is this an inspiring read but it is sprinkled with great career advice and life lessons! Here are some notable lessons:
1) Always be open to opportunities that come your way – you never know what they could lead to.
Michelle’s hard work and perseverance led her to accomplish her career goal of becoming a lawyer. However, she did not find this work to be as rewarding as she hoped and because of her openness to other opportunities that led her way, she gained rich experience in other areas working more directly with people in advocacy and planning positions. She found new passions, greater satisfaction, and forged her own path.
2) A strong network can carry you through career uncertainty.
Michelle’s strong network led her to great opportunities – her professionalism and networking skills led her not only to new endeavours but she found people who contributed positively not only to uplifting her career but to uplifting her spirit. Never underestimate the power of maintaining a strong network.
3) Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Michelle reminded me the importance of speaking up – saying what you need and what you want and remembering that no one can read your mind. When she is busy campaigning as a critical member of Barack’s team, she makes a “faux pas” in one of her speeches. A simple phrase that she meant to come off positively was misconstrued by the media. Up until that point, Michelle had no coaching and there were no staff members dedicated to helping her in what to say, how to say it, and how to present herself. Michelle made it clear that she needed professional support and soon she had staff dedicated to maintaining her image, training her in communications and relations, and keeping her on track with her many public appearances.
4) Always stay humble and remember your roots.
Throughout her story, Michelle always references her upbringing in the South Side of Chicago. She stays humble throughout her journey and is always incredibly grateful to the people that had a significant impact in her early life. She knows that without the guidance, support, and lessons she learned at that time, she wouldn’t be where she is today.
5) You can accomplish your biggest dreams with hard work, perseverance, faith, and people who support you by your side.
Michelle’s story is a combination of the classic saying, “dreams don’t work unless you do” and the importance of adopting an attitude of gratitude, keeping faith that everything will work out in the end. Michelle accomplished more than she ever dreamed possible by working hard, staying humble, having faith, and surrounding herself with people who bring her up.
I hope you challenge yourself to pick up this book and give it a read. Stay tuned for the March book of the month!
Happy reading! Sabrina
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