As we wrap up our journey through Michelle Obama’s “The Light We Carry,” I am reminded of the profound insights and lessons we have uncovered. This book has been a source of inspiration, a call to action, and a beacon of hope, illuminating the power of resilience, authenticity, and community.

Embracing Our Differences

“You don’t easily lose your sense of being an outsider, even when you make it inside.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many of us. Navigating different environments often requires us to adapt, to “code-switch,” altering how we present ourselves to fit in. While this can be a useful skill, it’s important to recognize the downsides of normalizing such practices. The real change should come from transforming the environments themselves, not just how we navigate them.

“How much misery am I willing to accept or endure?” This question can be a powerful reminder to evaluate the environments we find ourselves in. It’s about understanding our limits and taking steps to ensure our well-being.

Building on the Shoulders of Giants

Michelle Obama acknowledges the women who came before her, stating, “These women built the platform I was now standing on.” The wisdom and sacrifices of previous generations have paved the way for us. Yet, the “armor” they wore might seem rigid to us now. It’s crucial to “pick our battles and manage our resources” wisely, maintaining a balance between being “armored and agile.”

“Our armor can often serve us… it can also be defeating or, at least, exhausting.” The challenge is to stay resilient without becoming disconnected from our true selves. Constantly adjusting to fit in can alienate us from who we are, leading to missed opportunities to express our fullest potential.

Going High: A Lifelong Commitment

“What does it really mean to go high?” Michelle Obama offers a powerful definition: “Going high was a way to describe a choice we were trying to make to always try harder and think more.” It’s about maintaining integrity, staying tough, and working towards solutions with a clear, thoughtful approach. This commitment is not just for a moment but spans a lifetime and generations.

“Going high is about resisting the temptation to participate in shallow fury and corrosive contempt.” Instead, it’s about converting our emotions into actionable plans, aiming for meaningful change. This approach requires patience, persistence, and a focus on long-term goals.

The Power of Small Actions

Michelle Obama emphasizes the importance of small actions: “Your small actions become an instrument for your own visibility, your own steadiness and sense of connection. They can help remind you that you, too, matter.” In times of uncertainty, these actions provide a sense of agency and purpose. They remind us that change is possible, even in the face of flux.

“We are not helpless in the face of our worries. We are capable of creating change by design, change that’s a response to flux rather than a reaction to it. We can operate from hope rather than fear, pairing reason with rage.” This is a call to action, encouraging us to stay focused, keep our power in, and be judicious with our energy.

Moving Forward

“Going high is work – often hard, often tedious, often inconvenient, and often bruising.” It’s a commitment that requires us to stay persistent, to “do serious work in a joyful way,” and to choose our fights wisely. It’s about making difficult choices, drawing clear lines, and trusting that our progress will pay off over time.

As we conclude this series, I hope you carry forward the lessons from The Light We Carry. Remember to stay focused, maintain your convictions, and give yourself opportunities to rest and restore. “Going high” is a commitment that only works when we do the work. Let’s continue to uplift each other and strive for a better, more just world.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay strong, stay hopeful, and keep carrying your light. What should we read next?