The impeccable First Lady has done it again; Michelle sprinkles her magic during her speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). From Michelle's speech, I learned more in roughly 15 minutes than I've ever learned in any classroom. She is truly the backbone of this nation and the mother of our country. I can't help but wish she would have ran for president herself this election. The lessons she has given us through her speech are life values, that if we all grasped and took with us, could improve the world for the better.
Lesson 1: When they go low, we go high.
This is the motto. When you experience someone who is being unkind or cruel, never stoop down to their level and be unkind or cruel back. Instead, rise above and be better and kinder than they have been to you.
Lesson 2. Be a role model.
Someone is always watching you. There is always someone looking up to you, watching your every move, replicating the words you say and the things you do. So, be mindful. Watch your actions; pay attention to how you are representing yourself, and pay attention to the images and messages you are sending out for others to see (this goes for social media as well!). Be the role model you would want to have, and inspire others to do the same.
Lesson 3: Your dreams are bigger than your own desires and disappointments.
When chasing your dreams, there are going to be times when you face obstacles, and even times when you're going to fall. But, fall 100 times, get back up 101. Always try again because the things you aspire to do are bigger than the setbacks you may face while you work to achieve those things. Remember, you run the journey, the journey doesn't run you. So keep pushing and don't give up!
Lesson 4: Don't make snap decisions.
Although acting before thinking is easier, thinking before acting is smarter. Making an emotional decision (which most impulses are based off of) will most likely get you an undesired result. Before you make decisions, especially tough ones that affect more than just you, it is important that you take the time to really think about the outcomes you want, and the outcome that is best for the situation.
Lesson 5: Be steady, don't buckle under pressure.
This lesson is one that most people have to learn (although some people naturally do best under pressure, and if that's you, maintain that skill!). As mentioned before, your journey was never meant to be easy. Your adversity will constantly be tested, and when it is, be steady. If you do not learn the ability to work under pressure, then your skills will not be accurately reflected through your work; you must be tenacious! Take a moment to stop and just breathe, so that you are then able to tackle the issue with a clear, rational mind.
Lesson 6: Give back when you're struggling because there is always someone else worse off.
As I like to say, we are blessed to bless! There is so much help needed in this world, it is important that you give back in the ways that you can, whether it is with your money or your time. Remember, you don't own all the problems in the world! Although problems are relative, there is always someone worse off and your help can always be used! To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48)
Lesson 7: When crisis hits, don't turn against each other. Lean on each other because we are always stronger together.
When there is a crisis, we are all affected, regardless of where the crisis happens. Although it may be easy to avoid the problem, especially if you aren't dealing with it first hand, it only makes things worse. Providing support for one another is always needed when working towards a solution. No one was meant to do anything alone, which is why humans were created with other humans in the first place! We have the power, and if we work together as one, we can't break.