A story of growing, evolving and becoming a wonderful woman - Becoming by Michelle Obama

I have recently finished listening to my first book of 2019- Becoming by Michelle Obama a memoir incredibly narrated by Mrs Obama herself.This being my first experience on listening to audio book, I absolutely loved it. I would recommend everyone should once trying listening to it. It’s an altogether different experience.

I am not here to share a review of the book instead I want to share the lessons that this book has taught me. There is so much to learn from her story which amazes me. I couldn’t skip any day to listen to the next chapter as she unfolds every page of her life. She has divided the book into three parts i.e. Becoming Me, Becoming Us and Becoming More.

Let’s begin with Becoming Me. In this part she shares her early life, childhood, school grad and college. She defines how her mother raised her gracefully and how her father was stubborn to go to work every day despite his ill- health. Explaining every intricacies of her life at South side, Chicago, she takes us on her journey of hope, persistence and hard work. She leaves us with the very basic value of keeping faith in our parents. The importance of togetherness and efforts necessary to keep the bond strong and tight. Going ahead, she then explains the next phase of everyone’s life i.e. making their own identity. She tells how in her childhood days she was recognized by her brother’s fame in basketball. After she graduated she understood that the corporate life is not doing any good to her and she needs advice to do something that is of her interest. Here, again she leave us with the need of taking a step back every now and then and realizing what is important for us. Seek advice, assistance and others will definitely be ready to support your goals.

In the next chapter Becoming Us, she explains her relationship with Barack Obama and how they get along. This couple that the world adores have made several efforts to keep their relationship and marriage strong. The compromises that she made and the lifestyle she adopted gracefully to support her husband is commendable. She takes us on the journey of a relationship which requires building faith in each other, readiness to accept and respect each other’s position and several compromises that needs to be made to keep it intact. There is so much that we can learn from this wonderful couple and their journey. I cannot list down all but anyone who reads or listen to the book will be enlightened about it.

In her last chapter, Becoming More, she take us through her life at White House and how everything changed thereafter. She tells us about the responsibilities that fell on her as First Lady along with raising her daughters. In this chapter, she explains the importance of evolving into a better version of us. Being a lawyer, a mother and a First Lady was not a cake walk. The way she took it to herself and managed it all is what defines her. The eagerness to learn new skill and make the best out of every opportunity is what we can learn from her journey.

The final take way would be to enjoy your life and learn from everyone around. Be it your friend, colleague or that stranger you met for a day. Also, let me know in comments section below what are your takeaways from the journey of Mrs Obama.