The former first lady, Michelle Obama, has always been an inspirational figure for many people. Known for her grace, intelligence, and compassion, she has been a role model for women all over the world. Recently, she made a powerful statement, advocating for the importance of trusting oneself above anything else. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with opinions and expectations from others, her words serve as a reminder to prioritize our own beliefs and instincts.
During a panel discussion at the 2019 Essence Festival, Mrs. Obama shared her thoughts on the concept of self-trust. She said, “I have been at probably every powerful table that you can think of, I have worked at nonprofits, I have been at foundations, I have worked in corporations, served on corporate boards, I have been at G-summits, I have sat in at the U.N.: They are not that smart.” This statement may come as a surprise to some, but it holds a powerful message. Mrs. Obama is not dismissing the intelligence of these individuals, but rather highlighting the fact that they are not always right. We tend to put too much trust in others, especially those in positions of power, without questioning their decisions. However, as Mrs. Obama suggests, we should trust ourselves and our own judgment above all else.
Trusting oneself is not an easy feat. It requires a great deal of self-awareness and confidence. We live in a society that constantly tells us what we should do, how we should look, and who we should be. It can be challenging to drown out these external voices and listen to our own inner voice. But as Mrs. Obama points out, it is crucial to do so. We must learn to trust our own instincts and beliefs, even if they go against the norm.
One of the main reasons why self-trust is so important is that it allows us to stay true to ourselves. When we constantly seek validation and approval from others, we tend to compromise our own values and beliefs. We become people-pleasers, always trying to fit in and conform to societal norms. But by trusting ourselves, we can stand firm in our convictions and make decisions that align with our true selves. This not only leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life but also sets an example for others to do the same.
Moreover, self-trust also enables us to take risks and pursue our dreams. Many of us hold ourselves back from taking chances because we fear failure or judgment from others. But by trusting ourselves, we can silence those doubts and take the necessary steps towards our goals. Mrs. Obama herself is an excellent example of this. She overcame numerous challenges and obstacles to become the first African American first lady of the United States. Her trust in herself and her abilities allowed her to break barriers and achieve her dreams.
Trusting oneself also means being accountable for our actions and decisions. When we rely on others to make decisions for us, we tend to shift the blame onto them if things go wrong. But by trusting ourselves, we take responsibility for our choices and learn from our mistakes. This not only helps us grow as individuals but also builds our self-confidence and resilience.
In a world where we are constantly seeking validation and approval from others, it is easy to lose sight of our own worth and potential. Mrs. Obama’s words serve as a reminder that we are capable of making our own decisions and trusting our own judgment. We should not let the opinions and expectations of others dictate our lives. Instead, we should have faith in ourselves and our abilities.
In conclusion, the former first lady’s message of self-trust is a powerful one. It encourages us to look within ourselves and have confidence in our own beliefs and instincts. Trusting oneself is not always easy, but it is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. So let us take a page from Mrs. Obama’s book and prioritize our own trust and confidence above any other considerations. As she said, “You have to know yourself to be able to navigate this world as a woman and a person of color.” Let us trust ourselves and pave our own paths towards success and happiness.
