This is the Advice Michelle Obama Gave to Meghan Markle about Public Service on Her Book Tour for ‘Becoming’
Michelle Obama is currently on a worldwide book tour for her best-selling memoir, Becoming. Though the book chronicles Mrs. Obama’s life from her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago into the present day, many of the chapters detail the Princeton alum’s highs and lows as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. As First Lady — the former lawyer felt that she had a responsibility to cultivate groundbreaking initiatives. Though she was able to tackle childhood obesity and education for girls, in particular, the Harvard Law alum also talked about the intense pressure that came with activating those projects.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is another wildly popular woman of color trying to find her footing as a new member of the British Royal Family. There have been rumors out of Kensington Palace that Markle’s attempts to carve out initiatives and focus points for herself is causing a bit of chaos for her staff and for the pregnant former actress’ schedule. During a recent stop on her book tour, Michelle Obama offered Markle some kind words of advice on her new position.
It’s a lot to take in
Oddly enough, the duchess and Mrs. Obama can probably relate on a lot of things. While Mrs. Obama worked diligently during her first few months in the White House to make sure her young daughters, Sasha and Malia were adjusting, she also had to come to terms with the overwhelming public scrutiny. Likewise, though she was used to her life in Hollywood, Markle’s new position has placed her on a brand new stage.
Daily Mail reported, “It is said palace staff have never experienced anything remotely like Meghan’s formidable work ethic, matched only by the incessant stream of ideas about how to shape her role. Though the aides see her enthusiasm as well-meaning, her up and at ’em West Coast energy is an uncomfortable fit with the more formal ethos of some of the palace staff.”
In a recent interview with Good Housekeeping, Mrs. Obama explained how much she understood the overwhelming pressure Markle must be under. She said, “Like me, Meghan probably never dreamt that she’d have a life like this, and the pressure you feel—from yourself and from others—can sometimes feel like a lot.”
Michelle Obama’s advice to Meghan Markle
With a new baby on the way, a new husband, and a new title, Meghan Markle’s head is probably spinning, so Mrs. Obama’s advice to her is not to rush anything. The Becoming author explained, “My biggest piece of advice would be to take some time and don’t be in a hurry to do anything. I spent the first few months in the White House mainly worrying about my daughters, making sure they were off to a good start at school, and making new friends before I launched into any more ambitious work. I think it’s OK—it’s good, even—to do that.”
Find the things that empower you
Mrs. Obama chose to have children’s initiatives and her garden because they were things that made her happy and they also greatly benefited a new generation of Americans. When it comes to Markle ‘s own initiatives, Mrs. Obama thinks the duchess should remember what makes her feel empowered. She said, “What I’d say is that there’s so much opportunity to do good with a platform like that—and I think Meghan can maximize her impact for others, as well her own happiness if she’s doing something that resonates with her personally.”
We think that’s so pretty amazing advice.
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