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Women, know yourself and like it!
That is the inspirational life advice chorused this summer by First Lady Michelle Obama and entertainment media empress Oprah Winfrey during a recent talk at the United States of Women Summit in Washington, D.C. As outlined in the June 15 Elle article by Mattie Kahn, much of the talk focused on advice given to young women regarding their sense of self.
“I think as women and young girls, we have to invest that time in getting to understand who we are and liking who we are, because I like me,” the First Lady said. “I’ve liked me for a very long time.”
The discussion then shifted to focus on the advantages of ambition, vigilance and even a little “swag.” Oprah noted the President’s “swag.” Fully concurring, Obama noted that her husband “was [always] very swagalicious.”
Swag or no swag, though, women or men, just be you, Obama told the crowd.
“Look, I told people this from the very start when he started running, Barack Obama is exactly who he says he is. We both are. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell people. Ain’t no surprises. We’re telling you who we are, and no tricks up our sleeves.”
Perhaps, then, with all the self sufficiency, truth and empowerment, you’re wondering what men can do? Winfrey certainly was. To this, the seemingly indefatigable First Lady quipped, “Be better. Be better at everything.”
Good tip.
