On November 15th 2014, I was learning and growing with none other than Oprah Winfrey. I spent that weekend in 2014 at her “Life You Want Weekend” in San Jose, CA. I was beyond excited to be invited there as part of the media. It was a weekend like no other and there was inspiration at every turn. I connected with several people there who were all feeling inspired. It was a feeling of knowing that you could create your life on your terms. The weekend also served simply as a reminder that you already have the tools to make it happen. The feel good vibes floating through that arena was something I can’t even put into words. You couldn’t help but feel united with the people around you. So much so that a couple of us have continued to keep in touch four years later.
From Oprah to Michelle Obama
Fast forward to last week on November 15th, 2018, I was learning and growing with none other than Michelle Obama. I made my way to the Los Angeles stop of her book tour. I was buzzing with excitement from the minute I woke up. Then to make matters even more special, that morning, I looked at my phone and Facebook let me know that 4 years prior (to the day) I had been hanging with Oprah. To go from the “Life You Want Weekend” to “Becoming”… y’all, this felt like such a full circle moment! There’s definitely a connection between the two events.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, I just knew it would be inspiring. I went with a group of ladies. There were probably about ten of us in total. When we walked in, it felt like we were going to a Beyonce concert. There were life size posters perfect for a selfie. So, of course, I had to indulge.
Then I made my way over to the merchandise table where there were all sorts of things for sale. I debated between a mug and a t-shirt. I ended up with the t-shirt emblazoned with the picture on the cover of the book. After running into at least half the women I know in Los Angeles (seriously every one was there), we made our way inside. When we walked in, the energy was electric. The event was held at the Forum. This arena had every seat filled. Are you hearing me? Every. Seat. Filled. I can’t think of another First Lady (or many celebrities either) who would have so many people filling those seats. There were women, and a few men, wall to wall. Everywhere you went, we were greeting each other with smiles. It just felt… good.
Bring on Michelle Obama
Before the talk began there were videos on screen that got us ready for what was to come. There were images of the former First Lady, television appearances and childhood photos. We cheered at some (hey carpool karaoke) and awed at others (baby pictures of the girls). Then the lights dimmed and our host for the evening made her way to the stage. I’d heard that there would be a different host for each stop. I knew Oprah had been the host in Chicago and wondered who would be with us. I was so excited to see Tracee Ellis Ross make her way to the stage as our host! She’s a best friend in my head, I promise. Her excitement was palpable. She was just as psyched to be there as we were.
Once she brought out the First Lady, everyone went bananas! I’m telling you, rock star status, people! When we all settled down, the conversation began. Tracee Ellis Ross had great questions that all tied to what is in the book. The cool thing is, since it was all in person, Michelle Obama could elaborate – and she did! She was so personable and relatable. I was surprised at how much she and I have in common. I found myself saying “me too” over and over again as she talked. From how she grew up to her high school experience and marriage, I felt like I was sharing a conversation in my friends living room.
The event lasted at least two hours and I wasn’t ready for it to end. I wasn’t alone. The ladies I was there with enjoyed every second too. If I was judging by how long people hung around after it was over, I’d say no one was ready for it to be over. Make no mistake, the serious security in the most unexpected places made it clear this wasn’t some regular event. They were not playing around!
Are you reading Becoming? Is the tour coming to your area?
