Instagram Michelle Obama

I filled the pages of The Light We Carry with the wisdom and tools that I’ve found most helpful along my life’s journey. And in response, you all have shared some wonderful reflections about your own journeys, too. If you find a point that resonates with you as you’re reading, I hope you’ll share it with me by posting on social media and using #TheLightWeCarry. ????Photo credit: Sierra Tyler

Our courts matter. From reproductive healthcare to voting rights to criminal justice, the decisions that our courts make at all levels will impact our rights. When you vote for president, senators, governors, and more, you’re also helping to determine the local and federal judges who will make the rulings that can have a real impact on your life. And in many elections throughout this year, you’ll have the power to directly elect the judges who you decide will represent you best. Don’t underestimate the power you have to shape our justice system. Get informed and register to vote with @WhenWeAllVote at WhenWeAllVote.org/register. And reach out to three friends or family members to do the same!

I want to tell you about my friend, @smalonemd. She is one of the smartest, funniest, and most charismatic women I know, and I’ve relied on her wisdom countless times over the years – through good times and bad. She’s the first person I turn to for a whole host of issues, especially my health.That’s why I could not be more excited to share that she’s written a new book called Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy, and it’s available starting tomorrow. This book is full of wisdom and guidance that I know will make a big difference in the way you think about your health. I hope you’ll consider getting yourself a copy — and one for a friend, too.

@Beyonce, you are a record-breaker and history-maker. With Cowboy Carter, you have changed the game once again by helping redefine a music genre and transform our culture. I am so proud of you! Cowboy Carter is a reminder that despite everything we’ve been through to be heard, seen, and recognized, we can still dance, sing, and be who we are unapologetically. This album reminds us that we ALL have power. There’s power in our history, in our joy, and in our votes — and we can each use our own gifts and talents to make our voices heard on the issues that matter most to us. Together, we can stand up for what we believe in, and we must do that at the ballot box this year. The issues that impact us most are on the ballot across the country — from equal pay and racial justice to reproductive healthcare and climate change. And as Queen Bey says at the end of Ya Ya, we need to “keep the faith” and “VOTE!” You can register to vote with @WhenWeAllVote in the time it takes you to listen to your favorite song on the album. Visit WhenWeAllVote.org to register now.Album artwork: Blair Caldwell

To close out #WomensHistoryMonth, I’m celebrating organizations that are making a difference in the lives of girls across my favorite city, Chicago.@BlackGirlsJump is one of the terrific organizations that we’re supporting through the @GirlsOpportunityAlliance. They teach girls how to double dutch to help them stay active, gain confidence, and create community—while having lots of fun along the way.This year, we’re providing them with funding to help support their “JUMP IN!” program, which brings in jump rope and gymnastics coaches to schools and offers girls the opportunity to participate in national and international tournaments.These girls are so talented and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating them. Check out the link in my bio to learn how you can support their work and grassroots organizations like them around the world. ????

@CraigMalRob’s Ways To Win Podcast from @HigherGroundMedia is out now, and I am so proud of my big brother! Craig has always had the ability to bring out the best in others — including me — and I know listening to this podcast will leave you feeling the same way, too. Each week, he’ll join @UKCoachCalipari to share wisdom and lessons about leadership that are helpful not just in sports, but in your daily life. In their first episode, Craig and John chat with @BarackObama about his #MarchMadness picks, leadership, and their enduring love for basketball. Listen now at the link in my bio or wherever you get your podcasts. ????

Year after year, women show up consistently to the polls. In fact, in 2020, we cast nearly 10 million more votes than men in the presidential election. So there’s no denying it — women are shaping the direction of our country and setting the course of our democracy. This Women’s History Month, I want us to celebrate that and think about the ways we can continue to lead and take charge in our communities. In honor of Women’s History Month, join @WhenWeAllVote in taking three actions: 1️⃣ Celebrate the visionary women in your community by letting them know how much they mean to you. 2️⃣ Register to vote at WhenWeAllVote.org/register.3️⃣ Text or DM three friends or family members and ask them to check their voter registration.