My parents took me to India on a boat when I was three months old. Apparently I was poorly with a chest infection but luckily I made it there in one piece. I lived in Delhi then New Delhi (pictured) until I was five. Some of my earliest childhood memories are very unusual. I escaped from home when I was four and was found nearby jabbing a long piece of grass up the nostril of a large Water Buffalo. I have a vague recollection of it and can remember looking up and feeling very small.
The other day I was thinking about the challenges in my life and feeling strangely grateful for them. In many ways the adversity that I’ve faced in the past has been invaluable. I was thinking how that relates to now, not just for myself but also my children during lockdown. It’s been hard for them and they’ve been so accepting and good at getting on with things. Despite the negatives, it made me consider what lessons they may have learnt. Perhaps it’s healthy for them to face this challenge and maybe it could change their expectation and appreciation of their lives in a positive way.
You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important
for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is
actually one of your biggest advantages.
Michelle Obama
