Childhood obesity isn't some simple, discrete issue. There's no one cause we can pinpoint. There's no one program we can fund to make it go away. Rather, it's an issue that touches on every aspect of how we live and how we work.
Michelle ObamaRead
I worked with Congress on legislation, gave speeches to CEOs, military generals and Hollywood executives. But I also worked to ensure that my efforts would resonate with kids and families - and that meant doing things in a creative and unconventional way. So, yeah, I planted a garden and hula-hooped on the White House lawn with kids.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Engaging creatively with the community can lead to more meaningful connections and influence.
In this quote, Michelle Obama reflects on her multifaceted approach to leadership, emphasizing that effective communication and influence extend beyond traditional methods. By creatively involving children and families in her initiatives, such as planting a garden and hula-hooping, she highlights the importance of making efforts relatable and accessible to diverse audiences, particularly the younger generation.
Themes
LeadershipCreativityCommunityEngagementChildrenFamilies
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, you could say, 'Like Michelle Obama, we must creatively engage with our community to make a true impact.'
More from Michelle Obama
All quotes →What I admire most about Hillary is that she never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life.
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We all need to start making some changes to how our families eat. Now, everyone loves a good Sunday dinner. Me included. And there's nothing wrong with that. The problem is when we eat Sunday dinner Monday through Saturday.
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Oh, I can't play soccer, and I'm not a great swimmer. I won't drown, but you won't see me doing laps in a pool.
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Elections aren't just about who votes but who doesn't vote.
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My experiences at Princeton have made me far more aware of my 'blackness' than ever before. I have found that at Princeton, no matter how liberal and open-minded some of my white professors and classmates try to be toward me, I sometimes feel like a visitor on campus; as if I really don't belong.
Michelle ObamaRead
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