Talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres joins Michelle Obama to discuss the role fear plays in their lives. They talk about turning fear into rocket fuel and share personal anecdotes, including the time inviting a Star Wars character scarred one of Michelle's daughters. They also touch on the challenges faced by black women in the medical field and the power of self-kindness and positive affirmations.
Understanding and confronting our fears is crucial for personal growth and living a fulfilling life.
Decoding fear helps combat divisions and bigotry by challenging our fears, reaching out to others, and refusing to be manipulated by fear-based power.
Deep dives
Fear as a Limiting Factor
Fear can hold us back if we don't understand and decode it properly. It may lead us to shy away from opportunities, risks, or adventures, limiting our experiences and growth. Michelle Obama discusses the importance of recognizing and confronting our fears in order to live a fulfilling life.
Decoding Fear: Limits and Opportunities
Obama emphasizes the need to differentiate between rational and irrational fears. By understanding when fear is keeping us safe versus limiting us, we can navigate through discomfort and expand our possibilities. She shares her personal experience of facing the fear of Barack running for president and how decoding fear led to growth and opportunities.
The Impact of Fear on Bigotry and Racism
Fear plays a significant role in fostering bigotry and racism, as it feeds on the fear of others. Obama encourages individuals to challenge their fears, reach out to people different from them, and avoid being manipulated by the power that thrives on fear. By decoding fear, we can drop our guard, learn about one another, and combat divisions.
Embracing Kindness and Positivity
Obama highlights the importance of treating ourselves and others with kindness and gladness. She shares the story of her friend who starts his mornings by affirming himself positively. Obama acknowledges the power of simple acts of kindness and compassion, encouraging self-love and spreading positivity to counteract the negativity prevalent on social media.
Ellen DeGeneres and Michelle discuss the role fear plays in their lives—why it’s important, the people who would weaponize it, and ways to turn the things that terrify you into rocket fuel. Michelle also tells the story of being forced to decide whether her husband would run for president and the time that inviting a Star Wars character to the White House ended up scarring one of her daughters. Plus, a special lesson on “starting kind.”