New Ten of the Month: First Lady Michelle Obama

Last month, I asked all of you to give me your suggestions for our next New 10 of the Month.  Instead of simply telling you who I admire, as we close out this year together and look forward to a new one, I really wanted to know who inspires you, who makes you feel proud to be a woman, who you think embodies the heart and the soul and the spirit of the New 10.

And I have to tell you all – while your choice was definitely not a surprise, it’s one I can support whole-heartedly!

“Whole-hearted” is, I think, a great place to start when describing Michelle Obama.  When I watch her in action – whether she’s talking about her life with a classroom full of school children or meeting with foreign dignitaries — she really seems to do everything she does with a truly open heart.

Do you remember when she shocked Royal-watchers around the world by going beyond the traditional curtsey and actually hugging Britain’s Queen Elizabeth?  It was a breach of protocol, but the Queen actually seemed delighted with Mrs. Obama’s warmth and openness.  And I was too.

Whatever your politics, it’s hard not to see how Michelle Obama exemplifies just about all of the qualities of a New 10.  From a physical standpoint, the way presents herself to the world shows that she is comfortable in her own skin and proud of who she is.  She is clearly not supermodel size, but she takes care of her body and admits to working hard to maintain it.  And she’s not shy about flaunting her best features – especially those toned arms! – which is something I encourage all New 10s to do.

When it comes to choosing what to wear, I really admire the First Lady’s style.  I’m impressed with how, when the occasion calls for designer duds, she gives the spotlight to up-and-coming designers instead of relying on the tried-and-true fashion world superstars that traditionally dress first ladies.  “Being worn” by the First Lady of the United States can make a designer’s career, and she has definitely boosted the profile of some very lucky young artists.

I also like how she wears clothes actual, real people without endless budgets for shopping wear.  One popular campaign dress was an off-the-rack number that cost about $150.  And she’s been known to recycle shoes, cardigans, skirts and other articles of clothing, creating a very unique and accessible signature style.

Of course, we all know New 10 beauty is more than skin deep, so I’m sure you all didn’t choose Michelle Obama because of her toned arms and great fashion sense!  I imagine you admire her for the same reasons that I admire her – because she is a modern woman who seems to have life figured out.  She appears at ease and confident with herself and other people.  You can tell she’s firm and not a person who is easily swayed.  But at the same time, she seems like a genuinely giving person.  And at the same time, she seems happy with her husband, happy with her beautiful daughters, and of course, happy with herself.

You can see it in her smile, which lights up her whole face.  You can see how proud she is to be who she is, and after coming from very humble beginnings, living in the public eye with style, grace and good humor.

So I congratulate all of you on your choice of Michelle Obama as December’s New 10 of the Month.  I have someone very special in mind for next month…but I won’t tell you who it is until next year!

Until then, have a blessed holiday season.

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