Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama has offered some words of wisdom to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
Though their original career paths -- Obama a lawyer, and Meghan Markle an actress -- are not alike, both American women have been thrust into positions of major influence. Both women have also become advocates for the rights of women and girls globally.
鈥淟ike me, Meghan probably never dreamt that she鈥檇 have a life like this, and the pressure you feel -- from yourself and from others -- can sometimes feel like a lot,鈥� Obama told magazine in an interview before embarking on a worldwide book tour for her best-selling memoir Becoming.
Her advice to the Duchess of Sussex is simple: don鈥檛 rush.
鈥淪o my biggest piece of advice would be to take some time and don鈥檛 be in a hurry to do anything,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 spent the first few months in the White House mainly worrying about my daughters, making sure they were off to a good start at school and making new friends before I launched into any more ambitious work. I think it鈥檚 okay -- it鈥檚 good, even -- to do that.鈥�
Obama said that a focus on issues that she鈥檚 passionate about not only helped others but ultimately had an impact on her own well-being.
鈥淲hat I鈥檇 say is that there鈥檚 so much opportunity to do good with a platform like that,鈥� she said, 鈥渁nd I think Meghan can maximize her impact for others, as well her own happiness, if she鈥檚 doing something that resonates with her personally.鈥�
