My hero Jimmy Carter was a peacemaker, a public servant, a man of faith, a devoted partner to Rosalynn—and a Guinea worm’s worst nightmare. I knew him best as a global health advocate and deeply admired his dedication to taking on diseases that impact the world’s poorest people, like Guinea worm disease. When President Carter left office, there were more than 3.5 million cases of this painful, debilitating disease around the world each year. This year, thanks in no small part to the work of the Carter Center, that number was down to single digits. He dreamed of outliving the last Guinea worm—and came incredibly close. As he traveled around the world meeting with heads of state, monitoring elections, visiting clinics, and building homes, he took time to connect to the people he met. He believed in removing the barriers that separated a man like him—a former President and Nobel Prize winner—from people living with the realities of poverty and disease. One of my favorite teachings says: “To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded.” We honor President Carter by remembering that because of him, life is healthier, better, and safer not just for one life, but for millions. (Photo by Brownie Harris/Corbis via Getty Images)
Thank you, @people, for giving me the space to share my story and talk about my new book, The Next Day ✨ Read the article at the link in my bio.
Thank you, @people, for giving me the space to share my story and talk about my new book, The Next Day ✨ Read the article at the link in my bio.
Wishing you a merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season full of quality time with loved ones, delicious treats, and festive outfits 😉 Here’s a throwback Christmas photo of my mom, dad, siblings, and me from 1983 🎄
I used to be a therapy skeptic. It’s not that I was against it—I knew plenty of people who swore by therapy, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest it to loved ones. But I thought of it as something for other people. A good friend helped me see it differently. One day, years ago, when it was obvious I was feeling stretched thin, she pulled me aside and gently asked: Are you talking to a therapist? I wasn’t, but I told her I’d consider it. The first therapist I went to wasn’t a fit, and I started making excuses to postpone or cancel our sessions. But when the issues I was dealing with escalated, and I had a particularly terrifying panic attack, I knew I owed it to myself—and the people around me—to try again. Thankfully, the second therapist I saw changed everything. (In fact, I still see her almost every week—ten years later!) It took time and a lot of effort and patience on my part, but she helped me reconnect with the inner voice I had lost touch with over the years. Learning to trust that voice not only empowered me to show up more authentically at home and at work, but it helped me navigate some of my hardest moments with clarity and conviction. Therapy isn’t the same for everyone, and it can take time to see how it works for you. If you’re a therapy skeptic like I used to be, I get it. But I’ve learned that sometimes we owe it to ourselves to try the thing we’re unsure about. I did, and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I write about the role therapy played in my life in my new book, The Next Day, which you can learn more about at the link in my bio.
I used to be a therapy skeptic. It’s not that I was against it—I knew plenty of people who swore by therapy, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest it to loved ones. But I thought of it as something for other people. A good friend helped me see it differently. One day, years ago, when it was obvious I was feeling stretched thin, she pulled me aside and gently asked: Are you talking to a therapist? I wasn’t, but I told her I’d consider it. The first therapist I went to wasn’t a fit, and I started making excuses to postpone or cancel our sessions. But when the issues I was dealing with escalated, and I had a particularly terrifying panic attack, I knew I owed it to myself—and the people around me—to try again. Thankfully, the second therapist I saw changed everything. (In fact, I still see her almost every week—ten years later!) It took time and a lot of effort and patience on my part, but she helped me reconnect with the inner voice I had lost touch with over the years. Learning to trust that voice not only empowered me to show up more authentically at home and at work, but it helped me navigate some of my hardest moments with clarity and conviction. Therapy isn’t the same for everyone, and it can take time to see how it works for you. If you’re a therapy skeptic like I used to be, I get it. But I’ve learned that sometimes we owe it to ourselves to try the thing we’re unsure about. I did, and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I write about the role therapy played in my life in my new book, The Next Day, which you can learn more about at the link in my bio.
I used to be a therapy skeptic. It’s not that I was against it—I knew plenty of people who swore by therapy, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest it to loved ones. But I thought of it as something for other people. A good friend helped me see it differently. One day, years ago, when it was obvious I was feeling stretched thin, she pulled me aside and gently asked: Are you talking to a therapist? I wasn’t, but I told her I’d consider it. The first therapist I went to wasn’t a fit, and I started making excuses to postpone or cancel our sessions. But when the issues I was dealing with escalated, and I had a particularly terrifying panic attack, I knew I owed it to myself—and the people around me—to try again. Thankfully, the second therapist I saw changed everything. (In fact, I still see her almost every week—ten years later!) It took time and a lot of effort and patience on my part, but she helped me reconnect with the inner voice I had lost touch with over the years. Learning to trust that voice not only empowered me to show up more authentically at home and at work, but it helped me navigate some of my hardest moments with clarity and conviction. Therapy isn’t the same for everyone, and it can take time to see how it works for you. If you’re a therapy skeptic like I used to be, I get it. But I’ve learned that sometimes we owe it to ourselves to try the thing we’re unsure about. I did, and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I write about the role therapy played in my life in my new book, The Next Day, which you can learn more about at the link in my bio.
I used to be a therapy skeptic. It’s not that I was against it—I knew plenty of people who swore by therapy, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest it to loved ones. But I thought of it as something for other people. A good friend helped me see it differently. One day, years ago, when it was obvious I was feeling stretched thin, she pulled me aside and gently asked: Are you talking to a therapist? I wasn’t, but I told her I’d consider it. The first therapist I went to wasn’t a fit, and I started making excuses to postpone or cancel our sessions. But when the issues I was dealing with escalated, and I had a particularly terrifying panic attack, I knew I owed it to myself—and the people around me—to try again. Thankfully, the second therapist I saw changed everything. (In fact, I still see her almost every week—ten years later!) It took time and a lot of effort and patience on my part, but she helped me reconnect with the inner voice I had lost touch with over the years. Learning to trust that voice not only empowered me to show up more authentically at home and at work, but it helped me navigate some of my hardest moments with clarity and conviction. Therapy isn’t the same for everyone, and it can take time to see how it works for you. If you’re a therapy skeptic like I used to be, I get it. But I’ve learned that sometimes we owe it to ourselves to try the thing we’re unsure about. I did, and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I write about the role therapy played in my life in my new book, The Next Day, which you can learn more about at the link in my bio.
I used to be a therapy skeptic. It’s not that I was against it—I knew plenty of people who swore by therapy, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest it to loved ones. But I thought of it as something for other people. A good friend helped me see it differently. One day, years ago, when it was obvious I was feeling stretched thin, she pulled me aside and gently asked: Are you talking to a therapist? I wasn’t, but I told her I’d consider it. The first therapist I went to wasn’t a fit, and I started making excuses to postpone or cancel our sessions. But when the issues I was dealing with escalated, and I had a particularly terrifying panic attack, I knew I owed it to myself—and the people around me—to try again. Thankfully, the second therapist I saw changed everything. (In fact, I still see her almost every week—ten years later!) It took time and a lot of effort and patience on my part, but she helped me reconnect with the inner voice I had lost touch with over the years. Learning to trust that voice not only empowered me to show up more authentically at home and at work, but it helped me navigate some of my hardest moments with clarity and conviction. Therapy isn’t the same for everyone, and it can take time to see how it works for you. If you’re a therapy skeptic like I used to be, I get it. But I’ve learned that sometimes we owe it to ourselves to try the thing we’re unsure about. I did, and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I write about the role therapy played in my life in my new book, The Next Day, which you can learn more about at the link in my bio.
I used to be a therapy skeptic. It’s not that I was against it—I knew plenty of people who swore by therapy, and I didn’t hesitate to suggest it to loved ones. But I thought of it as something for other people. A good friend helped me see it differently. One day, years ago, when it was obvious I was feeling stretched thin, she pulled me aside and gently asked: Are you talking to a therapist? I wasn’t, but I told her I’d consider it. The first therapist I went to wasn’t a fit, and I started making excuses to postpone or cancel our sessions. But when the issues I was dealing with escalated, and I had a particularly terrifying panic attack, I knew I owed it to myself—and the people around me—to try again. Thankfully, the second therapist I saw changed everything. (In fact, I still see her almost every week—ten years later!) It took time and a lot of effort and patience on my part, but she helped me reconnect with the inner voice I had lost touch with over the years. Learning to trust that voice not only empowered me to show up more authentically at home and at work, but it helped me navigate some of my hardest moments with clarity and conviction. Therapy isn’t the same for everyone, and it can take time to see how it works for you. If you’re a therapy skeptic like I used to be, I get it. But I’ve learned that sometimes we owe it to ourselves to try the thing we’re unsure about. I did, and I’ve never been happier to be proven wrong. I write about the role therapy played in my life in my new book, The Next Day, which you can learn more about at the link in my bio.
One way I practice self-care is by going on weekly walks with my girlfriends (even when traveling, like here when we were in New Mexico in 2013!), and it’s one of my favorite rituals. Having dedicated time to catch up with one another, get outside, and stay active does wonders for my mental health. What’s your favorite way to practice self-care? #selfcaresundays
I’m so excited to introduce you to my new book, The Next Day. I have to be honest with you: I never expected to write a book like this. But then again, there’s a lot that’s happened in my life lately that I didn’t see coming. This book is near and dear to my heart because it’s about some of the most formative moments in my life and the people who helped me through them. It’s deeply personal, but I like to think readers will relate to a lot of what I talk about—like navigating uncertainty, resisting perfectionism, coping with loss and grief, finding your inner voice, and leaning into new opportunities. The Next Day comes out on April 15, and I can’t wait for you to read it and share your thoughts. You can pre-order your copy at melindafrenchgates.com or at your favorite local bookstore 💝
🌿 My new book, The Next Day, is all about transitions—moments in life when we step out of familiar surroundings and into a new landscape. For me, those have included becoming a parent, losing a close friend to cancer, starting a new chapter in my philanthropy, and turning sixty. The thing is, change is inevitable. Everyone, no matter who you are, will encounter it. I wrote this book to share what I’ve learned while navigating my own seasons of change and to pay tribute to the people who helped me make meaning of it all. I hope there’s something in here that will speak to you and help you feel more confident moving forward when the ground beneath you is shifting. I’m so excited for you to read it. You can learn more about the book, which comes out April 15, and sign up for a few fun surprises at melindafrenchgates.com.
This is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life, and it’s at the center of my new book, The Next Day. What’s a lesson you hold close?
Many years ago, when I was still pretty new to philanthropy, I found myself in a crisis of self-doubt. I had a meeting coming up with a well-known government official I really admired, and I was terrified she was going to think I was a waste of her time. In the days before the meeting, I drove myself (and the people around me!) crazy as I obsessively tried to memorize a 3-inch binder full of statistics and talking points. Imagine my surprise when the meeting arrived, and she walked in… with notes. Unlike me, she hadn’t bothered trying to memorize a bunch of stuff so she could pretend to know everything about everything. She did the logical thing and just brought a notecard. I felt so silly. I used to look back on that experience and cringe. Now, though, I feel a lot of compassion for that younger, insecure version of myself who was trying so hard to get it right. I wish I could go back and tell her: Melinda, you don’t have to pretend to be perfect. No one else is, either. What’s something you’d tell your younger self? #NextDayWisdom
Rosa Parks “There were times when it would have been easy to fall apart or to go in the opposite direction, but somehow I felt that if I took one more step, someone would come along to join me.” —— This #WomensHistoryMonth, I’m reflecting on the women throughout history who gave voice to their values, used their power for good, and inspired others to keep pushing for change. This week, I’ll be posting quotes from some remarkable women whose words of wisdom I’m holding especially close these days. Photo: William Philpott/Hulton Archive
Feeling very grateful as I look back on some highlights from this year ✨
One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to spend time reflecting on the past year. 2024 was a big year for me, so I thought I’d share more about some of the people and moments that made it so special. I hope you’re able to have some quiet, reflective moments in these last few days before the new year🕯️
Valentine’s Day (and Galentine’s Day!) is such a great opportunity to show appreciation to important people in your life. In that spirit, I thought it’d be fun to do a little pre-order giveaway of my new book, The Next Day. If you pre-order the book between now and April 15th, you can sign up for us to send a second copy for free to someone who matters to you. This book is, in many ways, a tribute to my own loved ones who helped me navigate some of the hardest, most meaningful experiences in my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them. I’m guessing you have people like that in your life, too. This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to tell them how much they mean to you. You can visit melindafrenchgates.com (link in my bio) to learn more and sign up.
Valentine’s Day (and Galentine’s Day!) is such a great opportunity to show appreciation to important people in your life. In that spirit, I thought it’d be fun to do a little pre-order giveaway of my new book, The Next Day. If you pre-order the book between now and April 15th, you can sign up for us to send a second copy for free to someone who matters to you. This book is, in many ways, a tribute to my own loved ones who helped me navigate some of the hardest, most meaningful experiences in my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them. I’m guessing you have people like that in your life, too. This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to tell them how much they mean to you. You can visit melindafrenchgates.com (link in my bio) to learn more and sign up.
Valentine’s Day (and Galentine’s Day!) is such a great opportunity to show appreciation to important people in your life. In that spirit, I thought it’d be fun to do a little pre-order giveaway of my new book, The Next Day. If you pre-order the book between now and April 15th, you can sign up for us to send a second copy for free to someone who matters to you. This book is, in many ways, a tribute to my own loved ones who helped me navigate some of the hardest, most meaningful experiences in my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them. I’m guessing you have people like that in your life, too. This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to tell them how much they mean to you. You can visit melindafrenchgates.com (link in my bio) to learn more and sign up.
Graça Machel “Equality is not a women’s issue. It is a societal issue.” —— This #WomensHistoryMonth, I’m reflecting on the women throughout history who gave voice to their values, used their power for good, and inspired others to keep pushing for change. This week, I’ll be posting quotes from some remarkable women whose words of wisdom I’m holding especially close these days. Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images Entertainment
Melinda French Gates – Live in Conversation in London | On Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward In a rare window into some of her life’s pivotal moments, @melindafrenchgates returns to How To Academy with previously untold stories offering a new perspective on how we process change. Wed, 25 June | 7:00pm | London Tickets at howtoacademy.com
THE NEXT DAY by @melindafrenchgates is coming this April! In a rare window into some of her life’s pivotal moments, THE NEXT DAY sees Melinda writing about the joyful upheaval of becoming a parent, the death of a close friend, her life after divorce, and her departure from the Gates Foundation. Sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, the stories she tells illuminate universal lessons about the space between an ending and a new beginning and find the courage and confidence to embrace a new day. THE NEXT DAY is available for pre-order now.
