Michelle Obama says she has reached a stage in life where she feels more comfortable living on her own terms. At 61, the former First Lady told NPR’s Wild Card podcast with Rachel Martin that she no longer feels pressure to meet every public expectation. Instead, she’s focusing on authenticity, even when that means skipping events people assume she will attend.

Her choices, such as not attending President Donald Trump’s inauguration or the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, drew attention and criticism. Obama acknowledged the reactions but said she wanted to prioritize her own decisions. “Let me define what I want to do, apart from what the world expects of me,” she said, adding that she accepts any backlash that comes with those choices.

Obama also addressed ongoing rumors about trouble in her marriage to former President Barack Obama. She dismissed the speculation with humor, explaining that the couple is “too old for Instagram” and that a lack of online photos does not indicate problems.

Reflecting on her earlier years, she said personal ambitions often took a back seat while she balanced raising her daughters and supporting her husband’s political career. As a working mother and First Lady, she focused on family and teamwork rather than her own goals.

Now, Obama says she is entering a new chapter where her time and priorities belong to her. She emphasized the importance of choosing how to spend her days intentionally, rather than being dictated by public expectations.

Thinking about how many summers she might have left has made her more mindful of how she spends her time. She explained that slowing down and focusing on meaningful experiences is now a priority.

Her goal is simple: enjoy life, savor time with loved ones, and make each year count. By living intentionally and on her own terms, she hopes to model authenticity for others navigating life’s later stages.

Obama’s message reflects a broader lesson about personal agency, self-care, and redefining priorities as life evolves. She emphasizes that it’s never too late to focus on what truly matters to you.