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 explained that she no longer feels pressure to meet every public expectation placed on her. Speaking on NPR’s Wild Card podcast with host Rachel Martin, Obama said she is focusing more on authenticity, even when that means skipping events people assume she will attend. Her decision not to attend events such as President Donald Trump’s inauguration or the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter drew public attention and criticism.

Obama acknowledged the reactions but said she wanted to prioritize her own choices. “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 decisions. Obama also addressed ongoing rumors about trouble in her marriage to former President Barack Obama. She dismissed the speculation, joking that the reason they are not constantly seen together online is simply because they are “too old for Instagram.”

She explained that their lives are not documented every moment on social media, and that people should not assume problems based on a lack of online photos. Reflecting on her earlier years, Obama said her 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 pursuing her own goals.

Now, Obama says she is entering a new chapter where her time and priorities belong to her. She noted that thinking about how many summers she might have left has made her more mindful of how she spends her time. Her goal now is simple: slow down, enjoy life, and make each year meaningful.