(The Hill) – Michelle Obama, the former first lady, who has recently shared insights into the highs and lows of political life, expressed in her latest podcast that she feels “completely free” for the first time.
In the latest episode of “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” — a podcast she co-hosts with her brother — Obama urged women to welcome the “freedom” that comes with aging.
“As we age, we should welcome the fact that we have more time,” she remarked. “We’re no longer consumed with parenting our children. They’re taking care of us. We’re not fretting over whether they are home safely or if they’ve completed their homework.”
“I mean, this stage in life for me, for me personally, is the first time that I’ve been completely free — where every choice that I make in my life is not about my husband, not about his career, not about what my kids need or where they’re going. It’s totally about me,” Obama added.
The remarks came in response to a question from a podcast listener, who was asking for advice for her mom, Sharon, who moved to a new city recently and was feeling reluctant to connect with new people, fearing she would eventually lose them.
Obama encouraged Sharon to embrace the “freedom” mindset.
“And Sharon, you know, if she thinks about it like that, wow, she’s got a new freedom. She’s starting over in a new city. There’s so much to learn and to see and to do,” the wife of former President Obama said.
“It’s like, this is when we start living, ladies,” Obama added. “This is the age when we’re free.”
Since leaving the White House nearly a decade ago, she has written two bestselling books and recently launched the lifestyle podcast “IMO,” a nod to the acronym for “in my opinion.” Obama has discussed openly her personal challenges and triumphs through various stages of her life, from childhood to motherhood to her marriage to the newest chapter of her professional life.
The former first lady revealed in a recent interview that she is in therapy as she adjusts to life as an “empty nester.”
She also rejected rumors of marital strife that surfaced after she skipped President Trump’s inauguration.
“If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,” Obama said.
