Former US First Lady Michelle Obama is speaking candidly about her decision to step back from the public eye and focus on her well-being, sparking conversations around personal freedom, boundaries, and the pressures faced by women in the public sphere.

In a recent episode of the Work in Progress podcast, hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle reflected on her life eight years after leaving the White House and shared how she’s now intentionally prioritizing her own needs.

“I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom,” Michelle said. “Maybe even as much as I let my kids live their own lives, I used their lives as an excuse for why I couldn’t do something.”

Now with her daughters grown and out of the house, she says she has a newfound ability to make space for herself. “I get to look at my calendar   which I did this year and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do or what I thought others wanted me to do.”

Her recent absence from some high-profile political events, including the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, fuelled speculation and unfounded rumours of marital trouble between her and former President Barack Obama.

“That’s the thing we as women struggle with disappointing people,” she said. “So much so that this year, people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

The Obamas, who have been married for 32 years, have previously acknowledged the strains that political life placed on their relationship. In her memoir Becoming, Michelle Obama wrote about the loneliness and emotional toll of Barack Obama’s presidency.

Despite stepping back from some responsibilities, she emphasized that she remains engaged in meaningful work, particularly around girls’ education and the upcoming launch of the Obama Presidential Centre.

“I still give speeches, I’m still working on projects I care about,” she said. “But now, I also make space for myself.”

Michelle Obama’s remarks underscore a powerful message about self-care, agency, and the often-unspoken guilt women feel when choosing themselves -even after decades of service and sacrifice.