Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, reflects on her 61 years on this planet and channels it all into her new book, “The Look,” which came out earlier this month and documents her style evolution over the years. In a video on her Instagram, Michelle explains how important fashion was in defining her identity and writing her own narrative.
At People magazine headquarters in New York City, Michelle spoke to La La Anthony about how her mother, the late Marian Robinson, serves as her North Star when it comes to fashion, motherhood, and living in the moment.
Class Is in Session
GettyIt’s a hard truth that our parents won’t be with us forever. Knowing that, Michelle recalled how Marian always wanted her and her brother, Craig Robinson, to understand that they could live confidently whether or not she was there to guide them. And that’s the same sentiment that Michelle wants to pass onto her own children, daughters Malia and Sasha. She told People, “I want my daughters to know, ‘I love you, you love me, but you don’t need me. You know everything you need to know to be successful.’”
Besides autonomy, Michelle also learned from Marian just how quickly life passes us by, and to be as present as possible each and every day. Michelle reflected on that to La La, “I think that feeling of 60 is about trying to be preset in the feeling. Trying to be present in this moment in my life so that this last chapter is exactly the way I want it to be.”
Moving Forward With Mindfulness
GettyShould she live to 90, which is hopefully likely given her involvement in various health initiatives and intense focus on her own wellbeing, Michelle is aware that she’s now in the final third of her lifetime. And because of that, she stays on top of every aspect. She told People, “My health has always been paramount. What I eat, working out, I go to regular doctor’s visits. I do not miss a mammogram. I do all the things I’m supposed to do.”
And one of those things is another kernel of wisdom that she gleaned from her mother: coloring her hair. This is something Marian did until the day she died, and her daughter is following in her cosmetic footsteps. Because for Michelle, taking care of herself both inside and out isn’t vanity; it’s a form of freedom. Which is a lesson women can embrace at any age.
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