Michelle Obama Posts Makeup-Free Birthday Selfie and Reflects on a ‘Difficult Year’

Michelle Obama is reflecting on the “difficult year” as she celebrates her 57th birthday.

The former first lady posted an Instagram message expressing gratitude for everyone who sent positive messages on her birthday, January 17. “Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes,” she wrote alongside a stunning black and white selfie featuring her natural curls and makeup-free face.

She went on to encourage her followers to find joy in “the smallest moments” as we continue to face rising COVID-19 cases and political unrest. “I know this past year has been difficult for us all on so many levels, so I just hope you all are taking care of yourselves and finding joy in the smallest moments,” she continued. “Love you all. 💕”

On January 17, Barack Obama was one of Michelle’s well-wishers, posting a stunning throw-back of his wife along with a short and sweet message to his “love” and “best friend.”

“Happy birthday to my love, my partner, and my best friend,” he shared on Instagram. “Every moment with you is a blessing. Love you, Miche.” 

Earlier in the week, on January 16, Michelle Obama reflected for a second time on the harrowing Capitol attack, as well as the historic Georgia senate run-off election results, which saw the victory of Reverend Raphael Warnock, a Black pastor, and Jon Ossof, a 33-year-old Jewish man. Like many others, Michelle credited the Democrats’ victories to Stacey Abrams, who fought against voter suppression in Georgia as well as shepherded record-breaking voter turnout. 

“With everything happening so quickly, it can be easy to lose sight of all those who act every day to strengthen and carry forward our democracy,” she wrote at the time, encouraging all Americans to follow Abrams’ lead.

“While many of the events of the past week have left us shaken and bruised, we cannot allow the deeply patriotic example of the Black women who drove Georgia’s record-breaking voter turnout to fade into the background,” she continued. “So let’s celebrate their triumph. And let’s follow their lead in our own communities and our own neighborhoods. This work of strengthening our country takes profound hope, unwavering vigilance—especially when an election is a long way off. But most of all, it takes every single one of us.”