Michelle Obama is speaking out about her controversial choice to skip President Donald Trump’s second inauguration — and she’s making it clear she has no regrets.

During a candid conversation with actress Taraji P. Henson on her podcast IMO, which Michelle co-hosts with her brother Craig Robinson, the former First Lady clarified that she is learning to put her own needs first — even when people doesn’t understand.

Michelle, 60, said therapy has helped her get more comfortable saying “no,” even when it invites criticism. “When I decided not to attend the inauguration — or made other choices earlier this year that felt right for me — people immediately assumed the worst,” she shared. “They couldn’t accept that I was simply doing what was best for myself. Instead, they rushed to conclude that my marriage must be crumbling.”

Speculation exploded online earlier this year when Michelle was absent not only from Trump’s inauguration but also from the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Despite the noise, she says the decision wasn’t easy.

“It took everything in me to resist doing what was expected, and instead focus on doing what was necessary for me,” Michelle admitted. She even had to strategize against the temptation to change her mind at the last minute. “I made a point not to have an outfit ready, because I know myself. If the outfit’s hanging in the closet, it’s easy to slip into the role people expect.”

Taraji P. Henson praised Michelle for her honesty, saying too many women act as “shock absorbers” for everyone else’s needs. “Women are expected to carry the emotional burden for their families, their communities, and their public image,” Henson said. “It’s exhausting and unfair.”

Michelle agreed, saying she’s still learning to prioritize herself — not only for her own well-being but as an example for her daughters, Malia and Sasha. “If after everything I’ve achieved, I’m still trapped trying to prove myself to the world, what message does that send to the next generation?” she said.

Michelle made it clear that setting healthy boundaries isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. “I want my daughters to start practicing saying ‘no’ earlier than I did, so that muscle is strong,” she explained.

“And guess what?” Michelle added. “The world keeps spinning even when you say no. It doesn’t fall apart because you put yourself first for once.”

With her latest remarks, Michelle Obama is sending a strong signal: Women don’t need to explain their choices to anyone — and sometimes, doing what’s best for yourself is the most powerful statement of all.

Sources: CBS News