1. 5.9 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : As an adult, I’ve lived in a number of places, but as far as I’m concerned, I’ve only ever had one real home. My home is my family. My home is Barack. But here’s the thing—our marriage has never been perfectly 50-50. One of us is always needing more or giving more. We have to be willing to listen to each other, honestly and without defensiveness. Only then, can we evolve together. Over the years, a lot of young people have asked me about marriage. And my response usually goes something like this: You have to prepare yourself for long stretches of discord and discomfort. You have to learn how to make real compromises in the way you’ve lived as an individual. Glamorizing a relationship while you’re dating will lead you straight to difficulty once you’re married. You can’t paper over problems when you’re living with someone day in and day out. So you’ve got to ask yourself: What are you trying to get out of this relationship? Have you truly thought it through? Do you want a wedding or do you want a lifelong partnership? Those are two very different things. Together, you are answering the question: Who are we and who do we want to be? Now I want to hear from you. What advice would you share about marriage or relationships? #TheLightWeCarry
Likes : 5886158
2. 3.3 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy birthday to my favorite thoughtful guy. Love you, always, @BarackObama. 🥰
Likes : 3265072
3. 2.8 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : 31 years, and a lifetime to go. I love going through life with you by my side, @BarackObama. Happy anniversary, honey! ❤️
Likes : 2766320
4. 2.3 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy Valentine’s Day, @BarackObama! I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to navigate life with. Love you! 💘 Photo credit: Amos Jackson III
Likes : 2254688
5. 1.6 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show. Stephen was an incredible force—someone who radiated kindness and positivity, and made sure that people around him could feel it, too. We felt his spirit in every dance, every DJ set, every piece of creativity that he brought to life. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia. And if any of you out there are struggling and need someone to talk to, please know that you are never alone. There is always someone ready to help. You can call or text the suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988.
Likes : 1606196
6. 1.5 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with love, gratitude, and a whole lot of great food. From our family to yours, have a happy Thanksgiving!
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7. 1 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I will miss my friend, Tafari…the emptiness is hard. But I promise to stay strong, keep living, and honor your legacy in every way possible. Rest in peace, my brother.
Likes : 1008059
8. 1 Million Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I will miss my friend, Tafari…the emptiness is hard. But I promise to stay strong, keep living, and honor your legacy in every way possible. Rest in peace, my brother.
Likes : 1008059
9. 898.3K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy Father’s Day to all of the amazing dads out there — and to this guy in particular. @BarackObama, thank you for being such a loving, caring, and attentive dad to our two beautiful girls. We love you so much! 💕
Likes : 898345
10. 868.1K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : It was so wonderful to see @MindyKaling honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Biden this week for her trailblazing work across television, film, and books. In #TheLightWeCarry, I write about Mindy in a chapter that explores the feeling of being an “other” or an “only” that many of us experience. Sometimes it’s because of our race or ethnicity; other times it’s our gender; for me growing up, it was my height. Whatever the reason, those differences that make us stand out and often lead us to shrink ourselves. When Mindy started on The Office, she was twenty-four-years old and the only woman and person of color writing on the show. Now, Mindy could have decided to let those feelings of doubt take over, but she didn’t. She stepped forward. She endured the discomfort of being an “only,” drilled down on the work, and because of that—she was able to make more space for others coming up behind her, creating room for more storytellers and more stories along the way. Since then, she’s become a powerhouse in her field, creating, producing, writing, and starring in multiple hit TV shows and movies, nearly all of which feature the stories of women of color. With her work, she’s widened the sphere for belonging and empowering so many women along the way by allowing themselves to be seen. Congrats on the award, Mindy! You deserve it. #WomensHistoryMonth
Likes : 868144
11. 868.1K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : It was so wonderful to see @MindyKaling honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Biden this week for her trailblazing work across television, film, and books. In #TheLightWeCarry, I write about Mindy in a chapter that explores the feeling of being an “other” or an “only” that many of us experience. Sometimes it’s because of our race or ethnicity; other times it’s our gender; for me growing up, it was my height. Whatever the reason, those differences that make us stand out and often lead us to shrink ourselves. When Mindy started on The Office, she was twenty-four-years old and the only woman and person of color writing on the show. Now, Mindy could have decided to let those feelings of doubt take over, but she didn’t. She stepped forward. She endured the discomfort of being an “only,” drilled down on the work, and because of that—she was able to make more space for others coming up behind her, creating room for more storytellers and more stories along the way. Since then, she’s become a powerhouse in her field, creating, producing, writing, and starring in multiple hit TV shows and movies, nearly all of which feature the stories of women of color. With her work, she’s widened the sphere for belonging and empowering so many women along the way by allowing themselves to be seen. Congrats on the award, Mindy! You deserve it. #WomensHistoryMonth
Likes : 868144
12. 868.1K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : It was so wonderful to see @MindyKaling honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Biden this week for her trailblazing work across television, film, and books. In #TheLightWeCarry, I write about Mindy in a chapter that explores the feeling of being an “other” or an “only” that many of us experience. Sometimes it’s because of our race or ethnicity; other times it’s our gender; for me growing up, it was my height. Whatever the reason, those differences that make us stand out and often lead us to shrink ourselves. When Mindy started on The Office, she was twenty-four-years old and the only woman and person of color writing on the show. Now, Mindy could have decided to let those feelings of doubt take over, but she didn’t. She stepped forward. She endured the discomfort of being an “only,” drilled down on the work, and because of that—she was able to make more space for others coming up behind her, creating room for more storytellers and more stories along the way. Since then, she’s become a powerhouse in her field, creating, producing, writing, and starring in multiple hit TV shows and movies, nearly all of which feature the stories of women of color. With her work, she’s widened the sphere for belonging and empowering so many women along the way by allowing themselves to be seen. Congrats on the award, Mindy! You deserve it. #WomensHistoryMonth
Likes : 868144
13. 801.6K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : From our family to yours, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas filled with happiness, light, and joy! 🎄 As we get ready to wrap up this year and look to the next, let’s remember to reflect on our blessings and channel them into giving back and being kind to those around us.
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14. 759.9K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!
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15. 695.1K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy birthday, Mom! I would not be who I am without you, and I am grateful for you each and every day. ❤️
Likes : 695102
16. 611.6K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy birthday to my mom’s favorite child—my big brother @CraigMalRob. We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together, and we’ve been there for one another for everything in between. I’m just so lucky to have you in my life. Love you, Craig!
Likes : 611618
17. 609.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Barack and I just got back from Australia—and we loved every minute of this trip! From visiting the famous Sydney Opera House to exploring the beautiful wildlife to catching up with great friends, this was the perfect first visit for me. I am so grateful for the generosity and hospitality the Australian people showed me and Barack everywhere we went. I’ve been wanting to visit for such a long time, and can’t wait to go back!
Likes : 609669
18. 609.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Barack and I just got back from Australia—and we loved every minute of this trip! From visiting the famous Sydney Opera House to exploring the beautiful wildlife to catching up with great friends, this was the perfect first visit for me. I am so grateful for the generosity and hospitality the Australian people showed me and Barack everywhere we went. I’ve been wanting to visit for such a long time, and can’t wait to go back!
Likes : 609669
19. 609.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Barack and I just got back from Australia—and we loved every minute of this trip! From visiting the famous Sydney Opera House to exploring the beautiful wildlife to catching up with great friends, this was the perfect first visit for me. I am so grateful for the generosity and hospitality the Australian people showed me and Barack everywhere we went. I’ve been wanting to visit for such a long time, and can’t wait to go back!
Likes : 609669
20. 609.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Barack and I just got back from Australia—and we loved every minute of this trip! From visiting the famous Sydney Opera House to exploring the beautiful wildlife to catching up with great friends, this was the perfect first visit for me. I am so grateful for the generosity and hospitality the Australian people showed me and Barack everywhere we went. I’ve been wanting to visit for such a long time, and can’t wait to go back!
Likes : 609669
21. 601.3K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I’m having such a wonderful time seeing so many of you on my #TheLightWeCarry book tour. @TylerPerry, thank you for joining me these last two nights in Atlanta. And to those who are following along, thank you for picking up the book and sharing the tools that have helped you along the way. Keep your reflections coming!
Likes : 601276
22. 601.3K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I’m having such a wonderful time seeing so many of you on my #TheLightWeCarry book tour. @TylerPerry, thank you for joining me these last two nights in Atlanta. And to those who are following along, thank you for picking up the book and sharing the tools that have helped you along the way. Keep your reflections coming!
Likes : 601276
23. 601.3K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I’m having such a wonderful time seeing so many of you on my #TheLightWeCarry book tour. @TylerPerry, thank you for joining me these last two nights in Atlanta. And to those who are following along, thank you for picking up the book and sharing the tools that have helped you along the way. Keep your reflections coming!
Likes : 601276
24. 601.3K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I’m having such a wonderful time seeing so many of you on my #TheLightWeCarry book tour. @TylerPerry, thank you for joining me these last two nights in Atlanta. And to those who are following along, thank you for picking up the book and sharing the tools that have helped you along the way. Keep your reflections coming!
Likes : 601276
25. 598.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy birthday, Malia! I feel so lucky to be your mom and to be able to watch you become the wonderful young woman you are today. Love you so much! 💕
Likes : 598686
26. 574.9K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Every time I tell people how much I love to knit, they seem so surprised! But it truly has become one of my most meaningful (and fun) pastimes. For me, knitting is a release. It lets my hands lead the way as my mind trails behind. And it turns out that knitting was buried in my DNA–I am the descendant of many seamstresses. My mom shared with me that every woman on her side of the family learned how to work a needle and thread, to sew, crochet, and knit. During the peak of the pandemic, when everything felt so bleak, the act of stitching, purling, casting on and off is how I kept my anxiety at bay. Practicing it roots me in this idea that I talk about in my book, The Light We Carry called “the power of small.” It’s the idea that narrowing your focus into a small, seemingly insignificant task can remind us of our own agency. It shows us our own ability to build, create, and succeed. I truly believe that when you know you are capable of small tasks, it makes the bigger ones feel easier. In this case, every small stitch builds into a bigger purpose. What’s something that you’ve picked up as a hobby or practice that has helped you during these last few years? I’d love to hear from you in the comments. And if you have some photos, tag me in your post using #TheLightWeCarry. 🧶 Photo credit: Merone Hailemeskel
Likes : 574935
27. 566.6K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I wanted to share some of my thoughts on today’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action:
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28. 566.6K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I wanted to share some of my thoughts on today’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action:
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29. 566.6K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I wanted to share some of my thoughts on today’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action:
Likes : 566565
30. 492.8K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Thank you all for the birthday love. I say this a lot, and I mean it—I love you back, and I am so grateful for you supporting me during every step of my journey. ❤️
Likes : 492825
31. 422.2K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : Happy birthday to my baby girl! Sasha, you bring so much light and joy to our lives—always have, always will. I’m so excited to see what this new year will bring you. Love you so much! 💕
Likes : 422244
32. 392.5K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by relatives—grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and more—with stories to tell and a willingness to share them. Over the years, through these conversations, I learned that I was the descendant of slaves—my grandfather’s grandmother lived her life in bondage. Discovering that slavery was a part of my family’s story was painful and sobering. Like many African Americans, reflecting on this dark part of our history is never comfortable. And it still opens up wounds that many of us still aren’t ready to deal with just yet. But to this day, I am so grateful for the chance to hear about my ancestors. Because despite how difficult it was to hear some of them, it helped me develop a greater sense of self—and gave me motivation to keep going, work my hardest, and be the best that I could be. I want my story to honor theirs. I want to make the most of my opportunities when so many who came before me had so few. And that’s why the film Descendant on Netflix means so much to me. It comes from our production company, @HigherGroundMedia, and it tells the story of the descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, which is believed to be the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States. To me, the film is about navigating the delicate parts of our history—and the power that comes from learning about the people who came before you. It’s about reclaiming our stories—and owning them for ourselves. Have you had a chance to check it out? Did it make you reflect about your own ancestry, too? I’d love to know if there is an ancestor of yours who has influenced your life. Tell me more in the comments and join the Descendant Challenge by sharing photos and more about your family history using the hashtag #DescendantChallenge. I wanted to share these photos of various members of my family with all of you. I can’t wait to hear about your story, too.
Likes : 392458
33. 392.5K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by relatives—grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and more—with stories to tell and a willingness to share them. Over the years, through these conversations, I learned that I was the descendant of slaves—my grandfather’s grandmother lived her life in bondage. Discovering that slavery was a part of my family’s story was painful and sobering. Like many African Americans, reflecting on this dark part of our history is never comfortable. And it still opens up wounds that many of us still aren’t ready to deal with just yet. But to this day, I am so grateful for the chance to hear about my ancestors. Because despite how difficult it was to hear some of them, it helped me develop a greater sense of self—and gave me motivation to keep going, work my hardest, and be the best that I could be. I want my story to honor theirs. I want to make the most of my opportunities when so many who came before me had so few. And that’s why the film Descendant on Netflix means so much to me. It comes from our production company, @HigherGroundMedia, and it tells the story of the descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, which is believed to be the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States. To me, the film is about navigating the delicate parts of our history—and the power that comes from learning about the people who came before you. It’s about reclaiming our stories—and owning them for ourselves. Have you had a chance to check it out? Did it make you reflect about your own ancestry, too? I’d love to know if there is an ancestor of yours who has influenced your life. Tell me more in the comments and join the Descendant Challenge by sharing photos and more about your family history using the hashtag #DescendantChallenge. I wanted to share these photos of various members of my family with all of you. I can’t wait to hear about your story, too.
Likes : 392458
34. 392.5K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by relatives—grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and more—with stories to tell and a willingness to share them. Over the years, through these conversations, I learned that I was the descendant of slaves—my grandfather’s grandmother lived her life in bondage. Discovering that slavery was a part of my family’s story was painful and sobering. Like many African Americans, reflecting on this dark part of our history is never comfortable. And it still opens up wounds that many of us still aren’t ready to deal with just yet. But to this day, I am so grateful for the chance to hear about my ancestors. Because despite how difficult it was to hear some of them, it helped me develop a greater sense of self—and gave me motivation to keep going, work my hardest, and be the best that I could be. I want my story to honor theirs. I want to make the most of my opportunities when so many who came before me had so few. And that’s why the film Descendant on Netflix means so much to me. It comes from our production company, @HigherGroundMedia, and it tells the story of the descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, which is believed to be the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States. To me, the film is about navigating the delicate parts of our history—and the power that comes from learning about the people who came before you. It’s about reclaiming our stories—and owning them for ourselves. Have you had a chance to check it out? Did it make you reflect about your own ancestry, too? I’d love to know if there is an ancestor of yours who has influenced your life. Tell me more in the comments and join the Descendant Challenge by sharing photos and more about your family history using the hashtag #DescendantChallenge. I wanted to share these photos of various members of my family with all of you. I can’t wait to hear about your story, too.
Likes : 392458
35. 392.5K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by relatives—grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins, and more—with stories to tell and a willingness to share them. Over the years, through these conversations, I learned that I was the descendant of slaves—my grandfather’s grandmother lived her life in bondage. Discovering that slavery was a part of my family’s story was painful and sobering. Like many African Americans, reflecting on this dark part of our history is never comfortable. And it still opens up wounds that many of us still aren’t ready to deal with just yet. But to this day, I am so grateful for the chance to hear about my ancestors. Because despite how difficult it was to hear some of them, it helped me develop a greater sense of self—and gave me motivation to keep going, work my hardest, and be the best that I could be. I want my story to honor theirs. I want to make the most of my opportunities when so many who came before me had so few. And that’s why the film Descendant on Netflix means so much to me. It comes from our production company, @HigherGroundMedia, and it tells the story of the descendants of the survivors of the Clotilda, which is believed to be the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the United States. To me, the film is about navigating the delicate parts of our history—and the power that comes from learning about the people who came before you. It’s about reclaiming our stories—and owning them for ourselves. Have you had a chance to check it out? Did it make you reflect about your own ancestry, too? I’d love to know if there is an ancestor of yours who has influenced your life. Tell me more in the comments and join the Descendant Challenge by sharing photos and more about your family history using the hashtag #DescendantChallenge. I wanted to share these photos of various members of my family with all of you. I can’t wait to hear about your story, too.
Likes : 392458
36. 388.6K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : A few weeks ago, I launched The Light Podcast to share the engaging and meaningful conversations from The Light We Carry book tour with listeners worldwide. At the heart of this series is the belief that we all possess a warmth within us that, when shared honestly and vulnerably, has the power to light up our lives, our communities, and the world. I am so grateful to everyone who has listened so far and shared their reflections. I also want to thank @Starbucks and @Intuit for their support of #TheLightPodcast. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the rest of the season!
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37. 365.8K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : In knitting, when you create the first stitch of a new project, you cast on. When an item is finished, you bind off. Both of these actions, I’ve found, are incredibly satisfying bookends of something manageable and finite. Knitting has truly become one of my favorite pastimes, and I’ve enjoyed the feeling of slowing down and creating something from hand. I know so many of you are knitters – I’d love to see something you’ve proudly made and hear why you enjoy knitting so much. Use #TheLightWeCarry so I can see your posts! 🧶
Likes : 365779
38. 365.8K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : In knitting, when you create the first stitch of a new project, you cast on. When an item is finished, you bind off. Both of these actions, I’ve found, are incredibly satisfying bookends of something manageable and finite. Knitting has truly become one of my favorite pastimes, and I’ve enjoyed the feeling of slowing down and creating something from hand. I know so many of you are knitters – I’d love to see something you’ve proudly made and hear why you enjoy knitting so much. Use #TheLightWeCarry so I can see your posts! 🧶
Likes : 365779
39. 362.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I never could have imagined that the phrase “when they go low, we go high” would become synonymous with my name. So, over the six years since I said those words at the Democratic National Convention, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect about the concept more broadly. And in The Light We Carry, I wrote about it. For a long time, “going high” was a simple mantra that Barack and I used to encourage each other. It was a simplification of our ideals, everything we’d gleaned from our upbringings that had been simmered into us over time: Tell the truth, do your best by others, keep perspective, and find a way to stay tough through it all. And let’s be clear: Going high doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s not disengagement or simply turning the other cheek. It’s about making your work count and your voice heard in a way that’s authentic to you and constructive for others. It’s about making sure your commitment to dignity and decency lights the way in everything you do—how you treat others, how you show up in the world, how you respond when your back’s against a wall. So as we wrap up this year and look to the start of a new one, let’s remember the power that lies in our words and our actions. Some folks are always going to try to bring us down. But the moment we stoop down to their level? That’s the moment we surrender our power to them. So for me, even when it’s hard, even when we don’t feel like we want to, going high will always be the answer. #TheLightWeCarry
Likes : 362684
40. 362.7K Likes
Michelle Obama Instagram
Caption : I never could have imagined that the phrase “when they go low, we go high” would become synonymous with my name. So, over the six years since I said those words at the Democratic National Convention, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect about the concept more broadly. And in The Light We Carry, I wrote about it. For a long time, “going high” was a simple mantra that Barack and I used to encourage each other. It was a simplification of our ideals, everything we’d gleaned from our upbringings that had been simmered into us over time: Tell the truth, do your best by others, keep perspective, and find a way to stay tough through it all. And let’s be clear: Going high doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s not disengagement or simply turning the other cheek. It’s about making your work count and your voice heard in a way that’s authentic to you and constructive for others. It’s about making sure your commitment to dignity and decency lights the way in everything you do—how you treat others, how you show up in the world, how you respond when your back’s against a wall. So as we wrap up this year and look to the start of a new one, let’s remember the power that lies in our words and our actions. Some folks are always going to try to bring us down. But the moment we stoop down to their level? That’s the moment we surrender our power to them. So for me, even when it’s hard, even when we don’t feel like we want to, going high will always be the answer. #TheLightWeCarry
Likes : 362684