Michelle Obama recently shared a valuable lesson on how to navigate the overwhelming chaos of celebrity gossip and negativity.
At the SXSW event, where she was promoting her podcast IMO with her brother Craig Robinson, the former First Lady opened up about how she’s managed the relentless scrutiny over the years.
Michelle Obama on Confronting Negative Energy
The 61-year-old mother of two didn’t hold back as she spoke about the negativity that has been thrown at her family over the years.
“Negative energy? We’ve had our fair share,” Michelle remarked.
She recalled the barrage of false claims from the early days of her husband’s presidency, including accusations like Barack Obama not being born in the U.S. and the family being unpatriotic. “The noise was relentless,” she added.
But rather than letting it get to her, Michelle and her family found ways to stay grounded.
“We never let social media dictate our sanity,” she explained.
She’s never been one to scroll through comment sections, saying, “Why feed the beast?”
Addressing Marriage Rumors and Media Scrutiny
Michelle also touched on the challenges her marriage has faced in the public eye, particularly after some key events.
The Obamas were the subject of intense rumors following Barack’s solo appearances at Donald Trump’s inauguration and Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
This led to whispers about their relationship and even claims of a potential split.
However, Michelle and Barack quickly shut down these rumors.
A heartfelt Valentine’s Day selfie with a caption reading “my rock” and a touching birthday tribute from Barack calling her “the love of my life” silenced the gossip.
“We’ve been married 32 years,” Michelle reminded everyone. “Through it all, we’ve learned to tune out the noise.”
Her key piece of advice? “Stay informed, but don’t let strangers’ opinions poison your peace.”
The IMO Podcast: Real Talk About Relationships
Michelle and Craig Robinson’s podcast IMO dives into relationship topics but steers clear of drama and gossip.
“We discuss divorce,” Michelle shared, “but only my brother’s split from his first wife.”
Fans have been eager to hear more about Michelle’s own experiences, but she’s keeping things lighthearted and honest.
“We’re relaxed, honest – no scandals here,” she said.
She also shared a funny story about her husband’s habits.
“Barack’s lateness used to drive me mad,” she laughed. “He’d be searching for his glasses while I was ready to leave.”
But after over 30 years together, she says he’s “made progress.”
The Ongoing Rumors and the Age of Misinformation
Despite their strong front, Michelle and Barack Obama continue to face unfounded rumors about their marriage, including a viral podcast that claimed they were “living separate lives.”
Michelle’s response to the persistent gossip? “Don’t let strangers define your reality.”
It’s a message that resonates strongly in today’s world of viral misinformation.
“We’ve been through fire and come out stronger,” she said, offering a reminder of the power of resilience. “And if you’re smart, you’ll do the same.”
Michelle’s Advice to Stay Off the Phone
Michelle’s final piece of advice, especially in today’s age of constant distractions, was simple yet powerful: “Get off the phone and live real life.”
It’s a reminder to focus on the present and not get lost in the noise of social media.
Do you agree with Michelle’s advice to disconnect from the digital world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!