She's encouraged education for girls, championed for equal rights, advocated for American families in poverty, and pushed for healthy living. And that's not to mention the history of titles she's held that make for an impressive resume: First lady, lawyer, mom, style icon, and bestselling author, thanks to her recently published memoir, "Becoming."
As husband Barack Obama said in his presidential farewell address , she's done everything "with grace and with grit and with style and good humor."
It's easy to see how Michelle has become a role model for girls and women everywhere, especially when you consider the advice she's given over the years. Her words have served as soundboard on everything from work and success to relationships and identity.
In honor of her 55th birthday, we've rounded up some of her most inspiring and memorable quotes and wisdom, both serious and lighthearted.
On success
Donn Jones/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On creating global change
Susan Walsh/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On learning to love yourself
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On making a difference
Ed Andrieski/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On having it all
Dario Lopez Mills/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On the power of time
Winslow Townson/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On creating opportunities for yourself and others
Gerald Herbert/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On marriage
Annie Leibovitz/White House;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On the value of women
Alex Brandon/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On carving your own path
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On decision-making
Morry Gash/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On speaking up
Gerald Herbert/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On achievement
David Zalubowski/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On believing in yourself
Charles Dharapak/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On growing up
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On accepting failure
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On boys
Ivan Sekretarev/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On being the bigger person
Danny Johnston/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On female friendships
Evan Agostini/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On authenticity
Jae C. Hong/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
On the future of youth
Susan Walsh/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
SEE ALSO: Michelle Obama says 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' is the worst question you can ask a kid
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