Michelle Obama Showed Off Her Natural Hair Texture on Instagram

Former President Barack Obama celebrated his wife Michelle Obama's birthday with a throwback photo, but in a post of her own, Michelle brushed aside nostalgia and got real. In the black-and-white photo, she shows off her natural, curly hair and said what everyone was thinking about the past year: it definitely wasn't easy for anyone.

Michelle captioned the post with a reminder for everyone to take some time for themselves while politics and the pandemic are still making headlines. She also hoped that her followers are taking some time to find joy in all the chaos.

"Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes!" Michelle wrote. "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. Love you all."

"Happy birthday to my love, my partner, and my best friend. Every moment with you is a blessing. Love you, Miche," Barack's post read. He wasn't the only one that offered some sweet memories. Dr. Jill Biden, who is set to be first lady this week, also posted a message, writing, "Happy Birthday, Michelle."

Last year, Michelle opened up about how difficult 2020 had been for her on her podcast, The Michelle Obama Podcast.

"Spiritually, these are not fulfilling times," she said, adding that she had "some form of low-grade depression."

She couldn't pinpoint one specific thing that was making her feel that way, saying that it was "not just because of the quarantine, but because of the racial strife" that came in the wake of George Floyd's death. Additionally, she said that "just seeing [President Donald Trump's] administration, watching the hypocrisy of it day-in and day-out, is dispiriting."