21 of Michelle Obama's most inspiring quotes on work, success, and relationships
Charles Sykes/AP Images
Former First Lady Michelle Obama turned 56 on Friday.
With a history of impressive jobs, efforts to create change nationwide and worldwide, and memorable advice, Obama has become a role model to many.
In honor of her birthday, we collected some of her most inspiring quotes throughout the years.
Michelle Obama is a modern-day revolutionary woman.
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 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 56th 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
Source: Oregon State University Commencement Speech
On creating global change:
Susan Walsh/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On learning to love yourself:
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Interview with Oprah Winfrey for the United State of Women
On making a difference:
Ed Andrieski/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Young African Women Leaders Forum
On having it all:
Dario Lopez Mills/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Interview with Oprah Winfrey for the United State of Women
On the power of time:
Winslow Townson/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On creating opportunities for yourself and others:
Gerald Herbert/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: 2012 Democratic National Convention
On marriage:
Annie Leibovitz/White House;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: 2011 White House luncheon
On the value of women:
Alex Brandon/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: 2009 State Department Women of Courage Awards
On carving your own path:
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On decision-making:
Morry Gash/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Michelle Obama in her Own Words: The Views and Values of America's First Lady
On speaking up:
Gerald Herbert/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On achievement:
David Zalubowski/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: 2008 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address
On believing in yourself:
Charles Dharapak/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On growing up:
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On accepting failure:
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Glamour's 2015 "The Power of an Educated Girl" panel
On boys:
Ivan Sekretarev/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Glamour's 2015 "The Power of an Educated Girl" panel
On being the bigger person:
Danny Johnston/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: 2016 Democratic National Convention
On female friendships:
Evan Agostini/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: "Becoming"
On authenticity:
Jae C. Hong/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Marie Claire
On the future of youth:
Susan Walsh/AP;Yutong Yuan/Business Insider
Source: Final Speech as First Lady
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