Catriona Gray reflects on her 20s: ‘It’s a privilege to grow old’
For Catriona Gray, aging is a beautiful process | Photo from catriona_gray/Instagram
“Life is a gift at any stage. And it’s a privilege to grow old.”
In a celebration of both time and personal growth, these words are penned by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as she shares a reflective moment in life while joyfully embracing her 30s.
The Filipino beauty queen, celebrated for her grace, advocacies, and empowering presence, imparts invaluable lessons acquired throughout her journey in navigating her 20s.
Gray candidly discusses the prevalent fears instilled in her about “aging out.”
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“I just wanted to share lang, in my 20s, maybe it was the industry I’m in, or perhaps being a woman? But I had so many people put the fear of ‘aging out’ on me. Like, as soon as I was in my 30s, so much would change, daw.”
Contrary to these ominous predictions, the TV personality and host goes on to declare, “But now that I’m here, I have no idea what they were talking about. I feel much more capable. I’m more confident and assured in myself because I know myself better. I’ve learned to listen to my inner voice and validate my own vision.”
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Expressing her bewilderment at society’s inclination to shame the aging process, Gray passionately states that she doesn’t understand why people want to stigmatize aging because, for her, it’s a beautiful process—“the journey of coming into your own, realizing your potential, of taking ownership of your story.”
As inspirational as she is, Gray then extends a heartfelt plea to those in their teens and 20s, urging them not to succumb to the societal narrative that suggests a “best before date.”
“So please, if you’re in your teens, 20s – don’t subscribe to the narrative that you have a ‘best before date.’ Cause you don’t. And you won’t.”
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