Catriona Gray reflects on turning 30: 'I'm creating a life where I know how I define success'
Catriona Gray opened up on some of the lessons and realizations she learned now that she is in her 30s.
In an interview with MEGA Magazine, the Miss Universe 2018 titleholder, who turned 30 years old in January, was asked for some advice that she could give to her younger self as well as individuals who struggling to navigate this part of their lives.
"I think in my 20s, I was just trying to figure out who I was, and I think in that journey, it's really easy to get swept up in the world," Catriona said.
During her younger years, she was faced with the challenge of figuring out what beauty and success meant to her in a society that's "always telling us to work harder, do more, and be more productive."
"Coming into my 30s, I feel much more self-assured, like I know what I want. Although I always had a vision naman, but I think I'm even more concrete," Catriona said.
She continued, "When I stepped out to try and pursue my vision before, it felt scary because it's never been done before and I ended up stepping on toes because I wasn't a 'yes' girl. I wasn't someone who was like, 'You should do this and you should look like this, and I didn't say yes that rubbed people the wrong way."
Despite having second doubts about her choices, the beauty queen ultimately decided that she wanted to stick true to herself and her values.
"Now in my 30s, I feel so grounded in that and it's exciting because I truly feel that now I'm stepping into a place where I'm creating a life that I know how I define success, I know how I define beauty, I know how I define happiness," she said.
"Even though that might evolve and change as I grow older. There's that confidence, I feel a self-assuredness and I think that it's just a nice feeling," she added. "I've really opened up myself in the last few years to be open and to learn from other people."
For her plans in the future, Catriona shared that she is set to start her very first business soon as well as some more exciting projects.
The local star celebrated entering her 30s with a surprise birthday celebration with her nearest and dearest.
"We sang and danced till the early morning. So excited to be entering this new decade surrounded by such amazing people. Thanks also to everyone who has messaged and made me feel so loved!" Catriona said in an Instagram post.
She didn't touch upon her relationship with her fiance Sam Milby after their agency confirmed back in February that the two of them are "currently facing some challenges in their relationship" and are "actively working on resolving these issues together."