Actress Gabrielle Union has sent a powerful message to women in their thirties, encouraging them to ignore societal pressures and embrace their own journey.
The 51-year-old actress shared the inspiring PSA on TikTok.
“To my girlies in their 30s: Time isn’t running out. It’s not. Feels like it is. If you look at social media — oh my God, you’re running out of time! It’s not. It’s not,” Gabrielle Union, who turns 52 on October 29, joked in the selfie video.
Addressing the common misconception that time is running out in one’s 30s, Union stressed that there is no “checkered flag” at the end of life. She cautioned against comparing oneself to others and urged women to avoid feeling pressured to follow a prescribed path.
“Other people will make you feel like you’re running out of time because they want everyone to do what they are doing so they feel better about their choices.”
Her advice? Don’t give in to the noise.
“There’s no race. There’s no checkered flag at the end of life, where they are like, ‘She did it all!’ Extra stars for when you’re dead?” she added, highlighting how the idea of “having it all” by a certain age is a social construct.
Union then shared a short checklist of possible goals for women in their 30s. “Travel,” she suggested. “Tell people how you really feel. Don’t lie to your therapist. And be OK to not be OK. And be OK with missing out because staying in is more fun.”
Many of Union’s fans and followers felt seen and expressed this in the comments section of her post, which received over 2.5 million views.
“Thank you!! I had a baby at 35 and started my own business at 39!! You can do whatever!! It’s never too late, and as long as you have to breathe in your body, YOU HAVE TIME,” a fan wrote.
Another added, “Sending love to all my fellow women in their 30s. I’m so proud of us ladies making it happen on your own terms!”
Another fan commented, “When you hit your 40s, you realize how young your 30s are. Just listen to her. I promise you’re still young. Enjoy it!”
