Angela Bassett, legendary actress whose poise, strength, and talent have been inspiring Black women for decades, recently took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for younger generations.
In her signature style—poised, genuine, and empowering—Bassett offered advice that cuts straight to the heart of self-love, resilience, and spiritual growth.
“Listen here, younger you,” she begins in the video, leaning into the message as if she’s right there with each viewer.
Bassett doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the reality of life’s heartbreaks, but she’s quick to remind us that what really matters is “your ability to bounce back and be resilient.”
Life, she suggests, is all about relationships, and there’s one relationship she holds above all:
“The premier relationship is with your spiritual self. God, whatever you want to call it, for your life.”
This message is especially resonant coming from Bassett, who’s achieved monumental success while maintaining a steady sense of self, love, and faith.
As an actress, producer, and trailblazer, she’s become a symbol of power and elegance in Hollywood, while still staying grounded in her roots and her spirituality.
It’s a quality that many women look up to, especially those navigating the challenges of identity, success, and self-worth.
In the video, Bassett urges young women to cultivate a powerful relationship with themselves.
“Know that you are more than just a physical being, but you are mind, body, and spirit,” she says, encouraging women to build self-love in tangible, celebratory ways. “Cheer yourself, applaud yourself, kiss yourself, love yourself, appreciate yourself,” she lists, encouraging each of us to truly appreciate ourselves in every moment and at every turn.
But it’s not just about feeling good—it’s about growth and resilience.
“Challenge yourself to be the best that you can be,” Bassett says.
It’s a line that holds deep meaning for anyone who has seen her transformative performances, from What’s Love Got to Do with It to Black Panther.
Her life story is one of dedication, intention, and triumph, and her advice here feels like a reminder to live up to our own potential, no matter what life throws at us.
Perhaps the most reassuring part of her message is her gentle reminder to “not be too hard on yourself.”
In a world where women—especially Black women—often face high expectations and pressures to excel, Bassett’s advice feels like a balm. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to stumble and take time to heal, as long as you keep moving forward.
Bassett closes with a simple message that echoes long after the video ends: “Okay? You’ll be alright.”
