Michelle Obama, Monica Arnold and Craig Robinson recently discussed the topic of aging gracefully.
Image: Instagram
American R&B singer Monica Denise Arnold, known simply as Monica, has shared her insightful perspective on ageing gracefully.
In a recent interview on the "IMO Podcasts", hosted by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, Monica opened up about her views on the importance of celebrating each year of life.
A video clip from the interview has been widely shared on Instagram, where Monica emphasised that every year of ageing is worth celebrating.
"A young lady that used to work for me, she cried for weeks before she turned 30. I looked at her and said do you know the alternative to not ageing? The alternative to not ageing is dying, and many people didn’t make it. So when do you celebrate that?" she asked.
At 45 years old, the Grammy-winning singer revealed that she is proud of her age and is not afraid to mention it.
"If you catch me in September, I’ll be saying 46. It’s coming, and I want to be there. I want to get there," she stated.
Monica also offered words of encouragement for younger women who struggle with the concept of growing older.
"It’s how we see ourselves. It’s how we take care of ourselves. It’s how we love ourselves because if you’re beating yourself, you start to look like what you’ve been through. I don’t want to look like what I’ve been through," she said.
Ageing is a sensitive topic for many women around the world, and the discussion between Obama and Arnold prompted women globally to share their experiences.
Boity Thulo (@boity) remarked, "What a privilege it is to AGE."
Talia Oliver (@theclosetratchet) added, "I’ve just never understood why people get so weird over their age. Lol. Like it’s a blessing to be able to age and get older. Why does a number instil so much fear in you? Why is it embarrassing? I’ve never understood that."
Melyssa Ford (@melyssaford) expressed her excitement about turning 50 this year, saying, "Turning 50 this year God willing and I’m so excited and grateful. I’m sinking deeper into the waters of unapologetic living."
Meanwhile, @theaishabee shared a poignant quote: "This reminds me of the quote, ‘everyone gets to be young but not everyone gets to be old’."
Michelle Obama also agreed with Monica, sharing her own views on ageing: "As you get older, it only gets better and better. You become more sure of yourself and confident in your wisdom. Every year of ageing is a success."