On bullying, body shaming, and confidence: What we learned from Catriona Gray’s Twitter Q and A

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On bullying, body shaming, and confidence: What we learned from Catriona Gray’s Twitter Q and A

Rappler

What would you have wanted to ask the reigning Miss Universe?

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray answers questions from her Twitter followers on Sunday, July 14.

Since a power outage hit Manhattan, Catriona had time to answer some fans questions – particularly about building one’s confidence, bodyshaming, what she does during her spare time, and her next trips.

Here are excerpts from the Q and A: 

Advice for someone who is afraid to take risks

Well first make an informed decision. If you still feel like the reward will be worth the risk ie pursuing a dream job, then go for it! You’ll never know unless you try! I risked joining my national pageant and overcame all my fears and it definitely paid off. Goodluck!!


 

Her stand against bullying and bodyshaming

You are so much more than your body! You are you mind and your unique talents and your character and your life experiences and your personality! You are so so much more than the exterior! And people will always remember how you made them feel and not how you looked.

 


 

Obviously I stand firmly against any form of bullying and bashing – online and off. It is never, ever okay to put someone down for the sake of “expressing your opinion.” With words come power and we should be using those words to build someone up and not pull them down.


 

Body shaming is hurtful and shld never be tolerated. If anyone reading this too has been bodyshamed, I know how it feels. I’m sorry you’ve had to experience that. But knw that you are more than your appearance. You are a capable, unique and worthy person. And you are never alone.

 


 

 

I don’t condone any form of bullying or bashing. Even if it’s in response to an initial comment or in the name of “protecting” or “standing up.” If you respond to hate with hate, you have a never ending cycle. All of us have the power to be the difference, and I hope we will.


 

Doing things for fun 

Jigsaw puzzles, netflix, exploring the city, and reading!


 

On confidence

Confidence isnt something you’re born with or that people “just have”. Its like a “muscle” that you have to decide to use and it strengthens the more you work on it. so continue to work on yourself, embrace your uniqueness and be kind and positive!


 

Insecurities will always be there, but your ability to work past them is what you can work on. Be kind to yourself, we’re all works in progress and that’s okay.


Not traveling enough? 

As Ms Universe, I’m the ambassador of an org who’s mission isn’t to visit as many countries as possible in a year but to be a charitable spokesperson and brand ambassador. I feel validated through the cause work that I do – I would rather count lives impacted, than passport stamps.



 —Rappler.com

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