Kim Cattrall has a really important message for women who are worried about aging

Finding a gray hair can be nerve-racking, to say the least. Even though we all experience a fear of aging every now and then, it can be incredibly difficult to notice your body transforming over the years, especially when surrounded by media that (sadly) places way too much importance on physical appearance and impossible beauty standards.

Despite the fact that celebrities may have personal stylists and beauty consultants galore, they are not immune to aging-related worries — and Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall, who turned 59 last month, recently spoke in a BBC interview and gave an inspiring message to women everywhere who are fretting about looking younger.

Kim said that she had a totally shocking age-related moment when she was at the doctor. “I was doing a play on Broadway, and I hurt my knee,” Kim said. “I went to a physiotherapist, and she said, ‘Well, it’s not really going to come back the way it was.’ And I said, ‘Well, what do you mean?’ And she said, “Well, at your age. . .’ And it was the first time I really heard, ‘At your age.’ It was one of those sort of landmarks where you think, ‘What do you mean, it’s not going to be the same?’”

Her doctor told her she has to strengthen the muscles around it. “And I thought, ‘Oh, that’s a fantastic metaphor, isn’t it?’” she said, laughing. Kim realized that what’s really important is to focus on the essential things in life — not trying to get youthful appearances back.

When the interviewer asked what advice she has for women who feel “washed up,” who feel they have neglected themselves for years as they cared for other loved ones — children, partners, or parents, for example — Kim had some fabulous words of wisdom. “I don’t think the answer is in a jar of anti-aging cream or under a plastic surgeon’s knife,” she explained. “I think a lot of women from my generation already know that. I think that you should find something that you love. . . or continue the career you had in some different way. . . Really investing, still, in yourself, in your education, in what you want to do. Do something you love. . . Do it. Do it now!”

YES. We could not be in more agreement. Listen to the full 22-minute interview below, where Kim talks about sensitive issues — the death of loved ones, not having children, relationships, and womanhood in general. Thanks for being so brave, Kim — and for being beautiful, inside and out.

(Images via Instagram.)