A Special Edition Article It Not Grey Hair It My Crystal Era Part 1 👑 By Elaine Elle Espinosa ©️ 2026

THE OPAL ERA: 20s

For many decades, women have considered their 50s an age when they are heading downhill, as if life has only one more half left before they die of old age. Many describe it as "Heading South."

As women, we have considered our 20s the most adventurous years of our lives, when, in fact, they should also be years of planning and creating a lesson plan for the journey ahead before reaching our 30s. I love to call this period "The Opal Era." If you look at an opal gemstone, you will see many colors combined. To me, each color represents an area of our future that we need to establish, where we are heading, and the direction we want our lives to take.

There is an old saying: "Follow your dream, not your boyfriend or friends." Another famous quote is, "Life is short." And indeed, it is! But we don't always take this quote seriously. Many say our 20s should be all about having fun, when they should also be about making wise choices rather than wasting time on moments that won't contribute to a better future. This is the time to start setting up a personal portfolio.

Back in my time, in the '90s, when I was in my 20s, no one gave me good advice or guidance on how to pursue my goals. I was naive and very much alone, left to figure things out on my own. I didn't know what a portfolio was, or anything about stocks, financial investments, credit, or how to become financially successful while remaining secure in my goals in life. No one even bothered to tell me, as if each member of my family or circle of friends kept the secret vault locked away from me.

So, I'm writing this article so you won't regret making the same mistakes I made. At least you have me as your motivation. Every life is different, and not all women will have the same goals or desires. But if you look at your future through your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond, and see each decade as a different gemstone, you will begin to recognize the beauty in each stage of your life. Each gem has its own meaning, representing your plans, dreams, and accomplishments.

In my case, by my late 20s and early 30s, I was already married and struggling. It wasn't a particularly wise choice when it came to choosing the right man, although I should have known better. I was being used, not because he loved me, but because he needed me to raise his status. He was an As#####!

Sorry for the improper language I used, but wait a minute! I will be unapologetic. I'm not sorry; it's the truth. He was a liar, manipulative, and corrupt person, and I thank God I'm out of that situation. I only have myself to blame, but at the same time, I never had the right resources, advice, or help to navigate the process of choosing the right man or understanding that education and career should come first.

I was following my friends' directions and doing what other people told me to do. And let me tell you, people out there will indeed destroy or try to destroy you. That's life. Not everything is bright and peachy, and we surely know that by now. So, make your 20s your Opal Era. It's your gemstone to hold on to!

THE CITRINE ERA: 30s

People say your 30s are your years to become a cougar. To me, in my personal opinion, that's just B.S.! It's all about being sexy and having your sexual urges drive you, when, in fact, it should be your Citrine Era. Look at this particular gemstone: a mixture of yellow with a touch of orange, a glitzy gem that represents adventure, exploration, boldness, and beauty.

When you put it on your finger, it represents a statement that you know your own worth. You are your own world 🌎 to explore, setting boundaries about who accompanies you on your journey and who does not.

These are your traveling years, a time to get to know different places and cultures. Understand that your 30s are about setting aside time to explore as many opportunities around the world as possible. Add a touch of family gratitude, too, if you can. Take your parents with you. One day, they won't be there for you or with you, and their absence will forever deepen the pain in your heart as you wonder why you didn't take them along when you had the opportunity.

I know every life is different, but if you are very close to your mom and dad, why not? Take them along. After all, they sacrificed so much for you. And I guarantee 💯 that your memory will be filled with cherished moments. If you're the queen of your own life, then be a good queen. Nothing is more beautiful than spending time with your parents and living life with them to the best of your ability.

So, travel before marriage, 40-hour workweeks, and kids. Before all these events take place, they may drain your energy to the fullest.

"I KNOW THERE IS NO EXACT AGE WHEN YOU SHOULD GET MARRIED, BUT TRAVEL JUST A LITTLE FIRST, BECAUSE LIFE MOVES FAST. IT'S BETTER TO TRY THAN TO SAY 'WHAT IF?' FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE."

THE EMERALD ERA: 40s

Part 2 continues.