Emma Watson has made her return to Instagram - and she's made sure it was an impactful one.
The 33-year-old Harry Potter star hasn't posted on the social media platform since December, but has now admitted that she "stepped away from my life".
After celebrating her 33rd birthday on April 15, the British actor and activist returned with a series of stunning shots, as well as a powerful personal essay for her 70 million Instagram followers.
Sharing six gorgeous shots from her campaign with Prada, Watson captioned one of the posts: "This is 33. Holy moly. Before 29 I hadn’t even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let’s just say that now I am well acquainted." (The Saturn Return is a concept believed by many western astrologers about big changes in one's life.)
The Beauty and the Beast star continued: "I stepped away from my life - I learned to surf (badly), I rode some horses (that went better), I did a lot of therapy (YESS therapy!)."
She added: "I adopted Sofia in Mexico, who seems to be an angel not a dog. We filmed a Harry Potter reunion. I said goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa. I retraced my steps. I started a women’s environmental investment fund. I played Pickleball with @sugarrayleonard and I even played golf and then tried to make all of my girlfriends learn too.
"I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one handed for months."
Touching on the struggles she has faced recently, Watson explained: "I felt really sad and really pissed off about a lot of things. I learned more about love and being a woman.
"It took me three years but I have finally figured out a daily practice and can actually keep it for more than a few days in a row. I burned some things down. I eat green things now! I got obsessed with making Squarespace websites. I directed my first commercial."
She then explains that the photos she shared to mark her return to Instagram were actually taken on her birthday last year, but Watson says she didn't share them as she wasn't ready to come out of her "Covid Cocoon".
She then thanked the "witches in [her] coven", who she says "were so pivotal" in helping her to become the person she is today. "You are my Avengers and you inspire me and kick a**," she adds. "It takes a village, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise."
"And lastly - thank you to my brother @alex.s.watson for helping me find the most challenging things, with time, incredibly funny. Thank you," she says.
And it's safe to say that fans were overjoyed to see Watson return to social media, with one person commenting: "You inspire us all to live life to the fullest."
A second added: "I turn 33 this week also and this made me feel less slumpy about getting older, thank you."
"I love this for you! Happy birthday. May the years continue to bring wisdom and peace to you," wrote a third.
And even fellow former child star Vanessa Hudgens comments on the post, hailing Watson as a "Goddess"!
Happy Birthday, Emma! It's great to see you back.
