Loving the Body You're In.
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? For so many of us, it’s easy to focus on the parts we don’t like. Whether it’s a bigger belly, wrinkles, weight gain, or simply feeling like our body isn’t what it “should” be, we can get caught in a cycle of self-criticism.
And believe me, I’ve been there. Let’s start with my nose. My whole life, people have told me it’s too big, or commented on my “big nostrils” or called it things like a “schnauss” or a “bird beak.” Hearing those comments over and over again throughout my adult life started to get to me. And it didn’t stop there—my legs! I’ve always had varicose and spider veins, and at one point, I was so embarrassed that I stopped wearing shorts for about 2 years. And let’s not forget my “mom belly”—the jiggling, stretch-marked stomach that comes from having three kids. My kids even lovingly (or not-so-lovingly) tease me about it.
Really, I could go on and on. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t until I hit my 40s that I started to shift how I felt about my body. If I’m being completely honest, it was because of my kids. They teased me about my belly, and I realized I wanted them to see their bodies, and their future partners’ bodies, in a positive light. I wanted to show them that bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, and that’s what makes them beautiful. So, I started to accept my own body and love it for what it is. It’s called leading by example.
When people tell me they’re embarrassed by their body, I get it. I want to tell them, “Yeah, I was too—until I started to accept all of me.” Those parts of myself I didn’t like? I started to accept them. Eventually, I began to love them.
How to Practice Self-Love for Your Body
Here are a few exercises to help you reconnect with your body and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself:
Mirror Affirmations
Stand in front of a mirror and say three things you appreciate about your body. Start small if you need to—maybe it’s, “I’m grateful for my strong legs that carry me through my day,” or “I love my eyes for how they sparkle when I smile.”Body Gratitude List
Write down everything your body does for you. It breathes, it heals, it gets you from one place to another. Focusing on function instead of appearance can help shift your perspective.Mindful Touch
Spend a few moments gently touching your hands, arms, or shoulders. Notice how your body feels and acknowledge it without judgment. This practice can help you feel more connected to your physical self.Set Intentional Goals
If you want to make changes, frame them positively. Instead of focusing on what you don’t like, think about what you want to achieve. For example, “I want to feel stronger” or “I want to have more energy.”
It’s Okay to Feel Both
You can love yourself and still want to make changes. These feelings aren’t mutually exclusive. Loving yourself doesn’t mean settling—it means approaching your goals with compassion instead of punishment.
You are worthy of kindness, care, and love right now, exactly as you are. The journey toward self-love doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step you take matters.
How will you practice self-love today? Let me know in the comments, or share this with someone who might need a little reminder—they’re amazing just as they are.
