Valerie Bertinelli is well-known for her candidness and ability to respond to critics, and she embodied both traits this week. On Monday, the chef shared a mirror selfie in a bikini on Instagram, where she reflected on the struggles her body has faced this past year. She expressed a sense of gratitude for her body as it is, highlighting her acceptance of its current state despite any imperfections. “Every lump, bump, wrinkle, and saggy part of me just feels acceptance and simple appreciation,” she wrote, noting how she was prepared to color her roots in a hotel bathroom in downtown Manhattan late at night.
However, Bertinelli didn’t shy away from addressing backlash regarding her revealing photo in a subsequent post on Tuesday, declaring, “I don’t care what you think.” She described a newfound love for her body, contrasting it with her past insecurities. “It’s not the 20-year-old body that I hated, and it really is a shame that I hated that beautiful body,” she shared, acknowledging the journey she has taken and expressing her gratitude for it.
Bertinelli encouraged her 1.6 million followers to be kinder to themselves, emphasizing that judgments about appearances should not overshadow personal character. In her more recent posts, she has also shared insights about body standards and self-acceptance. Earlier this year, she dismantled the notion of weight as a measure of worth. “You are enough, just the way you are,” she reminded her audience.
This narrative exemplifies an empowering message about self-acceptance and appreciating one’s body despite societal pressures. It highlights the importance of recognizing individual journeys and embracing change, underscoring that self-love can come at any stage in life. Bertinelli’s story serves as a source of inspiration for many who might struggle with similar feelings about their own bodies.