49 Lessons In Body Acceptance And Self Love

My journey toward body acceptance and self love wasn’t easy because let’s face it: we live in a world obsessed with impossible beauty standards and relentless body shaming.

Thankfully, over the years, I’ve ditched diet culture, embraced my beautiful fat body, and decided that my worth isn’t tied to my size. Now, I’m on a mission to inspire other plus-size women to do the same.

In honor of my 49th birthday (yes, 49 fabulous years!), I’m sharing 49 lessons I’ve learned about body acceptance, self-love, and breaking free from society’s harmful norms.

Some are sassy, some are heartfelt, and some might just make you laugh—but they’re all here to remind you that loving your body isn’t just an option; it’s radical.

Alright, let’s get to it already 😉

1. Embracing your body is a lifelong journey – some days you’ll feel like Beyoncé, and some days you won’t. That’s okay—keep going!

2. Surround yourself with positive, body-loving vibes. Unfollow anyone who makes you feel “less than” on social media. Your feed should hype you up, not tear you down.

3. Self-care isn’t selfish! Bubble baths, naps, or saying no to plans—do what makes you feel loved and cared for.

4. Your body is not a trend. Bodies aren’t “in” or “out.” Embrace your unique beauty and stay timeless.

5. Fat does not equal unhealthy or unworthy. Thin does not equal healthy either. Stop buying into these toxic myths.

6. The number on the scale is the least important thing about you. Ditch it. Your worth can’t be measured in pounds.

7. Have gratitude for your body! Focus on what your body does for you instead of obsessing over what it looks like.

8. You don’t have to be weighed at the doctor’s office. I’m amazed at how many women I have conversations with that do not know this – they think it’s a requirement. Nope it’s not and you can say no!

9. Wear whatever the hell you want. Bikini? Yes. Crop top? Do it. Shorts? Absolutely. Let your belly, thighs, and arms enjoy the sunlight too!

10. Speak up against fatphobia. Whether it’s online trolls or Aunt Karen, call it out (or set boundaries).

11. Embrace clothing and styles that make you feel confident and comfortable. The size on the tags is just a number… stop giving a shit what that number is!

12. Educate yourself about the harmful effects of diet culture. Strive for body neutrality.

13. Confidence isn’t a size. It’s a vibe!

14. Advocate for body inclusivity everywhere—fashion, media, healthcare.

15. Learn to appreciate and celebrate your body. Every curve, roll, and imperfection is what makes your unique beauty.

16. Worthiness and confidence are an inside job. Seeking external validation may help boost your confidence in the moment, but long-term it’s up to you to remember it doesn’t truly come from external validation.

17. Aging isn’t a bad thing! It’s a privilege so embrace the different stages and changes that come with it while honoring the wisdom you’ve gained.

18. Joyful movement: find joy in movement and exercise that focuses on enjoyment rather than weight loss.

19. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and body acceptance through activities such as meditation or yoga (affirmations are a huge one for me).

20. Pay attention & listen to your body. Our bodies are amazing things and tell us what we need. Learn to listen to your body’s needs and respect its boundaries.

21. Positive self-talk: engage in body-positive self-talk and avoid negative internal dialogue.

22. Your body is the least interesting thing about you.

23. Diet culture is toxic!

24. Accept that it’s okay to have insecurities and actively work on self-compassion.

25. Learn about the history & impact of the body positivity movement, fat liberation and the history of fatphobia.

26. Promote body diversity and inclusivity by using your voice and platforms.

27. Celebrate your body as a work of art, deserving of love and admiration.

28. Understand that self-love and body acceptance are ongoing practices with ups and downs.

29. Celebrate small victories and progress on your self-love journey.

30. Engage in activities that challenge beauty standards, such as body-positive events or campaigns.

31. Recognize that you have the right to exist in any space, regardless of your size.

32. Develop a support system of friends and loved ones who uplift and celebrate your body instead of always commenting on your body!

33. Set boundaries with people who engage in fatphobic behaviors or comments. Especially family & friends!

34. Embrace and celebrate the bodies of others, fostering a culture of acceptance.

35. Prioritize mental and emotional well-being as part of your overall wellness.

36. Cultivate body positivity in your plus size body by acknowledging and appreciating all aspects of yourself.

37. Challenge harmful social and cultural norms that perpetuate body shaming.

38. Surround yourself with supportive and inclusive communities.

39. Appreciate the diversity and range of beauty in all body types.

40. Embrace your unique body (and beauty), regardless of societal body & beauty standards.

41. Accept that everyone’s body is different and that comparison is unnecessary.

42. Accept compliments and internalize them rather than brushing them off.

43. Explore self-expression through art, fashion, or any other creative outlets.

44. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations.

45. Your worth isn’t up for debate. Ever.

46. Celebrate your body’s resilience. It’s gotten you through everything.

47. Practice self-care rituals that make you feel good about yourself.

48. Surround yourself with diverse body types in media and social platforms.

Let’s pause for a moment to spotlight my most important lesson of all…

49. STOP COMMENTING ON PEOPLE’S BODIES!

This was the hardest lesson for me to learn, but also the most life-changing. Here’s the deal:

When I was deep in diet culture and engaging in harmful behaviors like starving, purging, and over-exercising, I lived for compliments about my weight loss. Little did people know, those comments fueled a dangerous cycle. Their praise reinforced my belief that my worth was tied to shrinking my body—no matter the cost.

Even after breaking free from diet culture, I’ve seen firsthand how body comments can be harmful. Once, I congratulated someone on weight loss only to find out it was due to a cancer diagnosis. Talk about a wake-up call.

Whether someone’s weight is fluctuating due to illness, grief, stress, or simply existing, body comments are never helpful. They can trigger harmful thoughts, eating disorders, or simply make someone feel awkward. Let’s normalize not commenting on weight altogether.

There you have it – my list of 49 lessons on body acceptance and self love.

Remember, body acceptance and self love aren’t destinations—it’s a journey and requires daily practices. Some days are easier than others, but every step you take is worth it.

So, wear the damn bikini, speak out against fatphobia, and remember: your body deserves love, respect, and celebration exactly as it is.

Now, let’s continue spreading the message of body acceptance and inclusivity. Because when you embrace your body, you inspire others to do the same. 💖