Why Acceptance Is the First Step to Body Confidence

This morning was... interesting.

After dropping the boys off at preschool and school, I came home with a long to-do list swirling in my mind. But instead of launching into productivity mode, I found myself reflecting on something my personal trainer had said earlier that morning.

It’s been about four months since I started training again—after losing my mobility during both pregnancies due to severe Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). (That’s a whole other story, and if you’ve experienced it too, I see you.)

Just before Christmas 2012, I made a choice to treat my body with more love: to move more, eat better, and truly commit to my health. I’m currently a size 14, with a couple more dress sizes to go before I reach my personal goals.

Back to this morning—my trainer reminded me to celebrate my achievements.

It hit me. I do this all the time in my role as a mum. But when it came to my body and my health journey... I’d barely acknowledged my efforts.

So today, I decided to reward myself.
Not with food. Not with scrolling. But with something nourishing—an hour of reading.

I picked up a book I was gifted for my birthday three months ago: Your Best Body by Michelle Bridges. Within the first few pages, I was hooked. I devoured the intro and the chapter on “Best Mind.” And then I read this line:

“Acceptance is the conduit for change… it is the first step in moving forward.”

And I burst into tears.

I know this. I teach this. I coach mums on the power of acceptance all the time. But here I was, realising how far I still had to go in accepting my own body.

The tears passed quickly, and clarity followed. It was time to shift something deep.

I thought of a dear friend who inspired me deeply. She returned from an overseas trip with sudden and severe edema. In a matter of weeks, her body changed from a size 8 to a size 16. But here’s the powerful part—she didn’t tie her self-worth to her size. She embraced her body, every curve, every inch. And with time, healing, and self-compassion, she now sits comfortably at a size 10.

I often wonder: Would she have healed so fully if she hadn’t accepted her body first?

Michelle Bridges suggests probably not. And honestly, I agree.

I ran a warm bath and soaked in her words. Then, as I dried off, I stood in front of the mirror—really stood there. I saw me. I brought the acceptance process to each part of my body, including the ones I’ve tried to ignore or wished away.

My double chin.
My boobs.
My upper arms.
My thighs.
My love handles.

I didn’t rush. I breathed. I softened. I smiled.

I thanked my legs for holding me up, day after day.
I thanked my belly for growing and nurturing two beautiful boys.
I thanked my body for keeping up with this full and beautiful life.

And the big one for me:
“Thank you to my pelvic floor for holding the babies in place, no matter how heavy they got.”

You might be wondering—how does this change anything?

It just does.

I’ve seen this in the mums I work with. The magic of acceptance unlocks so much more than just self-love. It unlocks alignment, trust, and sustainable change.

And I’ll tell you this…
I walked into the kitchen to make a coffee and spotted an open bag of Cheezels.
Usually, that would be the end of the story.

But today, I reached for a baked oat slice instead.
Baby steps.

I know this is just the beginning. I’m excited to see what unfolds from here. And I’d love for you to come along for the journey too.

What part of your body needs your love and acceptance today?
Try standing in front of the mirror, just like I did. Breathe. Acknowledge. Appreciate. And if you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear your experience, because you’re not alone, and your body has been there for you in more ways than you know.