What If You Stopped Criticizing Your Body?

The Story We Carry

I can remember not liking my legs as early as the first year of high school. We had to wear short red shorts for gym class, and mine were always pale and blotchy with blue veins showing because I was always cold. I'd look at the other girls' legs and wish mine looked like theirs. That was the beginning of the story that my legs weren’t “good enough.”

Maybe you have your own version of that story, a body part you’ve criticized for years. Something you see in the mirror and immediately judge without a second thought.

What We Lose When We Only Focus on Looks

Here’s what I’ve learned and continue to learn: when we focus only on appearance, we lose sight of what our bodies actually do for us every single day.

For me, those same legs I’ve criticized for decades have walked me through airports, carried me up hills, allowed me to run races, chased after my kids, held me steady when life felt shaky and countless other things I’ve taken for granted. They’ve shown up for me far more than I’ve given them credit for.

And I know not every body looks, feels, or works the same way. Some people live with different abilities, limitations, or challenges. But every body, in its own way, gives us something to appreciate.

Respect Over Perfection

That doesn’t mean I suddenly love everything I see in the mirror. I don’t. I’m still a work in progress when it comes to liking my legs and a few other parts, too.

Body acceptance is a practice, not a finish line.

It doesn’t mean you’ll wake up thrilled with every inch. What it does mean is shifting from constant criticism to a little more respect.

And for me, that shift comes down to asking a different question.
Not “How does this look?” but “What does this allow me to do?”

That one change in perspective softens the judgment and opens space for gratitude.

The Reframe in Action

That one question changes everything:

• Arms I’ve picked apart still let me carry groceries and hug people I love.

• Legs I’ve wished looked different still carry me through my days.

• A stomach I’ve wanted flatter still gives me balance, laughter, and strength.

Your body shows up for you in ways big and small, even on the days you don’t love it. The least we can do is notice.

Acceptance Takes Time

And here’s the part I want to be clear about: this shift doesn’t happen overnight. I don’t have it all figured out, and you don’t need to either.  Some days it feels easier. Other days, the old stories and comparisons creep back in.

But every time you pause, every time you offer your body a little credit instead of criticism, you’re moving in the right direction.

So here’s something to try: the next time you catch yourself being critical, pause and ask, “What did this part allow me to do today?” Then, offer it one small thank-you for that. It might be for strength, for balance, or simply for carrying you through the day.

It may feel awkward at first. It may even feel forced. But over time, those little acknowledgements add up, and they slowly begin to change the way we see ourselves. 

It’s not about loving every inch. It’s about showing your body more kindness than you did yesterday.