With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, love is in the air—but have you taken a moment to show love to yourself? This time of year is often focused on romance, but it’s also the perfect reminder to embrace self-love, especially when it comes to our bodies.
If there’s one thing I want you to know, it’s this: You can love your body exactly as it is while still working toward your health goals. In fact, embracing your body—right here, right now—is the key to sustainable, joyful wellness.
Too often, we’re told that self-love and self-improvement are at odds, as if we have to criticize ourselves to find motivation. But here’s the truth: real, lasting change comes from a place of care, not punishment. When you treat your body with kindness and respect, you create the conditions for transformation that feels good, not forced.
So, how do we strike that balance between appreciating our bodies and striving for progress? Here are three simple yet powerful mindset shifts to help you on your journey:
Celebrate What Your Body Can Do: Rather than focusing on what you wish were different, shift your attention to what your body already does for you. Your heart beats, your lungs breathe, your muscles move—you are already a miracle! If you’re working toward greater strength, endurance, or flexibility, celebrate every small step. That first deep breath in a workout, that extra push-up, that feeling of movement flowing through you—these are victories!
Set Goals from a Place of Self-Compassion: When setting health goals, ask yourself - am I choosing this because I love my body or because I think I have to fix it? Goals rooted in self-compassion are more powerful because they come from a deep desire to care for yourself. Maybe you want to move with more ease, feel energized throughout your day, or nourish yourself with food that makes you feel vibrant. Let your goals be an act of self-care rather than self-criticism.
Make Movement a Celebration, Not a Chore: Exercise isn’t about punishment — it’s about celebrating your body’s ability to move! Find joyful movement that feels good, whether it’s dancing, hiking, yoga, or barre3 (my personal favorite!). When you reframe exercise as a privilege rather than a task, you’ll build a lifelong love for movement.
Remember, you are already enough. Your body is worthy of love and appreciation at every stage of your wellness journey. Approach your health goals with a spirit of gratitude and joy, and watch how beautifully your relationship with your body transforms.
Keep showing up for yourself—you are stronger and more incredible than you know.