Actress and celebrity chef Valerie Bertinelli has responded to recent criticism of a photo she shared online, emphasizing self-acceptance and the importance of disregarding external judgments. Bertinelli's powerful message comes after she posted a vulnerable bathroom selfie, which prompted some negative comments about her body.
In an Instagram post, Bertinelli addressed her critics directly, stating, "To all of you that would sit in judgment of my body, the photo, and my reason for posting it, I hope you find a place in your heart to not judge yourself as harshly as you judge others." She shared that she's spent a lifetime dealing with judgment, starting from a young age, and has finally reached a point where she values her own discernment above all else. "I have no power over someone else’s judgment of me and now I have no interest. Finally."
Bertinelli revealed that it took her almost three years of "emotional labor" to reach this point of mental freedom from others' opinions. She now expresses a newfound love for her body, regardless of age-related changes. "It’s not the 20 year old body that I hated and it really is a shame that I hated that beautiful body," she reflected. "Even as challenging as it’s been and is, I am grateful for this journey and I wouldn’t trade this body for my 20 year old body any day. Ever."
In her original selfie post, Bertinelli embraced her "lump bump wrinkle and saggy" parts, highlighting feelings of acceptance and appreciation for her life. This journey of self-love follows Bertinelli's decision earlier this year to abstain from alcohol, focusing on her future and processing past traumas. She now frequently shares inspiring messages on social media, encouraging her followers to appreciate the "miracle of being here."
Bertinelli has previously spoken about her personal struggles, including her relationship with food and the emotional challenges she faced during her marriages to musician Eddie Van Halen and financial planner Tom Vitale.
