In this post, I’m diving into a topic that’s been a personal journey for me—body appreciation. This builds on the themes we’ve already discussed: body awareness and body acceptance. We’re continuing to climb what I like to call the "body relationship ladder," and at the top is a place of genuine appreciation for everything our bodies do for us.
Why We Struggle With Body Appreciation
For many of us, myself included, our relationship with our body is often negative. We constantly criticize, compare, and wish we could change things. For years, I battled this. I was at war with my body, always thinking it wasn’t good enough, wishing I looked different. This constant struggle was exhausting and left me miserable.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in a loop of hating how you look, you’re not alone. So many of us start at the bottom of the ladder, feeling disconnected and even angry at our bodies. But we can climb out of that, step by step.
The Body Relationship Ladder
Let’s break it down like a ladder:
Body Awareness: This is the first step. It’s about becoming mindful of your body—recognizing it as more than something to critique, but as the vessel that carries you through life. Becoming aware of your body means paying attention to the signals it sends, understanding how it functions, and being present in its experiences. If you missed it, I went into this in detail in episode 33 of The Confidence Chronicles.
Body Acceptance: The next step is accepting your body as it is. We all have things we might want to change, but resisting or denying our current reality only keeps us stuck. Acceptance is not about giving up on goals, but about stopping the war with where you are today. When you stop fighting your body, you free up time, energy, and focus to actually make positive changes. I talked about this in-depth in podcast episode 32.
Body Appreciation: And here we are today. This is where we find ways to appreciate everything our bodies do for us. Body appreciation means showing gratitude for the way your body supports you every single day.
The Importance of Body Appreciation
Why does body appreciation matter so much? Because when we’re constantly criticizing ourselves, it leaves us stuck. Feeling terrible about your body makes it hard to take positive steps toward improving your health or your life. On the flip side, when you begin to appreciate your body for what it is and what it does, you create a foundation of positivity and self-compassion.
Think about all the energy we spend wishing we were thinner, taller, more toned, or shaped differently. If we could redirect that energy into appreciating our bodies, it could transform how we feel about ourselves.
Let’s be real: our bodies are incredible. They’re working every single moment to keep us alive, even when we don’t acknowledge it. Your heart is beating, your lungs are breathing, and your brain is processing thoughts as you read this. Why wouldn’t we want to show our bodies some love for that?
Practicing Body Appreciation
So, how do we start practicing body appreciation? One of the most powerful tools I’ve found is keeping a Body Appreciation Journal. Every day, you write down one part of your body and why you appreciate it. Maybe you appreciate your legs for allowing you to walk. Maybe you’re grateful for your arms because they hug your loved ones. It could be as simple as appreciating your eyes for letting you see the world around you.
I’ll share a personal story. I used to hate my stomach and my arms. These were the parts of me that I struggled with the most. But when I started this journaling practice, something shifted. I began to appreciate my stomach for digesting my food and keeping me healthy. I started appreciating my arms for hugging my children. That moment was emotional for me because it was such a dramatic shift from how I used to feel. Over time, appreciation replaced criticism.
This doesn’t mean I don’t still have moments where I wish my body looked different. Of course, those thoughts come up from time to time, but they no longer control me. The appreciation I’ve developed for my body trumps those negative thoughts.
Body Appreciation vs. Diet Culture and Toxic Positivity
I also want to address something that’s been on my mind. While it’s great that there’s more focus on body positivity these days, I believe there are harmful extremes in both diet culture and the body positivity movement. On one side, we have a toxic diet culture that tells us we’re only worthy if we fit a certain size or look a certain way. On the other side, there are parts of the body positivity movement that can make it seem like it’s wrong to want to change your body. Both of these extremes can be damaging.
At the end of the day, it’s your body and your choice. Whether you want to lose weight, gain weight, or stay exactly where you are, it’s important to come from a place of love and compassion, not because someone else is telling you what you should or shouldn’t do. You have the power to decide what’s best for you.
Reconnecting with Your Body
The key to this journey is reconnecting with your body and working with it, rather than against it. Everything changes once you shift from viewing your body as an enemy to seeing it as a friend. Your body becomes a priority, and you start caring for it in ways that feel good. This meant changing how I nourish my body, even when I’m not feeling well. Years ago, when I was sick, I would reach for ginger ale, saltine crackers, and ice cream. Now, the priority is to fuel my body with things that will help it recover and feel its best. This doesn’t mean I never indulge, but I ask myself, “What will make me feel good?” When you appreciate your body, you naturally want to care for it in a way that supports its well-being.
Start Your Journey to Body Appreciation
If you’re ready to start this journey, I invite you to practice body appreciation today. Take a moment to write down one thing you appreciate about your body and why; do this for 30 days and see how it shifts your mindset. You might be surprised by how quickly you start feeling more connected to your body.
Remember, body appreciation is not a destination—it’s a process. Like any relationship, the one you have with your body takes time and effort to nurture. But it’s worth it. The more you practice, the more you’ll feel at peace with your body and empowered in life.
If you want guidance and support on your journey, I’d love to work with you. Book a discovery call with me to see how coaching can help you build a more positive, loving relationship with your body.
Pick a day and time that works for you, and I'll see you there.
Here’s to appreciating our bodies for everything they do for us!
xo,
Amy
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