For years, I believed that my body was something to be controlled, fixed, or shrunk.
If you’ve ever felt this way—like your body is something to fight against—you’re not alone. Most of us have been conditioned to think that happiness and confidence are only possible after we lose weight or change our appearance. But what if that belief is exactly what’s keeping us stuck?
The truth is, learning to befriend your body is one of the most powerful shifts you can make. It changes the way you feel about yourself, the way you make decisions around food and even the way you show up in your life.
Why We Struggle with Our Bodies
At some point in your life, you received the message that your body wasn’t good enough. Maybe it was from diet culture, family, media, or even well-meaning friends. But here’s the thing: you weren’t born hating your body.
Somewhere along the way, that belief was planted. And over time, it became the lens through which you viewed yourself.
The good news? That belief isn’t yours to keep. You have the power to shift it.
What Does It Mean to Be Friends with Your Body?
Think about your closest friend. How do you treat them?
You probably:
✔️ Speak kindly to them
✔️ Support them when they’re struggling
✔️ Listen to their needs
✔️ Offer care and encouragement
Now, imagine if you treated your body the same way. Instead of criticizing it, ignoring its needs, or punishing it with restrictive diets, you start honoring and caring for it. You tune in, listen, and respond with love.
How to Start Reconnecting with Your Body
1. Recognize the Messages You’ve Absorbed
The first step is awareness. Ask yourself:
What stories have I been told about my body?
Where did I learn to criticize my body?
How has this belief affected my confidence, eating habits, and life choices?
When you recognize these messages, you can start questioning them. You can ask: Is this belief really true?
2. Tune into How Your Body Feels
Most of us have spent so much time stuck in our heads, worrying about how we look, that we’ve lost touch with how we feel.
Try this simple exercise:
Close your eyes.
Take a few deep breaths.
Scan your body from head to toe. Notice any tension, discomfort, or areas of ease.
Ask yourself: What does my body need right now?
Maybe it’s water, rest, movement, or a deep breath. The more you practice tuning in, the easier it becomes to care for your body with love.
3. Shift the Way You Talk to Yourself
Your words matter. If you constantly tell yourself that you’re not good enough, you’ll feel like you’re not good enough.
Instead of saying, “I hate my body,” try:
"I have a body."
"I am thankful for my body."
“I am learning to listen to my body.”
“I am learning to like my body.”
One small shift at a time, you’ll start rewiring the way you think about yourself.
4. Pay Attention to How Food Feels
Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” start noticing how different foods make you feel.
Do certain foods give you energy?
Do some foods leave you feeling sluggish or bloated?
There’s no judgment here—just curiosity. When you start eating in a way that supports how you want to feel, your choices become more natural and intuitive.
5. Move Because It Feels Good
Exercise doesn’t have to be about punishment or burning calories. It can be about joy.
Ask yourself:
What type of movement makes me feel good?
Do I enjoy dancing, walking, lifting weights, or stretching?
How does my body feel when I move in a way that I enjoy?
When you shift from “I have to work out” to “I get to move my body,” everything changes.
Your Body is Not the Enemy—It’s Your Home
The way you feel in your body impacts everything. Your confidence, your joy, your ability to fully experience life.
The sooner you start treating your body like a trusted friend instead of an enemy, the sooner you’ll feel more free. Free from shame, free from the toxic diet cycle, and free to live your life the way you want to.
So, this week, ask yourself:
💭 What’s one small way I can show kindness to my body today?
Whether it’s drinking an extra glass of water, choosing words of encouragement, or simply placing your hand over your heart and taking a deep breath—every step matters.
Your body is on your side. It’s time to be on its side too. 💛
Want to go even deeper on this topic? Tune into the latest episode of Fat2Fierce® The Confidence Chronicles for more insights and practical tips. Listen and follow here.
xo,
Amy English Creator & Coach | Fat2Fierce®
Empowering women to reclaim their power with food and find peace with their bodies.
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