My Story: From Self-Criticism to Self-Acceptance

For decades I looked in the mirror and silently attacked myself.

I thought hating my body was just normal.

By the time I was a teenager I’d already learned to compare, criticize, and judge every inch of myself.

I didn’t know the feelings had a name.

I had never heard of body dysmorphia, or related struggles like exercise bulimia or orthorexia.

I only knew that no matter what the scale said—five pounds down, ten pounds up—the voice in my head always whispered: not good enough.

Even as a certified health coach and fitness trainer, I was telling other women to love themselves while quietly tearing myself apart. That mismatch eroded my self-worth until I finally opened my mind to the possibility that this was a problem I could actually solve.

What Body Dysmorphia Really Is

I’m not a psychologist, but here’s a clear, everyday definition: Body dysmorphia is a pattern of obsessive, critical thoughts about your appearance that distort how you see yourself.

You might…

• Focus on one or two “flaws” that others don’t even notice.

• Avoid mirrors—or use them to pick yourself apart.

• Compare yourself constantly to photos, social media, or old versions of you.

• Believe you’ll be happy only when you reach a certain size, weight, or look.

If those habits sound familiar, you’re not alone—and I assure you, this problem is fixable... And.. it’s quite simple. You can do it too as long as you learn how to love yourself from the inside out!

Why Self-Love Must Come First

Recently, one of my Crush that Food Thing Self-Discovery System students told me she wanted to lose weight so she could “finally” love herself.

So, I told her, gently but firmly: “You’ve got it backwards. Decide to love yourself first, and the healthy choices will follow naturally.”

That shift—from I’ll love myself when… to I love myself now, so I choose what supports me—changes everything.

The Three Steps to Reclaim Your Self-Worth

1. Awareness

You can’t change what you don’t see.

Notice when the inner critic shows up.

Catch the moment you automatically tug at your clothes or flinch at your reflection.

Name it: That’s a body-dysmorphia thought, not the truth.

I even practiced stepping out of the shower without looking in the mirror until I could trust myself not to attack my stomach. Over time, the old reaction lost its grip and I was able to start to respond to myself with love and kindness.

2. Curiosity & Compassion

Instead of looking at your reflection or of a picture and saying “Ugh, what’s wrong with me?”, try Oh, interesting—where did that thought come from?

Curiosity creates space between you and the distortion.

Compassion fills that space with kindness instead of judgment.

3. Intentional New Thoughts

Old beliefs are like boxes in storage in an attic.

To store something new, you have to move one old box out.

So, when it comes to thoughts, all you have to do is replace “I’ll be happy when…” with simple, present-tense truths:

Take away: “I’ll be happy when I’m at a certain weight” …..TO….I am more than a number.

Take away: “I’ve always hated my body.. I’ll never be happy with what I look like.” …..TO….”This is my body, this is my house. It’s the only place that I have to “live” and I want to take care of it in the best way that I can. I deserve self care because self care is the best care!”

Take away: I can’t help talking negatively about myself. I’ve been doing it for so long, it’s automatic……TO…..”I am not my thoughts. I am an independent thinker and I can choose to change my thoughts if they are not serving my best self. Over time, I can create new thoughts that will add value to my life and help me grow.”

Freedom Starts Now

Staying stuck is hard.

Change is hard.

Choose the hard that leads to freedom.

Today, when I look in the mirror, I don’t think pretty or ugly.

I just think, That’s me.

No drama. No judgment. Peace.

If you recognize yourself in my story, know this:

Every problem is solvable—including this one.

Begin with awareness, add curiosity, and nurture compassion.

Your self-worth isn’t waiting on a scale.

It’s already within you, ready to be reclaimed.

Your Next Step Toward Food Freedom

If this message speaks to your heart, I want to invite you to take the next step with me.

🎧 Listen to Episode 46 of the Crush Cravings with Confidence Podcast: 3 Steps to identify Body Dysmorphia & Gain Back your Self Worth

📅 And if you’re ready for deeper support, book your free Food Freedom Discovery Call with me. Together, we’ll uncover the hidden patterns behind your self-sabotage and create a personalized path toward healing.

Because you deserve to live a life where food no longer invades every thought, where you wake up proud of yourself, and where you finally feel free.