Learning to Like Your Body Again
Let’s face it: your body has changed. Maybe you’re noticing new curves, wrinkles, or a softness that wasn’t there before. And yeah, it stings a little when you catch yourself comparing your reflection to the past — or to someone else’s “perfect” version of a body.
Here’s the truth: it’s normal to feel disconnected or frustrated with your body at times. But it is possible to shift from criticism to appreciation, from frustration to gratitude — it just takes practice.
Why it feels hard
Bodies change, and so do our expectations. We’re bombarded with images and messages that tell us what we should look like, and it’s easy to feel like we’ve “fallen short.”
After pregnancy, your body literally grew and nurtured a human being — no small feat! — but society often whispers, “Bounce back faster.”
As we age, it’s easy to mourn the way we looked in high school or our twenties. But holding onto that image as the “ideal” can keep us stuck in comparison and self-criticism.
Shifting your perspective
Learning to like your body again doesn’t mean pretending you love every single part, or forcing yourself to be okay with everything overnight. It’s about finding balance between realistic acceptance and gentle self-compassion.
Here are some ways to start:
Focus on function, not just form. Your body carries you, hugs your kids, walks you through the day, and maybe even grew a whole new human (or more than one!) Celebrate what it does, not just what it looks like.
Limit toxic comparisons. Social media highlight reels aren’t reality. Curate your feeds to include bodies that inspire, not shame.
Practice gratitude for your body. Even small things — “Thank you for letting me dance today” or “Thanks for carrying me to the grocery store” — help reframe your perspective.
Move in ways that feel good. Exercise doesn’t have to be about changing your body. It can be about enjoying movement, releasing stress, and feeling strong.
Dress for comfort and confidence. Clothes should support your life, not hide it — or punish you for how you look. Sometimes that means we need to invest in some new pieces for our wardrobe, and let some old pieces go (I’m looking at you, pre-pregnancy jeans).
Be patient with yourself
Reconnecting with your body is a journey. Some days you’ll feel proud and grateful, other days critical and frustrated. That’s normal. The key is consistency — small moments of appreciation and kindness add up. Your body will thank you!
Final thoughts
Your body has a story, and every curve, line, and scar tells a part of it. Learning to like your body again isn’t about returning to some ideal past version of yourself. It’s about honoring the life you’ve lived, the changes you’ve experienced, and the strength you carry every day.
Therapy can be a safe space to untangle body image struggles, challenge negative self-talk, and practice self-compassion. You don’t have to figure it out alone— and your body deserves some love along the way.
“You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.” — Amy Bloom
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I help people reclaim confidence and respect for their bodies. You can develop tools to challenge negative self-talk, embrace your strengths, and feel more empowered — and I’m here to guide you along the way.