Valerie Bertinelli, 64, Claps Back at Body-Shamers: "I Love My Body"

Valerie Bertinelli is proving that she won’t be affected by negativity! The beloved star of "One Day at a Time" recently responded to critics who body-shamed her for sharing a daring selfie in her bra and underwear, celebrating her journey of self-love.

In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Bertinelli shared her thoughts with those who judge her for her appearance. Along with a couple of photos showcasing her casual outfit of a loose black shirt and baggy jeans, she urged her followers to embrace kindness, both towards themselves and others. "To all of you that would sit in judgment of my body, I hope you find a place in your heart to not judge yourself as harshly as you judge others," she wrote.

The 64-year-old actress candidly admitted that throughout her life, she has faced judgment from peers and the media. However, after years of emotional work, she’s reached a point where her own perspective is the only one that matters. "It has taken me a long time to realize that my judgment, with patient discernment, is the only judgment that counts," she expressed.

Valerie also emphasized the importance of inner character over physical appearance. "What is my character like? Am I kind to people?" she questioned, highlighting her commitment to self-improvement and personal growth. She declared, "I have no power over someone else’s judgment of me and now I have no interest."

Not one to shy away from the struggles she faced, Bertinelli revealed that it took her nearly three years of emotional labor to reach this level of self-acceptance, compounded by physical setbacks earlier in the year. Shutting down any lingering haters, she confidently proclaimed, "I don’t care what you think of my body. For the first time in my life, I love my body as it is."

While acknowledging that her body has changed since her youth, she reflected on her past, stating, "I really hated that beautiful body." She profoundly articulated her gratitude for the challenges she has faced, saying she wouldn’t trade her current self for her 20-year-old body "any day."

Earlier this week, Valerie shared a striking image of herself in her bra and underwear, exuding confidence while preparing to color her hair in a Manhattan hotel. Despite some negative feedback, the majority of her followers showered her with support and love.

In addition to her empowering self-love narrative, Bertinelli has recently opened up about her struggles with anxiety and even posted a picture of a cut on her arm after a mishap during a public appearance. Moreover, she is celebrating a significant milestone in her personal life: the two-year anniversary of her divorce from Tom Vitale, finalized in 2022.

Valerie remarked on her recent journey, stating, "Two years of walking through self-doubt and doing my best to get to the other side." Her message to her fans was clear and hopeful: "I promise you. It gets better."

Bertinelli’s candid discussions about self-acceptance not only empower her fans but also shed light on the ongoing struggles many face with body image and self-worth, proving that inner strength is truly what defines beauty.