Valerie Bertinelli is giving herself the gift of permission.
The Food Network host and “One Day at a Time” alum, 61, took to Instagram Thursday to reflect on the negative feelings she was experiencing about her body that day.
“I’m doing my best to distract my mind from spiraling to a place of self-loathing, because I saw a picture of myself today that made me want to do that,” said a teary Bertinelli.
Bertinelli, who has long spoken candidly about weight loss, acknowledged that while she is “not where I want to be right now body-wise,” that time might never come.
“But when I see it right in front of me, it really does send me down that path,” she continued. “And I am doing my best to be positive and more full of joy. And hopefully my body will follow along. Not there yet.”
She ended her video on a more positive note, saying she will try to “not focus on all the shortcomings, and the flaws and the imperfections” and will instead give herself “permission.
“We can all give ourselves permission to feel joy, be intentional about it, and remember to be grateful. And I am grateful, even through all the mess, ‘cause there’s still good in all the mess,” she concluded.
Earlier this year, Bertinelli — who last month filed for separation from second husband Tom Vitale — shared another video discussing body-shaming after an online commenter said she “needed to lose weight.”
“You’re not being helpful, because when you see somebody who has put some weight on, my first thought is that person is obviously going through some things. Because if I could lose the weight and keep it off, I would,” she said tearfully. “Where’s the compassion? Not f--king helpful.”
Bertinelli received compassion in the comments section of her ideo, from fans and friends alike.
Jamie Lee Curtis, for instance, quoted Max Ehrmann’s “Desiderata: Words for Life,” saying, “Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. ... Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.”
