One day after posting a mirror selfie showing off her body in a two-piece, The Drew Barrymore Show correspondent, 64, responded to people who criticized the photo while opening up about her years-long journey to self-acceptance.
To all of you that would sit in judgment of my body, the photo, and my reason for posting it, I hope you find a place in your heart to not judge yourself as harshly as you judge others,” she wrote alongside a pair of new mirror selfies on Instagram showing herself posing in a black shirt and ripped jeans with black-rimmed glasses.
I have dealt with judgment my entire life starting from when I was a young girl,” she continued. “It has taken me a long time to realize that my judgment, with patient discernment, is the only judgment that counts.”
She noted that there are more important things to look at including her “character,” kindness and how she can “change and grow to be the best version” of herself in her body. She also said that while she has “no power over someone else’s judgment,” she has “no interest” in it.
needed to go through.
Even as challenging as it’s been and is, I am grateful for this journey and I wouldn’t trade this body for my 20 year old body any day. Ever,” she concluded, signing off with “XO Valerie” and a peace and heart sign emoji.
Bertinelli has been open about her journey toward body acceptance over the years. The Indulge cookbook author previously told PEOPLE that she has finally learned not to body shame herself.
