Kirsten Bosly, a mother from Perth, Australia, has gained international attention for her heartfelt message about overcoming body shaming. During a family beach outing, Kirsten, who has long struggled with body image issues, found herself feeling self-conscious and ashamed of wearing a swimsuit in public.

As a plus-sized woman, Kirsten had spent years hiding beneath layers of clothing, avoiding situations where too much of her body might be seen. She had even resisted being photographed, preferring to stay out of the frame rather than confront her insecurities.

However, standing on the beach that day with her husband and children, Kirsten had a life-changing realization. Taking to her Facebook page, 1MotherBlogger, she shared a deeply personal reflection:

“Today marks a turning point for me.

For most of my life, I have hated my body—despised it, loathed it, resented it. I wished it could be smaller, thinner, and less ‘fat.’ I’ve mistreated it, blamed it, and been deeply ashamed of its imperfections, as though they defined my worth.

But recently, I came across a meme that struck a chord: ‘Be in pictures with your kids, because when you’re gone, those pictures will be all they have left.’ I realized how much I had avoided photos because I didn’t like how I looked in them.”

Kirsten’s honest and empowering words have resonated with people around the world, sparking conversations about self-acceptance and the importance of embracing our bodies for what they are.

“Not anymore!

Forget that nonsense!

I’m done feeling ashamed of my body—a body that has carried me through 41 years of life.

So today, I made a choice.

I chose to let go of the hatred, the resentment, and the endless criticism I’ve thrown at myself. Instead, I decided to appreciate my body for what it truly is—mine.

I asked my partner to take this photo so my kids will remember us as we are, enjoying this beautiful day together, imperfections and all.

No cover-ups.

No board shorts.

No ‘modesty’ towel.

No filters.

Just us.

And you know what?

I’m not ashamed.

Honestly.

When I look at this photo, all I see is how happy we are—and that’s incredible.

For the first time, I feel free, and it feels absolutely amazing!”

Check out Kirsten’s full, unedited post here:

Well said, Kirsten!

Kirsten shared that she’s now able to cherish meaningful moments with her family without being consumed by self-conscious thoughts about her body.

“I was standing on the beach, worrying and overthinking, when I suddenly had a moment of clarity,” Kirsten explained in an email to the Today Show. “I realized that the only person judging me was myself. No one else was paying any attention, and the only thing holding me back from fully embracing who I am was a lifetime of insecurities I had created and chosen to carry.”

Kirsten now hopes her empowering message will inspire others to feel more comfortable in their own skin and let go of unnecessary self-criticism.

And I couldn’t agree more—life is short, and we should make the most of every moment!

If you resonate with Kirsten’s message, share her story and join the movement toward greater self-acceptance and joy.