One of the most counterintuitive truths about body positivity: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Body Positivity Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of body positivity
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking body positivity is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging body positivity without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing body positivity to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for body positivity while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Body Positivity
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting body positivity, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Body Positivity
Many people find that when they stop fighting body positivity and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of body positivity is partly the struggle against it.