Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved actress and television personality, is making waves and inspiring fans with her body positivity and embrace of aging gracefully. The former "One Day at a Time" star recently celebrated her 65th birthday and shared empowering messages and images on social media, proving that confidence and self-love have no age limit.
Bertinelli’s recent Instagram posts have garnered significant attention, particularly a photo she shared on April 30. In the picture, Bertinelli confidently poses in a red bikini, ready to take a cold plunge for its health benefits. She noted in the caption that her pool was 66 degrees Fahrenheit, which she considered "relatively warm" for a cold plunge. Despite the temperature, she expressed enthusiasm for the practice, stating that it has helped improve her mood and reduce inflammation, while also being more convenient than filling her bathtub with ice. The post included a video of her engaging in the cold plunge, showcasing her dedication to self-care and wellness.
This display of body confidence and self-acceptance resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom praised her for embracing her age and inspiring others to do the same. Bertinelli’s willingness to share her personal journey with vulnerability and authenticity has made her a relatable figure and a role model for women of all ages.
The bikini photo came shortly after Bertinelli’s 65th birthday on April 23. On that day, she penned a heartfelt message to her 1.6 million followers on Instagram. She reflected on the ups and downs she has experienced in recent years and expressed gratitude for both the challenges and the triumphs. "Went through it all in the last handful of years and I’m so grateful for the downs as much as I am for all of the ups I am blessed to experience. The light at the end of the tunnel is finally here. I can see it. I feel it," she wrote. She also expressed love for her family, friends, and supporters, acknowledging the importance of community and connection in her life.
Bertinelli’s birthday post was particularly poignant considering the recent public discussion of her relationship with ex-boyfriend Mike Goodnough. Goodnough had shared a lengthy post about their breakup on Instagram just days before her birthday, on April 19. While the details of their relationship and breakup are personal, the timing of the post may have added to the emotional weight of Bertinelli’s birthday and her subsequent expressions of gratitude and resilience.
This isn’t the first time Bertinelli has used her platform to promote body positivity. Last year, she sparked both praise and criticism for posting another bikini photo with a powerful message about self-acceptance. On December 2, she shared a mirror selfie in a bikini, acknowledging the "madness" her body had been through that year. However, she emphasized her gratitude for her body and her newfound appreciation for herself, exactly as she is.
"But right now every lump bump wrinkle and saggy part of me just feels acceptance and simple appreciation to be standing in front of a mirror in a hotel bathroom in downtown Manhattan ready to color my roots late on a Monday night," she wrote. This raw and honest depiction of self-acceptance resonated with many, while others felt compelled to criticize her for revealing too much.
Bertinelli, however, was unfazed by the criticism. She responded with a follow-up post, declaring, "I don’t care what you think." She emphasized that she loves her body as it is, for the first time in her life. She also reflected on her past insecurities, expressing regret for hating her 20-year-old body. "For the first time in my life, I love my body as it is. Its not the 20 year old body that I hated and it really is a shame that I hated that beautiful body," she wrote. She acknowledged that her current body is different from her younger self, but it has also been through a unique journey that she is grateful for. "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," Bertinelli added.
Bertinelli’s journey to self-acceptance and body positivity has been a long and winding road, marked by both personal struggles and public scrutiny. Her willingness to share her experiences with honesty and vulnerability has made her a relatable figure for many who struggle with body image issues and the pressures of aging. Her message is clear: embrace your body as it is, at every stage of life, and prioritize self-love and acceptance over societal expectations. Her actions speak louder than words, as she confidently steps into her 60s, radiating joy, strength, and self-assurance. Her influence extends beyond her acting career, as she inspires countless individuals to embrace their own unique beauty and find peace with their bodies. Valerie Bertinelli is a shining example of how to age gracefully and live authentically, reminding us that self-love is the greatest gift we can give ourselves. Her continued presence on shows like The Drew Barrymore Show ensures her message of self-acceptance reaches an even wider audience, solidifying her role as a positive force in the entertainment industry and beyond.
