In a candid moment, Valerie Bertinelli shared an intimate photo on Instagram, offering fans a glimpse into her journey of self-acceptance. The beloved actress posted a heartfelt message alongside the image, resonating deeply with followers who have walked similar paths.
Valerie Bertinelli Reflects on Her Journey to Acceptance
In the photo, taken in a Manhattan hotel bathroom, Valerie, 64, stands confidently in a black bra and underwear, clutching a box of hair dye. The image, captioned on December 2, encapsulates her evolving relationship with her body and her ongoing process of self-love. “At some point, I will talk about the madness my body has been through this year,” she wrote. “But right now, every lump, bump, wrinkle, and saggy part of me just feels acceptance and simple appreciation. I'm standing in front of a mirror, ready to color my roots late on a Monday night.”
A Powerful Message of Self-Acceptance
Valerie’s message resonated with fans who have struggled with self-image and body acceptance. In a world that often glorifies perfection, her authenticity shone through. By sharing this personal moment, she reminded everyone that self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. Her vulnerability invited followers to join her in embracing their own imperfections.
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Support from Friends and Fans
Valerie’s post quickly garnered support from both fans and fellow celebrities. Kristin Chenoweth, a close friend, commented with a simple yet heartfelt message: “You look great!” accompanied by a red heart emoji. Jennifer Love Hewitt chimed in, writing, “I love you so much!” Leeza Gibbons added her voice to the chorus of admiration, saying, “You look amazing!!” One fan even expressed admiration for Valerie’s DIY hair care, writing, “Gorgeous!!! Love that you do your own roots!!! Mad respect for you!!”

Two Years of Growth and Reflection
Valerie’s post followed a significant milestone: the two-year anniversary of her divorce from Tom Vitale. In a separate Instagram post on November 22, she reflected on the journey she’s undertaken since that life-changing event. “Two years of walking through self-doubt and doing my best to get to the other side,” she wrote. “Two years of knowing that I didn’t deserve to tolerate the intolerable. Two years of working through shame and self-loathing. (Still working on that part—it’s a long tail.)”
She continued, “Two years of working to find my true self. Two years of eventually dipping my toe in and feeling love again. (Thank you, Mike).” Here, she referenced her former boyfriend, Mike Goodnough, acknowledging his role in her personal growth. “Two years of confronting past demons and traumas and doing my best to work through them. I want to be the best, most authentic version of myself heading into this last chapter of my life.”
Valerie emphasized the importance of self-love in nurturing meaningful relationships. “Until I love myself and accept myself—all of me, my dark and light sides—I can never give someone else the love and emotional vulnerability they need and deserve,” she shared. “You must give it to yourself first so that you can share it.”
Gratitude and Encouragement
Valerie concluded her post with gratitude for her friends, family, and online community. “I’m so grateful for your feedback. I’m grateful for your compassion. Thank you,” she wrote. She also extended a message of hope to those who might be struggling. “If you’re going through a tough time right now, I’ve been there—and some days I can still be there. But I want you to know it gets better. I promise you, it gets better. Some days will still be hard, but on other days, the light will shine brighter, and you will feel it. I love you.”
