Kirsten Bosly, a mother from Perth, Australia, has captured international attention overnight following a heartfelt and raw social media post addressing body shaming and self-acceptance.
During a recent beach outing with her husband and children, Kirsten — who describes herself as plus-size — found herself struggling with feelings of discomfort and shame while wearing a swimsuit. For years, she had avoided being photographed unless she was fully covered. But this time, something shifted.
Standing on the sand with her family, Kirsten had a realization that would transform not only her day but, ultimately, her perspective on her body.
She shared the moment on the Facebook page 1MotherBlogger, writing:
“Today marks a new beginning for me.
For most of my life I have hated my body.
Despised it.
Loathed it.
Resented it.
Wanted so very much for it to change; for it to be smaller, thinner… less ‘fat’.
I’ve used it and abused it.
I’ve blamed it for a lot of things.
I’ve been terribly ashamed of its wobbles and dimples; like somehow they are the measure of who I am.”
Kirsten recalled how she once came across a quote online that struck a deep chord: “Be in pictures with your kids because when you’re gone, the pictures will be all they have left.” The thought stayed with her.
“I’ve avoided pictures most of the time as I disliked how I looked in them,” she admitted.
“Not any more! Bugger that noise!
The truth is, I’m tired of being ashamed of my body; it’s done nothing but support me for 41 years.
So today I let go.”
In a powerful moment of liberation, she asked her husband—whom she lovingly calls “The Pants”—to take a photo of her and the children as they enjoyed their day at the beach.
“I let go of the hatred and resentment of this body of mine and chose to enjoy it for what it is; my body.
I asked The Pants to take this photo so the kids will remember us enjoying this day together, cellulite and all.
No cover up.
No board shorts.
No ‘modesty’ towel.
No filters.
Just us.
And you know what?
I’m not ashamed.
Really.
I look at this photo and all I can see is how happy we are and that’s awesome.
I finally feel free and it feels fucking awesome!”
Since posting, Kirsten’s message has resonated with people worldwide. She later shared with the Today Show:
“I was standing on the beach, stressing out about it, and just had a moment of clarity when I realized the only person judging me in that moment was me. Nobody was paying me any attention and the only thing stopping me from just letting go and embracing myself fully was a bag full of hang-ups that I had created and chosen to carry around.”
Now, she hopes her experience encourages others to embrace their bodies and focus on life’s meaningful moments—free from self-criticism.
As Kirsten’s story continues to spread, her message remains clear: life is too short to hide from happiness.