America Ferrera’s Body Positive Message Is the Self-Love Reminder We All Needed

America Ferrera enjoyed her 33rd birthday yesterday (April 18) and celebrated in style – sweaty style that is, by attending a spin class at SoulCycle. The Superstore star who’s proven to be a total badass after recently completing two Olympic triathlons, took the moment to share on Instagram what 33 years of life has finally taught her.

IG: @AmericaFerrera

At 33, I finally understand that my body is a miracle! After too many years of criticizing, punishing, depriving, or neglecting my body for what it isn’t, I’m attempting to love it unapologetically as it is! Thank you body for 33 years of standing with me even when I wasn’t on your side. I promise from here on out to stand by you and face down all the criticism and bullshit distractions (inner & outer), so that we can move beyond beautiful and get to the business of living! Thank you to these amazing humans and so many more who have inspired me to celebrate my health and strength! Get you some friends who remind you to celebrate your strong, healthy, loyal body! #HappyBirthdayBody#thisis33#beyondbeautiful

The internal, self-deprecating dialogue Ferrera refers to is something so many of us can relate to; sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. In a New York Times piece published after Ferrera completed her first triathlon, the actress recalled years of never feeling worthy – of negative internal dialogues that would break her down. But the experience of training for her triathlon (and years of therapy), have taught her to recognize the voice, and to silence the critic who tells her what she can’t do.

As Ferrera moves into her 33rd year on this earth, she’s embracing her brilliant body, shutting down the internal negative self-talk, and inspiring us all to do the same.