This weekend, while waiting in line at Costa, I witnessed something that reminded me deeply of the journey we all take toward self-acceptance.
Behind the counter was a woman who was clearly anxious. Her hands trembled slightly as she fumbled with cups, her voice soft as she apologised again and again for her pace. She was moving slowly, asking her supervisor for help and the queue was growing restless. Sighs and mutters echoed around me, frustration rising like the steam from the coffee machines.
Eventually, she apologetically explained that this was only her second shift. Her very first time working in a coffee shop and to make matters worse, the store was short-staffed on one of the busiest days of the week.
Some dismissed her words with rolled eyes. But I felt compelled to say something. Loud enough so others might hear, I reassured her, “We’ve all been new at something. We’ve all had to start somewhere and it’s especially hard when under pressure. You’re doing brilliantly just by showing up.”
I realised this wasn’t just about coffee.
It’s a mirror of how we treat ourselves, especially our bodies.
When we look in the mirror, we can be the impatient customer, sighing at the imperfections, frustrated by the pace of progress, dismissing the effort it takes simply to show up each day in our own skin. Or we can choose to be the encourager. We can remember that every step toward self-acceptance is a process of learning. That bravery doesn’t always look glamorous - sometimes it’s just being present in a body we’re still learning to love.
Our bodies, like that barista on her second shift, deserve patience. They deserve compassion, reassurance and celebration for the courage it takes to carry us through a world that can be so quick to judge.
Just as important as the kindness we show ourselves is the kindness we extend to each other. Body positivity is not a solo journey. It is a community effort. When we reassure a friend, when we celebrate someone else’s progress, when we choose to speak love instead of criticism, we create a ripple effect. We give others permission to soften toward themselves too.
That woman at Costa will get faster, more confident, more skilled with every shift. But she’ll also remember who encouraged her, who gave her grace in those shaky early days. The same is true for us. Our bodies grow stronger, our confidence steadier, when we replace judgment with kindness.
So today, let’s choose to be the encourager. For ourselves. For our peers. For anyone standing nervously behind the counter of life, doing their best. Because we all deserve to be met with compassion as we learn, grow and embrace who we are.