Make no mistake! I’m all for everyone on this planet dropping excess body weight and getting fit and healthy. As someone who used to weigh over 450 pounds, I know what it’s like to struggle to take even the next step (much less try not to sound out of breath even when just talking on the phone). But I also know that hating or shaming ourselves is no method for making permanent, positive change (no matter what you weigh). And that means loving yourself in the present moment (all of yourself).

Because of this, I love it when we can catch glimpses of body positive actors in favorite TV shows. This doesn’t happen nearly enough. After all, just as we all come in different nationalities, we also come in different sizes. And for anyone struggling with weight issues and self-esteem issues (they usually happen hand-in-hand), seeing actors being sexy at any size on TV (or at the movies) can be very freeing (and even healing).

Recently, I’ve been loving actor Alyssa Diaz who appears as a wrestler-dominatrix and this current season’s love interest for Bunchy on Showtime’s Ray Donovan. Ms. Diaz not only owns her body size, but also exhibits a very confidant sexual prowess. And no, I’m not saying Ms. Diaz is heavy. But she does show off the kind of fabulous body that we don’t often see on the boob tube (so to speak). It’s sad that this kind of exhibit of the body beautiful doesn’t occur enough on primetime TV. So when it happens, I want to call attention to it with thunderous applause. So kudos to Ms. Diaz, to Ray Donovan, to Showtime and to all the viewers who support shows that demonstrate true diversity by continually tuning in.

Fact is, the more we accept and respect others (no matter who they are or what they look like), the more likely we’ll extend that kind of acceptance (and even kindness) to ourselves. And when we change this mindset about ourselves, we’re more likely to to initiate healthy, positive change (whether that means losing weight, quitting smoking, changing careers — whatever).

It’s true! You can do anything. But you’re likely to find you’ll do it a lot easier (and happier) by loving yourself as you are in this present moment. And guess what? You deserve the love (all of it)!

 Ray Donovan Still Shot Photo Source: The Girl That Loved To Review