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There it is again—the mirror, that silent judge. Some days I love what I see; other days I bristle at every curve I didn’t plan for. But you know what? I’m learning to lean into those curves. Welcome to my journey of body confidence—messy, honest, sometimes loud, constantly evolving.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through how I went from hiding behind baggy clothes to owning my silhouette, even as Lupus and prednisolone weight gain changed my shape in ways I never expected. And if you’re on the same rollercoaster, I want you to feel seen, empowered, and ready to love what you see.
(Psst—if you enjoy this, I’d love for you to check out my related post “Manage Steroid Weight Gain and Love Yourself“.
My Starting Line: From Self-Criticism to Self-Curiosity
I won’t pretend this began with a single “aha moment.” Instead, it was a slow realisation of how much time I spent comparing my body to “before” photos, to ideal shapes in magazines, to the voices that told me I should be smaller, smoother, and more contained.
I remember days when I’d stand in front of the mirror and pick at every line, every bulge, every “extra bit.” But then, somewhere along the way, I started asking different questions: What if I invited curiosity instead of judgment? What if I asked my body, “What do you need today?”
That shift—embracing body confidence—didn’t happen overnight. It was a messy walk through shame, tears, and stubborn self-love. However, it changed how I present myself in the world.
Why Lupus & Prednisolone Mess with Your Body Image
Here’s the thing nobody warns you enough about: chronic illness changes your body. For me, that meant Lupus flares, fatigue, joint pain—and perhaps more painfully, prednisolone weight gain. Prednisolone is a steroid often used to control inflammation, and one of its side effects can be increased appetite, water retention, and redistribution of fat (hello, “moon face” and a stubborn belly).
Suddenly, I looked in the mirror and saw a body I didn’t recognise. My clothes didn’t fit the same way. My face looked rounder. I felt heavier. Body confidence, at that point, felt like a punchline.
But here’s what I realised: this weight gain was not a moral failing. It was a side effect of taking care of my health. It didn’t erase my worth. It didn’t mean I was “letting myself go.” It just meant my body was navigating treatment, and I needed to show up differently.
So when you hear “body confidence” in this post, know that I’m not talking about forcing yourself into a shape that feels alien. I’m talking about honouring your body as it is right now, even when that includes extra weight you didn’t ask for.
Reframe the Mirror
If your mirror is your enemy, it’s time to change the rules of the game.
- Talk back to the mirror. Instead of scanning for flaws, try this: look in the mirror and say, “Thank you for carrying me today,” or “I see you, and I love you.” It sounds cheesy, but it works.
- Practice “mirror moments” daily. Even 30 seconds of neutral or loving observation helps your brain rewire from criticism to curiosity.
- Focus on function, not just form. Sure, mirrors show shape. But they can also remind you of strength: “Look at those arms that carry me,” or “Those legs that walk me through life.”
Each time you pause and reframe, you’re reinforcing body confidence rather than letting the mirror dictate your mood.
Dress for Joy, Not Just Size
Let’s be real—getting dressed when your body has changed is like war. You try something on, maybe it zips, perhaps it doesn’t. Maybe it makes you feel like a stylish queen. Maybe it feels like plastic.
Here’s how to reclaim dressing as an act of joy:
- Buy clothes that feel great, not just ones that will “hide” you. Look for fabrics with stretch and breathable materials, as well as flattering silhouettes (e.g., high-waist, A-line, wrap dresses) that accentuate curves rather than conceal them.
- Add statement pieces. A bold earring, a blazer with structure, a printed scarf—something that draws the eye where you want it.
- Mix comfort + confidence. Sometimes I live in leggings or wide-leg pants. But I pair them with a blazer, a fun top, or accessories so I don’t feel invisible.
- Have a go-to “I feel amazing” outfit. On days when confidence is thin, wear that outfit. It’s your armour.
Over time, you’ll train your brain to associate your wardrobe with body confidence rather than shame.
Move in Ways That Feel Good
Gym ads love to shame you: “Get control!” “Sculpt your body!” Screw that. When your body is already battling Lupus flares and hormonal shifts, forcing yourself to do punishing workouts can backfire.
Here’s what works for me:
- Find a movement you enjoy. Dance, yoga, gentle stretching, walking in nature, swimming—whatever feels kind to your body.
- Listen to what your body says. If it aches, rest. If it’s strong, push gently. The point is connection, not punishment.
- Celebrate what movement allows. Perhaps one day you’ll walk a little further; another day, you’ll stretch gently—both count.
- Use movement as self-care. It’s not just for burning calories. It’s for stress relief, for mood, for reminding you you can do things in your body—not just look at it.
Each time you move with gratitude rather than guilt, you fortify body confidence from the inside out.
Surround Yourself with Realness
Curating your internal and external environments is essential for nurturing body confidence.
- Clean up your social media feed. Unfollow accounts that shame, sponsor diet culture, or make you feel small. Follow creators who show bodies like yours—real skin, stretch marks, flares, triumphs.
- Talk to yourself like you would to your best friend. Would you ever say to your best friend, “You’re disgusting today”? No. So stop telling you that.
- Share your journey. Vulnerability strengthens connection. Share your body changes, your frustrations, and your successes. You’ll find allies who feel the same.
- Find a safe circle. Whether it’s an online support group, a chronic illness community, or just friends who get it—surround yourself with people who see you beyond your shape.
Your environment can either erode or elevate your body confidence. Don’t let negative input drown out your growing voice.
Celebrate Mini Wins & Rewrite Your Story
When your weight shifts due to Lupus or prednisolone, you need new markers of progress—ones that aren’t just about the scale.
- Celebrate non-scale wins. Perhaps you ate a nourishing meal, drank enough water, slept well, and took a short walk. Celebrate that.
- Journal your feelings. Write to your body: “I forgive you for all the times I hated you,” or “I choose to see your beauty today.”
- Use affirmations (that feel real). Start with something grounded: “My body deserves kindness” or “I am more than my shape.”
- Rewrite your “before & after” story. Instead of “I used to be better when I was smaller,” try: “I am strong even when my body changes.”
Every time you notice your story shifting—even slightly—you’re adding bricks to your body confidence foundation.
What To Do When the Weight Creeps Back
Spoiler: It will. Weight fluctuation is real—especially with Lupus, steroids, hormones, and stress.
When you feel yourself slipping into old shame, do this:
- Pause. Take three deep breaths.
- Reach for your journal or notes where you’ve collected your affirmations and mini wins.
- Reconnect with movement, even tender movement.
- Reach out. Talk to someone who understands.
- Remind yourself: body confidence is not a linear journey. It’s ongoing, messy, beautiful.
Embracing body confidence (especially when Lupus and prednisolone alter your shape) is radical. It’s reclaiming your story, your body, your dignity. It’s saying: Yes, my body changes, but I am still worthy.
I know some days you’ll feel small, unseen, and frustrated. That’s okay. Let those days be part of your story—not the whole story.
Now, I’d like to hear from you. Drop a comment below: What’s one part of your body you’ve learned to appreciate (or want to)? What’s one struggle you’re still wrestling with?
If this post resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. And while you’re here, explore more stories on www.wotshernameagain.uk—especially my post about Living with Lupus
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P.S. If you’re also looking to boost your energy and burn extra calories without grinding at the gym, check out my post Walk To Weight Loss” for simple walking tips (I swear they work).
Together, let’s carry the flag for real curves, real illness, and absolute confidence.
Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty | Love Creativity | Love Travel
Lee-Anne x
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