A key part of Bertinelli’s message centers on unlearning decades of social conditioning. She has spoken about growing up around harsh criticism related to weight and appearance, experiences that left lasting impressions. Over time, she has worked to replace those beliefs with compassion and self-kindness, reminding herself that personal value is not tied to body size. Her story resonates because it is grounded in real experiences rather than perfection. By choosing to treat herself with patience and understanding now—rather than waiting to meet an arbitrary goal—she models a healthier approach to well-being, one that prioritizes emotional balance, gratitude, and personal growth.

Her message also fits into a broader cultural shift, as other well-known women have sparked similar conversations by embracing confidence at every stage of life. Actress Helen Mirren has previously spoken with humor and honesty about a viral beach photo that captured an unplanned moment, while Demi Moore has received widespread praise for sharing joyful moments from her travels, focusing on connection and experience rather than perfection. Even talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has joked about how unexpected moments can resonate most with audiences. Together, these stories reinforce a simple but powerful idea: confidence, kindness, and self-acceptance are timeless qualities that matter far more than appearances.