Dancing With The Stars Pro Gets Real About Body Image

Dancing With the Stars pro Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy looks like she has it all — a killer career, an amazing husband, and great friends — but the 25-year-old is getting honest about overcoming her insecurities.

Johnson, who married fellow pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy back in April, shared a revealing before-and-after post on Thursday, July 25 and opened up about her mental and physical health.

“‘Love Your Brain, Love Your Life.’ I recently came across a video by Dr. Daniel Amen who gave this quote while talking about mental health. I was so struck by these words and really reflected on them.

“Pictured are two girls. And I LOVE both of them. The difference is, the girl on the left didn’t trust herself. Tried to cover herself up with a mask of makeup and that terrible flower crown,” Johnson Chmerkovskiy wrote.

“Feared what people thought about her. Didn’t know who she was. Tried to be what other people wanted. Was afraid to look up! And ultimately it reflected on her outward appearance.”

She continued, “The girl on the right decided to embrace herself. Accepted her insecurities. Loved her acne! Doesn’t wear makeup 90% of the time. Opened up. Took charge of her life and her identity. Blocked out the bullies and the critics who don’t know her. Tries everyday to love herself and know her worth!!”

While she’s proud to show off her strong body, Johnson Chmerkovskiy wants people to remember to also work on their mental health too. “Maybe some of you thought this was only a ‘body positivity’ post (which it is too) but more importantly it’s a BRAIN POSITIVITY post,” she shared.

“It’s crazy how much effort and care we put into our physical bodies to keep them healthy and working… but why don’t we put that same effort into our brain?! And our mental health?!”

She added, “Anyways, I’m grateful for both women pictured. Grateful for all that I’ve gone through. And I’M PROUD OF HOW FAR I’VE COME! And how HARD I’ve worked on both my physical and mental health!”