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June 2026
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Taryn Brumfitt
Beauty of the Month
I have been admiring Taryn's work for the past few years, so I am very excited to share her feature with all of you! Through years of chasing what she thought was the "ideal" body, Taryn realized that achieving physical “perfection” didn't bring her true happiness. Taryn's turning point launched her global movement, her keynote speaking, and helped thousands break free from the exhausting cycle of body obsession. Her talent for challenging beauty standards and helping people feel at home in their bodies is exactly what our world needs.
I'm full of gratitude to celebrate Taryn and share her wisdom with you all.
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEG HANSON / interviewed by Beyond Beauty Project
“Your body is not an ornament, it’s the vehicle to your dreams.”
I’m Taryn Brumfitt — 2023 Australian of the Year, founder of the Body Image Movement, filmmaker, author and global speaker who’s passionate about helping people feel more at home in their bodies. My journey began after years of trying to change my body in pursuit of “perfection.” Even after achieving what I thought was the “ideal” body through bodybuilding, I realised I was still unhappy. That wake-up call made me question why so many of us spend our lives at war with our bodies. What makes me me is my relentless curiosity, my honesty, and my belief that life becomes so much richer when we stop obsessing over how we look and start focusing on how we feel and who we are.
The Beyond Beauty Project is for every body.
How did you discover the Beyond Beauty Project, and what initially drew you to it?
Taryn Brumfitt: What drew me to the Beyond Beauty Project was the heart behind it. Any platform that encourages people to see their worth beyond appearance immediately resonates with me. We’re living in a time where so many people — especially women and girls — are exhausted by impossible standards and constant comparison. Projects like this create space for honesty, representation and connection, and that’s incredibly powerful.
At some point, many of us realize that living by societal expectations doesn’t feel like our truth.
Did you experience a turning point when you decided to define your own path? What was that moment like for you?
Taryn: Absolutely. My turning point came after a “before and after” transformation photo I posted online went viral. The shocking part was that my “after” photo — where my body was larger and softer — was actually when I was happiest. In the “before,” I was leaner but consumed by restriction, pressure and self-criticism. That moment forced me to confront the truth: I’d spent years chasing a body I thought would make me worthy and happy. Once I realised shrinking myself wasn’t bringing me joy, I wanted a different story — not just for me, but for my children and others trapped in the same cycle. That post led to more than 7,000 emails from people around the world sharing their own body image struggles. In that moment, I realized this was so much bigger than me — and that I wasn’t alone.
“You can’t build a meaningful life trying to make everybody comfortable.”
Looking back often brings clarity and compassion.
If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say about perfectionism and comparing yourself to others?
Taryn: I would tell her that perfection is an illusion, and comparison steals joy. Nobody wins by hating themselves into someone else’s idea of beauty. I spent years believing I needed to fix myself before I could fully live my life. I wish I’d known confidence isn’t something you earn by looking a certain way — it’s something you practise by showing up as yourself.
It’s easy to feel like we’re “behind” in life or not moving fast enough.
How do you remind yourself that your pace is the right pace for you? Or is this something you’re still learning to navigate?
Taryn: I think many of us are still learning that. We live in a world where success is measured publicly and busyness is glamorized. But I’ve learned life isn’t a race. Some seasons are about growth, some about rest, some about survival — all of them matter. When I focus on impact, connection and purpose, I stop worrying about keeping up. I’m in a winning phase right now, and it feels good. But my body remembers the grit, setbacks and years of unseen growth. I’ve spent far more time in the struggle than in the success. So if you’re in the thick of it right now, doing the hard work no one sees — I see you. Growth is quiet before it’s visible. Stay the course.
Our understanding of beauty shifts as we grow. How has your perception of beauty changed over the years?
Taryn: Beauty used to mean appearance to me — thinness, perfection, Now, it feels deeper. It’s authenticity, kindness, confidence, laughter, resilience, energy and the way you make others feel. Some of the most beautiful people I know are comfortable in their own skin, and make others feel safe to be, too.
Authenticity can be a daily practice.
What helps you stay true to yourself in a world full of expectations?
Taryn: I constantly come back to my values and why I started this work. The world will always have opinions, trends and expectations, but I’ve learned peace comes from living in a way that feels true to you. Not everyone is going to like you or what you stand for — and that’s okay. You can’t build a meaningful life trying to make everybody comfortable. Staying true to yourself sometimes means disappointing people or challenging expectations. I surround myself with people who value honesty over perfection, and that makes a huge difference.
“Growth is quiet before it’s visible. Stay the course.”
Self-love looks different for everyone.
How do you practice self-love in your daily life?
Taryn: For me, self-love is less about bubble baths and affirmations, and more about self-respect and compassion. It’s speaking kindly to myself, setting boundaries, resting when needed, nourishing my body, moving in ways that feel joyful, and allowing myself to take up space without apology. I practise it daily by moving my body, listening to what it needs, and making time for simple rituals — sitting quietly for a few minutes, nourishing myself with foods that give me energy, meditating, and spending time outdoors. Hiking and walking are a big part of my life. If I need to reset, I head to nature — it’s where I feel most grounded. Some days, self-love looks strong and confident. Other days, it’s simply giving myself grace.
Caring for the body is both physical and emotional.
What are some ways you honor your body—physically, mentally, or emotionally?
Taryn: I honor my body by listening to it more and fighting it less. I move in ways that feel intuitive and supportive, not as punishment. I prioritize sleep, connection, laughter and time with people I love. Mentally, I make space for peace through meditation and time outdoors. Emotionally, I try to notice when old narratives creep in and gently challenge them. I also honor my body by resting instead of always pushing through, and saying no instead of people-pleasing.
If you feel called, we’d love to hear a meaningful piece of your journey.
Is there a story, lesson, or mantra that has guided you along the way that you’d like to share with others?
Taryn: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is this: your body is not an ornament — it’s the vehicle to your dreams. We get 28,000 days if we’re lucky. That’s not a lot of time, and I deeply respect mine by not wasting it, or sitting on the sidelines of my own life. So many people postpone joy, opportunities and experiences until they change the way they look. But life is happening now. Your worth is not waiting on the other side of weight loss, perfection or approval. We’re constantly bombarded with unrealistic beauty standards, and it’s so important not to internalise them or let them define how we see ourselves. The mantra that holds true for me is: “Your appearance is the least interesting thing about you.” I truly hope more people can experience the freedom that comes with believing that.
Taryn's Socials:
IG: @bodyimagemovement
LinkedIn: @Taryn Brumfitt
Website:
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