Kate Winslet is easily one of the best actresses of our generation, but it’s her vocal stances on beauty and far-reaching ideals that draw fans closer to her. She fully embraces her body and refuses to cave in to the pressures under which many women crack. The accomplished star recently spoke of her confidence at 36 years old and why she now loves nude scenes more than ever.

Kate’s confidence is at an all-time high right now, challenging the dip in self-esteem that women are expected to experience as they age. In her interview with The Sun, the actress explains why she feels relaxed in nude scenes and doesn’t see the big deal in baring all:

Oh my God, I couldn’t give a s***. I mean, I’m so much less self-conscious and I think that’s something to do with getting older and acceptance of one’s self, feeling stronger, feeling more confident… I think confidence does come with time and I’ve been really surprised by that actually… I mean, I remember being 21 and imagining that at 36 my t**s would be around my knees and I would have bad hair and terrible teeth… When you are younger, somehow being in your later thirties just seems really old. But I feel stronger, fitter and more comfortable in my own skin now than I have ever done.

Excuse me while I take this moment to fist-pump in righteousness. Her strong statements are worthy of role model status and have major potential to inspire all women, young or old. I admit to struggling with my physique in comparison to images I’m bombarded with daily. Why should I worry so much? It is every woman’s own test to conquer the ideals stacked up against her, and Winslet’s ability to withstand the criticisms and Photoshopping encourages women to power through and embrace their uniqueness. We are all made differently, so let’s not try to all act the same way. That’s boring.

Her laid-back approach to nudity also stems from other motives to incite confidence in others:

“I look like the people that walk down the street. I don’t have perfect boobs, I don’t have zero cellulite — of course I don’t — and I’m curvy. If that is something that makes women feel empowered in any way, that’s great.”

Kate has always upheld this belief. In 2003, Winslet called out British GQ for photoshopping her cover photo and slimming down her legs. She was given a Polaroid of the image after the shoot and commented that her legs were reduced by a third. “I do not look like that, and more importantly, I don’t desire to look like that.” Kate has also stated that all magazine covers are altered, and people should know that celebrities actually don’t look like that.

Winslet provides a breath of fresh air in a world bogged down with diet tips, beautification pressures and aspirations to be the ultimate hottie. What’s the point if we’re not happy and always striving for a goal so difficult to reach? Confidence is the most attractive quality and by-far the healthiest. Love your perfect imperfections and do not fear your natural progression. It is your life and happiness, and these aspects should never be under society’s control.

What do you think of Kate Winslet’s statements?

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