Sam Smith “Reclaimed His Body” With This Inspiring Instagram Photo

Singer Sam Smith is known for his buttery voice and ability to pull emotions out of us with a single note. Although he exudes confidence via his singing and social media presence, Smith, like many of us, has struggled with self-image in the past. With this in mind, Smith posted an inspiring photo and message on Instagram yesterday, February 12th, and we are applauding every word.

“In the past if I have ever done a photo shoot with so much as a t-shirt on, I have starved myself for weeks in advance and then picked and prodded at every picture and then normally taken the picture down,” Smith wrote. “Yesterday I decided to fight the fuck back. Reclaim my body and stop trying to change this chest and these hips and these curves that my mum and dad made and love so unconditionally.”

Smith’s photo was snapped by LA-based queer artist and photographer Ryan Pfluger. The image shows Smith on the beach at sunset, shirtless and untouched.

“Some may take this as narcissistic and showing off but if you knew how much courage it took to do this and the body trauma I have experienced as a kid you wouldn’t think those things,” Smith continued. “Thank you for helping me celebrate my body AS IT IS @ryanpfluger. I have never felt safer than I did with you.”

He concluded, “I’ll always be at war with this bloody mirror but this shoot and this day was a step in the right fucking direction.”

Three, four — ten cheers for Sam Smith. Being able to empathize with him, we know exactly how huge this step is. And we certainly aren’t the only ones. Niall Horan showed his appreciation and love.

And actress Sarah Jessica Parker said exactly what we were thinking. Smith does look truly “divine.”

Kelly Rowland is proud AF of Smith for speaking his truth. Speaking truth never goes out of fashion, BTW.

Fellow singer Lauren Jauregui sees no need for Smith to change. Neither can we!

Miss J. Alexander is all about the “extra juiciness.” Amen.

We will honestly back up Brandi Carlile in a bar fight defending Sam Smith’s beauty and honor any time, any day. Bring it.

And Adam Lambert is here to give Smith all the love. No words needed.

No words needed from Ella Henderson either. The love is just wafting through the interwebs.

KT Tunstall is right. Sam Smith wins this entire round of life.

As empowering as this photoshoot session was for Smith, it was just as empowering for Pfluger. Pfluger posted the same photo to his Instagram, writing in the caption, “My MFA thesis was on how photography is therapy. I did a TEDx talk on how photography is therapy.”

“I feel so lucky to have met the people I have in my career & even luckier to create meaningful connections after working with people,” Pfluger continued. “@samsmith thank you for trusting me to facilitate photographs that empower your ownership of your body and mind.

I honestly wish everyone relinquished themselves to the experience like you did. An experience that has brought us closer together & I look forward to creating with you through the years. All the love. Xoxo”

This entire support system is friendship goals. As is this photo:

But really — the amount of love that engulfed Smith when he decided to show his vulnerable side is so freaking inspiring. We should all strive to be just as loving and supportive.

Because friends building up friends is what makes the world a happier place to live in. It’s just a fact!

We hope to see more photos of confident Sam Smith in the future.