We’re in awe of you, Sam Smith. On February 12, the “Fire On Fire” singer, 26, took to Instagram to share an incredibly powerful message about self-love, body positivity and the true bravery it takes to overcome a lifetime of judgement.

Be warned: Sam’s touching caption coupled with his fierce shirtless snapshot is a recipe to feel all the feels. “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,” he began.

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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. 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. 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. Thank you for helping me celebrate my body AS IT IS @ryanpfluger I have never felt safer than I did with you. I’ll always be at war with this bloody mirror but this shoot and this day was a step in the right fucking direction 👅🤘🏼🍑

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“Yesterday, I decided to fight the f–k back [and] 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,” he continued. “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.”

The Grammy award-winning vocalist went on to thank his photographer, Ryan Pfluger, for capturing such a special moment. “Thank you for helping me celebrate my body AS IT IS, @ryanpfluger, I have never felt safer than I did with you. I’ll always be at war with this bloody mirror but this shoot and this day was a step in the right fucking direction.”

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Frosting ❄️ 💎 💦

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Naturally, Sam’s message struck a deep chord with many of his fans. “All I see is kindness, grace, purity and beauty, darling. You’re everything,” one user commented. “You’re beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring those struggling with body image,” added another. 

Agreed and agreed! We commend Sam for having the courage to be vulnerable and share his struggle with the world. You are fabulous … inside and out.