Jessica Simpson Posted an "Unrecognizable" Photo to Commemorate Four Years of Sobriety

Jessica Simpson's memoir, Open Book, gave her fans an intimate look at her life, including new-to-some revelations that she had been dealing with alcohol abuse. Today, she gave readers and followers alike an update, sharing an image from 2017 on her Instagram feed and writing a lengthy caption that gave some insight into her decision to "take back" her light and learn to "love" herself again.

The photo may surprise some of Simpson's longtime fans. Instead of her usual glam, she's wearing a cozy tracksuit and her face is makeup-free. Instead of opting for a carefully crafted backdrop and relying on retouching and filters, it's a look at exactly what she described in her message, which touched on being a leader in her own life and accepting herself, flaws and all.

"This person in the early morning of Nov 1, 2017 is an unrecognizable version of myself. I had so much self discovery to unlock and explore. I knew in this very moment I would allow myself to take back my light, show victory over my internal battle of self respect, and brave this world with piercing clarity. Personally, to do this I needed to stop drinking alcohol because it kept my mind and heart circling in the same direction and quite honestly I was exhausted," she wrote. "I wanted to feel the pain so I could carry it like a badge of honor. I wanted to live as a leader does and break cycles to advance forward — never looking back with regret and remorse over any choice I have made and would make for the rest of my time here within this beautiful world."

The caption continued, saying that she didn't feel like she'd been sober for 4 years and wanted to address all the "stigma around the word alcoholism." She revealed that drinking wasn't the only problem that she was facing and that self-acceptance was a huge part of her self-discovery.

"I can't believe it has been 4yrs! It feels like maybe 2. I think that is a good thing. Ha. There is so much stigma around the word alcoholism or the label of an alcoholic. The real work that needed to be done in my life was to actually accept failure, pain, brokenness, and self sabotage," her caption continued. "The drinking wasn't the issue. I was. I didn't love myself. I didn't respect my own power. Today I do. I have made nice with the fears and I have accepted the parts of my life that are just sad. I own my personal power with soulful courage. I am wildly honest and comfortably open. I am free."

Just two weeks ago, Simpson regained full ownership of her eponymous fashion brand. Previously, she only owned 37% of the line. Sequential Brands Group Inc. purchased a majority share of the brand from Camuto Group, but Sequential would go on to file for bankruptcy in August 2021.

"It means the absolute world to me to be able to take over complete ownership of my brand," Simpson told Footwear News. "Never in my wildest dreams could I fathom being part of a true lifestyle collection brand that has been at the top of its game for 16 years."