Look, I know that based on the title of this article, I sound like a crazy, young liberal who ran away to join a nudist cult and want to recruit you to join. But that’s not what I’m here for… at all.
In my early teens, I had no problem with the way I looked in the mirror. I would get undressed before getting in the shower after ballet class and think “Dang you look good” (hello13-year-old ego!). But as the years progressed, I started feeling a whole lot less “Dang she’s bangin’” and a whole lot more “Oh my gosh, don’t look at me.” I woke up in the morning and quickly analyzed my naked body in the mirror before getting dressed or hopping in the shower. I dreaded it; it was never a positive evaluation. I couldn’t stand being naked; I needed to hide my “unfit areas” at all times. I was so harsh on myself and you know what that mentality did for me? It fueled my negative thoughts. I didn’t want to look at myself and I didn’t want others to look at me either.
Sound familiar to anyone? Yeah, I thought so.
If this experience rings a bell just a little too loud, I’ll let you in on a secret practice that can break you free from this: spend more time naked.
Yep. I said it. That thing that makes me sound like a crazy, young liberal who ran away to join a nudist cult… on a totally unrelated note, I have a special group that may be right for you!
Just kidding!
Okay, first of all, your skin needs a chance to breathe.
Secondly, it’s good practice to put yourself in positions that make you feel vulnerable. Everyone hates being vulnerable, it’s a well-known fact. But the more you do it, the more you will see the tremendous benefits and growth you gain from doing it.
Thirdly, it will increase your confidence! Once you become confident with your naked self, you’ll be so confident with clothes on. Do you ever see an extremely confident person walking down the street and wonder how they do it? I bet they spend time naked.
This doesn’t have to be an awkward thing you feel embarrassed about. In fact, no one even needs to know. When you get out of the shower, lock your door, toss your hair up in a towel turban and walk around naked. No, seriously—clothesless, commando, in the birthday suit. You may be thinking, so now what? Do I just stand here? How long am I supposed to do this for? What if I look in the mirror and can only generate negative thoughts?
Here’s what you do: you don’t just stand and look at yourself in the mirror. You walk around, clean your room, organize your closet, or read a book. A lot of times, I find myself scrolling through Twitter for a little too long. (You’re welcome to the FBI agent assigned to look through the camera of my phone.) You don’t need to look in the mirror at all!
P.S. Please, for the love of God, lock your door and close your blinds; that way, you can be 100% sure you aren’t exposing yourself to the world. I want to be clear that I am not encouraging that you post nudes or give a show to the whole block—those are probably unwise choices! I’m simply encouraging that you get comfortable with your body and embrace it… on your own.
I don’t know, maybe you are still pretty sure I’m a crazy young liberal freak who ran away to join a nudist cult (even though I’m really not and am fully clothed 99% of the time). All I ask is that you don’t knock it before you try it, so get out there and embrace the nudie-judy!