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How to Accept Your Body: Mirror Exercise
The mirror exercise is getting naked and looking in the mirror for 5 minutes, then writing down what you love about yourself. You can write down what you love about yourself as you stare in the mirror or after the five minutes are up. It’s best to do it after to get the full effect of the exercise.
All the Feels
Long story short, it was harder to do this exercise than I thought. I don’t mind being naked, but I do mind the mirror. A glance here or there doesn’t bother me, but having to stare for five minutes brings up some feelings.
I felt insecure. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with my arms or my head. I thought, “Who stands in front of the mirror naked for five minutes? This exercise is ridiculous!” As time passed, I put my hands on my hips and checked out my body.
I felt indifferent. My body is my body. I often check it out a little before a shower but try not to dwell on my big moles or deep scars. I especially don’t look at my muffin top — I store my extra fat in my stomach, so sometimes I look pregnant. It’s a sore spot. Looking at my flaws, I felt no concerns. But I looked at my body’s good qualities — my long legs, unique eye color, and thick hair — and I also felt nothing.
I felt ashamed. Why would I think this? Because I am not where I want to be. I…
