Stretch marks. Cellulite. Acne scars. The list goes on.

We all have these insecurities, no matter how old, young, petite or curvy we are – they’re inevitable. As I was talking to a few co-workers the other day, we were all venting about our personal insecurities. Maybe it was acne scars developed in the early awkward years of high school, cellulite that just wouldn’t seem to take the hint and remove themselves from the inner-thighs or the inevitable stretch mark that seemed to hit at every single growth spurt. As I sat there and listened to us all talk about our insecurities (myself included) and our go-to remedies for our "imperfections", we all looked at each other and just laughed at ourselves. Insecurities are something we might not be able to control with a natural remedy, a coconut oil scrub or an exfoliating face wash, but what we can control is our thoughts. Ladies and gents, you know what I’m talking about. 

“Ew. I can’t stand my thighs.”

“My tummy just can’t seem to get flat.”

“I hate my ankles.”

“Showing my legs in a short dress is a no-no.”

“I wish my arms had a little more tone.”

“I look disgusting. I can’t even look in the mirror.”

Those are the thoughts we need to control. Those are the thoughts that are in our heads, our conversations and are the ones we repeat in our minds when we look in the mirror. We all have those nasty thoughts, but what we need to control is how we approach our insecurities. Personally, I’ve always been quite insecure about my legs, especially my thighs and butt (Kufel booty. It just can’t be stopped. I blame genetics). As a petite woman, my thighs and my butt are the first place I gain any weight. Let’s just say I’m my own worst critic (we all are, aren’t we?) and I sometimes can’t stand to look at them in the mirror. It’s sad, but it’s true. As someone who appears to be confident in public, behind closed doors I have the same insecurities as you all. We all do; absolutely no one is perfect. While we're at it, someone please define the word "perfect" for me. You can't really define it, can you? Ding, ding, ding. 

Whether it’s a birthmark we can’t stand or stretch marks we can’t seem to ditch – those insecurities are deep within each one of us. The negative thoughts have got to go. For me, I've gotten to the point where I just can't have my thoughts controlling my life and my mood and you shouldn't either. It’s seriously time to say enough is enough to our inner demons and approach them head on, ironically enough. 

Now, every time I look in the mirror I make sure I give my thighs and booty some extra love or a little pep talk. I make sure they know exactly how much my body needs them. They’re the push in my run, they’re the muscles that get me through rocking 3” heels to work, they’re what gets me through that last squat at the gym – they’re part of my existence. I need them. Every time I look in the mirror and think a nasty thought, I switch my words. It's what I call a little 'word-remix'. You should try it:

“Ew I can’t wear that cheeky bikini with these thighs and that butt. What will people think? It’s just too showy. My thighs are just too thick. I just can’t.”


Enough. Get your 'word-remix' on.

“Yes, I can rock those bikini bottoms. I work my as* off in the gym and those squats are certainly paying off. I deserve to wear what I want. My mirror and my thoughts can’t control me. I won’t let them. I’m going to wear that to the pool. My bod isgorgeous.”

That’s all it takes. Turning those negative thoughts into positive ones. Give it a try. It has definitely helped calm my inner demons because you know what? They just don’t deserve the attention.

Bring it on, mirror.




*Also - I love this article on GIRLS actress, Jemima Kirke. It's titled 'Jemima Kirke Cuts The Bullshit On Food, Fitness & Body Image'. Enough said. Give it a read. You'll love it.