If there’s one thing I know about focusing on your health—whether you’re on a quest to shed some weight, or just striving to feel stronger and more confident—it’s that how you view your body is either going to help you level up or make your journey feel like an unbeatable boss (I see you Code Vein).

With everyone out there giving you tips on working out and what to eat, let me step in and fill the gap on this journey, helping you shift your mindset so that every step you take is rooted in self-love, acceptance, and patience. Because, just like in any epic RPG, true health isn’t just about the loot you collect or how many stats you can max out—it’s about how you feel in the skin you’re in, and the connection you build with your character (that’s you, in case you didn’t know).

In many stories, vulnerability is often misunderstood as a weakness, but in my experience? It’s the real superpower—like unlocking a hidden skill that leads you to your true self. For most of my life, I saw my body as anything but perfect and beautiful (one day I’ll share the origin story of that mindset, but it’s still a bit like a Dragon Age side quest—touchy and full of feels). The mirror often reflected self-criticism instead of self-appreciation, and I carried the weight of those judgments like a cursed item in an inventory bag.

But that started to change when I began practicing a simple, yet profoundly vulnerable ritual: Standing naked in front of the mirror by candlelight.

In the soft glow of the candles—free from harsh lighting and the typical “self-sabotage spell” I’d cast on myself—I began to see my body differently. It wasn’t about the battle scars or flaws; the candlelight turned what once felt like a dungeon of imperfections into something more beautiful—shadows and curves that looked more like art than mistakes. I’d dance a little, swaying to music that made me feel alive—sometimes sensual, sometimes playful, always freeing, like I was a character in a Final Fantasy cutscene, where everything just felt right.

At first, it felt awkward—like trying to do a Critical Role monologue and flubbing the lines. But over time, the practice became less about how I looked and more about how I felt. I began to notice the strength in my legs, the softness in my belly, the curve of my shoulders—how every piece of me fit together perfectly, like a well-designed character build.

One of the places I struggle with the most is my lower abdomen. It’s always been a bit fluffier than the rest of me, and growing up, it was the subject of teasing—kind of like how Harry Potter got a lot of unwanted attention for his “scar.” Even though I’ve never been overweight and have always had solid muscle definition, this part of my body—just a little softer than the rest—became a source of insecurity. I’m sure many of you can relate to having a “spot of insecurity” on your body that feels like a mini-boss fight, no matter how much health you’ve leveled up. The key I’ve learned is to stop critiquing and start appreciating—this part of me is mine, and it’s not something that needs to be fixed to meet anyone else’s standards.

This ritual became a gateway to self-acceptance. It taught me that my body wasn’t just a quest objective to be “fixed” or “improved,” but a home to be cared for, honored, and loved—just like a hero nurturing their trusty steed (or their magic sword).

IMPORTANT NOTE!

We’re kicking off this quest with a bit of a boss fight. If this feels like too much right now—like the kind of battle that needs a higher level—don’t worry. Skip ahead to one of the other tasks in your quest scrolls. You’ll still gain XP, and the blog posts are here to provide extra lore if you need context (because who doesn’t love good lore?).

How You Can Try This: If you feel disconnected from your body, or struggle with self-image, I invite you to try a version of this practice. Here’s how you can embark on this mini-quest:

  1. Set the Scene: Choose a quiet time, like when you’ve got some “cooldown” from your day. Light a candle (you might light a few candles) and turn off any other lighting.
  2. Be Present: Stand in front of the mirror without judgment. If you’re not feeling the full naked vibe yet, start by wearing something that makes you feel like your most confident version of yourself. A simple tank top and underwear are a great start, the key is that you feel good in it.
  3. Move Freely: Put on music that resonates with you—something that makes you feel empowered or grounded (Here’s one of my playlists I used to help you with that). Move however you want, whether it’s dancing, stretching, or simply swaying—no pressure, no performing, just moving in a way that feels right. You’re the protagonist of this story, so the way you move is up to you.
  4. Focus on Gratitude: Instead of critiquing your reflection, focus on what your body allows you to do. Thank your arms for carrying things, your legs for taking you places, your skin for holding you together. For me, I say, “Thank you, belly, for carrying 3 beautiful babies and protecting my power center.”
  5. Repeat: Make this a ritual, and notice how your feelings toward your body evolve. Think of it like leveling up in real life. I did this almost every night for 6 months. You don’t have to do it that often, that is what I needed at the time. Remember, this is your journey. Do what works for you.

By embracing vulnerability, you open the door to a deeper connection with yourself. It’s not about becoming perfect—think of it more as embracing your character’s journey, flaws and all.

One thing to note: This is just a practice that worked for me. It may not work the same way for you, and that’s okay. But keep exploring until you find the rituals that resonate with you and make you feel good. The goal is to get your mind and body on the same team—your team.

What’s one way you’ve reconnected with your body recently? Let me know in the comments or try this practice and share your experience.

Until we meet again, be gentle with yourself. You’re beautiful.
K.

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