
No Mirrors, No Judgement: A Creative Reflection on Confidence & Conditioning
I like writing blogs — one of the reasons I created my website was so I could write what I want, when I want.
Of course, I want to share my story — hoping it might inspire, motivate, or simply make someone think.
It doesn't always have to be about branding, colour, or dogs. Sometimes it's just nice to put thoughts on a page.
Morning pages.
That's one of the reasons I write my morning pages every single morning — right after my meditation or tuning fork session (depending on how I feel). It's just three pages of dumping thoughts… some of them don't even follow. Sometimes they're in both languages and sometimes even one sentence is in two (for example, it's easier and quicker to write sused than neighbour, lol).
Sometimes the writing flows effortlessly — like verbal diarrhoea. Other times it's more like constipation. I get distracted by dogs, cats, and wandering thoughts (not social media, though — my phone stays far away).
Funny thing — I didn't plan to write any of this. I sat down to write about self-perception, how I feel about my body, and where those thoughts come from.
Oh… you look old(er)!
I recently made a reel, and when I watched it again, my first reaction was: "Oh… you look old(er)."
But my loving self quickly replied: "Of course, you're older than before when you used to do my YouTube videos regularly! But also wiser. Happier."
And yet, when I heard my recorded voice… I cringe (still).
These thoughts still pop up. After years of self-doubt, I truly am happy in my body. So why do they still creep in?
I know the theory. I've done the work. But that doesn't stop the programming from showing up.
The things I was told as a child (I was the chubby one — many of you can relate), the things I saw in adverts... You should have a thigh gap. You must shave daily. You need a bikini body... blah blah blah.
Then, one morning, I looked in the mirror and thought:
How would I feel about myself if there were no mirrors?
If there were no shop windows… no reflections?
I wouldn't know I had another wrinkle. I wouldn't see a spot unless it hurts. I wouldn't see that my hair is messy or sticking out.
And what if we didn't have magazines and ads telling us what's desirable — or people passing on those stories (that someone once told them)?
How could we know that only smooth, hairless legs are desirable, that cellulite is a problem, and that a double chin is a no-no? How many of you and/or your mums started dieting before summer so that they could fit into the swimsuit or a certain dress—but for whom? )
And because the Universe listens… she sent me a book.
Women Don't Owe You Pretty by Florence Given - via my amazing stepdaughter Rachel.
Florence is only 27, and so wise, articulate, and powerful. I inhaled her book in no time, borrowed Rachel's copy again to take it home (I need my own!).
There is so much wisdom...
"I was taught how to count calories and say no to food before I learned how to say no to people. What do you think that taught me about being a woman in this world?"
"We've been bombarded with stories that make us subconsciously hate ourselves — or hate others. It's time to change the narrative."
You should definitely get your copy!
Strong is the new skinny!
I can relate to this quote now, but I used to diet and exercise to look slim when I was younger. And why did I want to be skinny? Not to feel good, fit, and strong, but to be more desirable. Now I see how wrong that is!
I still exercise ( actually even more now) and eat healthily, but I am doing it for myself this time.
To be strong. To stay healthy.
So I can lift my own suitcase.
So I can sit down — and get back up — without help.
So I can live well and independently as I grow older.
Because I love my body.
Because I'm grateful for all it does.
Because I see myself with love.
And I hope you too!
Jitka xx