Closeup portrait of beautiful woman legs

Let’s face it, there are some people who are completely comfortable when they’re naked–and I’m not one of them. Most people would say I’m not a shy person, but in regards to taking it all off, I feel like I need a serious attitude adjustment.

It’s not that I’m just unnecessarily self-conscious at the doctor’s office (where they tell me “It’s okay honey, we see it ALL here”) or the women’s locker room at the gym. I’m not comfortable in my own house–even when no one is there but me. God forbid I catch a glance in a mirror by accident!

I’d like to blame my fear of nakedness on being a woman in my fifties. But I’ve been this way since I was a young woman and I think it’s finally time for a change.

My poor husband is always trying to sneak a peek as I shut the door to my closet so I can change my clothes. I catch him looking in the mirror for that split second before I wrap my precious towel around my body as soon as I get out of the shower. Other times, when I get the nerve up to be completely naked, the lights need to be out. He’s always flipping the switch on and I’m always turning it off. It is funny (and we do laugh about it) but seriously, a guy deserves a good look at his wife’s body on occasion.

So I’m starting on a 4 week journey that I’m calling the Naturally Naked Challenge and would love for you to join me. Now for all of you women out there who are lucky enough to feel beautiful naked, you must think I’m crazy. But for the rest of you shy strippers, you understand where I’m coming from because you know you like to hide in your closet too. Here is our Naturally Naked plan for the next 4 weeks:

1. Be realistic.  The media has done a brilliant job of air-brushing models and celebrities to the point of ridiculousness. Even though you know the images you see are not real, you still stop at the checkout counter and say “Damn, she looks good!” And if you’re comparing yourself to friends or women at the gym, then STOP. Stop comparing your body to anyone else’s body because it’s all yours. And it’s time to start loving it.

Your Naturally Naked commitment: During the next month, you will write down everything you love about your body and banish every single negative thought that runs through your head. Squash it like you would a pesky green-headed horse fly.

2. Practice.   That’s right, you need to practice being naked. I’m not talking about going to a nude beach or an “adult” resort (do they really eat dinner naked?) Just practice being naked in your house. Simply delay getting dressed by 5 minutes while putting on your makeup in the morning. The options are endless on how you choose to be naked, but you have to practice.

Your Naturally Naked commitment:  During the next month, you will be naked for at least a total of 1 hour. Write it down and keep track of it.

3. Meditate.  I know, I know. Meditation is HARD. But meditation can also bring on feelings of intense peace, love and self-acceptance. Plus, there are a lot of free guided meditations online that focus on these topics and more. Perhaps your uncomfortableness is a result from something that happened to you a long time ago. Meditation can help you learn to let go of these old feelings so you can move forward with your amazing life.

Your Naturally Naked commitment:  During the next month, meditate for at least 10 minutes each day. Look for guided meditations on self-confidence, acceptance and loving yourself.

4. Use Essential Oils.  You know that feeling you get when you walk into a spa? It smells so good that it starts to transform your stress levels almost immediately. Experiment with lavender, frankincense, grapefruit, basil, sandalwood and other oils. The more relaxed and content you are, the easier it will be to be naked.

Most oils can be inhaled or applied directly to your skin. If you want that “spa aroma” in your house, get a diffuser. You can buy essential oils and accessories at health food stores (like Whole Foods) or on-line from a variety of companies.

Your Naturally Naked commitment:  During the next month, buy a minimum of 1 or 2 essential oils (or blends) and use them to help reduce your levels of stress and boost your confidence.

5. Do something every day that makes you feel good about yourself.  When you’re feeling good about YOU, things seem to fall into place. Take the time to stop and visit a friend who’s been sick or help look for the neighbor’s lost dog. Allow yourself down time to reflect on your day, week and month. Give yourself a facial. Do anything that makes you feel good. Most importantly, always be kind to yourself.

Your Naturally Naked commitment:  During the next month, you will do something every day that makes you feel good about yourself. The choice is all yours. Just keep track of what you do and write it down.

Getting comfortable being naked is really about becoming more comfortable with yourself. It’s not about oozing sex like you see on television; it’s about loving and accepting yourself and celebrating who you are as a person.

So please join me in taking the Naturally Naked Challenge. There is force in numbers. With each other’s support, we can make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Plus, we will make our partners really, really happy!

Are you in?

 

Previously Published in The Huffington Post