Mirror, Mirror On the Wall… Why Are You So Uncomfortable?

By Tricia Scott. 

Let's talk about mirror work. The thing where you look yourself in the eyes and say kind things. Yes, out loud. Yes, it feels weird at first. And yes, you should absolutely be doing it.

If you can't look in the mirror and say "I love you" without squirming, it's not the mirror that's the problem. It's the story you've been told (or told yourself), probably for years. And now it's time to rewrite it.

So, What Is Mirror Work?

Mirror work is the practice of looking into your own eyes, like deep into the soul kind of looking, and speaking affirmations of love, worth, acceptance, and encouragement. It was popularised by the late great Louise Hay, who basically made it her mission to get us all talking lovingly to ourselves like we're our own soulmates (because... we are).

This isn't about ego or pretending everything's perfect. It's about reconnecting with the person who's been there through everything (that's you btw).

Why It Feels Weird (and Why That's a Good Thing)

It's a given that your first few tries might feel like a mix of awkward, cringe, and "who am I even talking to?" But that discomfort? That's where the gold is. It means you're pushing past a lifetime of programming that told you self-love should come last. Or not at all.

Mirror work brings up the stuff we've buried. Old shame. Self-doubt. The "not good enough" narrative. And that's exactly why it works; it shines a light where healing needs to happen; think of it like a torch for your shadow side.

But What Do You Say?

You don't need a whole monologue. Just start small. Here are a few tried-and-true affirmations to kick things off:

"I love you."

"You're doing your best, and that's more than enough."

"I see you, and I'm proud of you."

"You are worthy of love, exactly as you are."

"We've got this."

Notice the we? Because yes, you and you are a team now.

How to Do It (No Candles or Crystals Required… Unless You Want 'Em)

Find a mirror – preferably one that doesn't have toothpaste splashes. You totally deserve clean glass.

Make eye contact – seriously. Look right into those peepers. No flinching.

Speak kindly – out loud. Whispering counts if the house is full, but don't skip the words.

Repeat daily – 2 minutes in the morning. That's a lot less time than scrolling Instagram.

Stick with it – the magic is in the consistency. 

What To Expect

After a week or so, you'll start feeling a shift. It might be subtle, like catching your reflection and not immediately criticising your face or thighs. Or noticing you're a bit gentler with yourself when you mess up. Maybe you even start believing the words you say.

This practice is sneaky like that. It rebuilds self-trust. It rewires your inner dialogue. It teaches you how to be your own safe space in a world that loves to point out flaws.

Final Pep Talk (Because You Know We Love One)

So next time you catch your reflection, don't just fix your hair or check for spinach in your teeth. Pause. Look deeper. Speak the words you actually need to hear. 

You are not your flaws. You are not your to-do list. You are a masterpiece in motion, worthy, whole, and wildly lovable, exactly as you are.

Self-love isn't a destination you arrive at. It's a daily choice. A conversation. A home you build inside yourself, brick by beautiful brick.

And it all starts with a mirror...What will you say? 

 Tricia Scott is a passionate startup business mentor and the Founder and Editor of The Female CEO - Create Evolve Overcome, a platform and digital magazine holding the space to showcase female entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

The Female CEO is gaining global recognition daily and Tricia is able to bring her own level of expertise as a start-up mentor and multi-company director to her very exclusive table along with her team of brilliant Guest Editors and Contributors. You'll usually find her with her MacBook in one hand and a coffee or a glass of something fizzy in the other. Reach out anytime!