Unsubscribing From The Male Gaze
S2E10 – the fear of being perceived, male gaze and learning to be your authentic self ft. my sister cameo
This week, my sister joins me as we dive into the fear of being perceived, self-expression, personal style, the male gaze, self love and a oneness between an inner and outer “style”.
Cam is so wise, I loved having her on the podcast again for Season 2! It's a super chill episode, so grab a drink + a snack and don’t worry if you can’t tell our voices apart – you’re definitely not alone, hahaha.
Live on Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Apple Podcasts :)
Unsubscribing from the Male Gaze: A Mindset Shift
The concept of the male gaze isn't just about how men look at women; it's about a pervasive mindset that influences how women perceive themselves.
This mindset, rooted in both fear and desire, can dictate how we dress, act, and even think. It's crucial to recognize that this gaze is a construct, not a reflection of our true selves.
We might dress more conservatively or in a way that minimizes attention to avoid unwanted scrutiny, harassment, or objectification from men. That’s out of fear. On the other hand we could wear clothes that align with traditional standards of attractiveness to gain positive attention, approval, or validation from men. That’s out of desire.
But you can also dress for neither of those reasons. The reason why you dress is so much more important than what you wear.
By unsubscribing from the male gaze mindset, we reclaim the power to dress for ourselves, not for the approval or disapproval of others.
Dressing for yourself means embracing what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically you. It’s about choosing outfits that reflect your personality, not conforming to societal expectations.
Overcoming the Fear of Being Perceived
One of the biggest hurdles in our journey to authenticity is the fear of being perceived.
We often worry about how others judge us, but remember, people judge based on a reflection of themselves. Their own beliefs and insecurities.
You can never please everyone with the way you act or dress, so why try? Embracing the idea that people's opinions are more about them than about you is liberating. It frees you to be yourself, unapologetically.
At the end of the day, being true to yourself is the most empowering stance you can take. Your authenticity will attract the right people into your life while repelling those who are not meant to be there.
Learning to Be Authentic: Aligning Inner and Outer Style
Authenticity is about ensuring there’s harmony between your inner self and your outward expression.
Ask yourself: Is what you’re wearing a true reflection of who you are, or are you dressing to meet someone else’s expectations? Are you putting on a mask to please those around you?
Your style (how you express yourself in every way) should be an extension of your personality, not a costume designed to fit into someone else's narrative.
When your inner values and outer expressions align, you’ll find a deeper sense of satisfaction and confidence. This alignment is key to living a life that’s true to yourself, not dictated by the whims of others.
Detox Message
Embrace Your True Self
The core message of this detox is simple: Stop behaving, dressing, and expressing yourself– for others. You can never please everyone, so why not start being yourself now? Embrace your individuality, dress for you, and live authentically.
By doing so, you’ll not only find greater personal happiness but also inspire others to do the same. The journey to self-acceptance and authenticity is ongoing, but it starts with the decision to prioritize your own happiness and self-expression over the expectations and judgments of others. So, let go of the need to conform and start living for you.
More in Self Growth…
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