Mirror Work: How to Face Yourself (Literally) and Not Cringe
Let’s talk about Mirror Work—the deeply uncomfortable, occasionally magical practice of looking yourself dead in the eye and saying things like, “I love you,” out loud. To your own face. On purpose.
Sounds like some self-help cult shit, right?
Welcome to the awkward, tear-filled, brutally honest corner of shadow work you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re new to the whole healing thing or have been deep-diving into your trauma since Myspace was a thing, Mirror Work will crack you open in ways that might piss you off at first... but then it starts to change everything.
So, What Is Mirror Work?
In plain English? You stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eyes—really look—and speak truth out loud. Affirmations. Apologies. Grief. Praise. Whatever needs to come through. You say it. To you.
This practice was made famous by Louise Hay, the matriarch of affirmations and emotional healing. But let’s be honest—you don’t need a Hay House contract or a Pinterest altar to do this. Just a mirror, a moment, and the courage to get a little raw.
Why the Hell Would Anyone Do This?
Because your inner critic has been narrating your life like a drunk Mean Girl with a megaphone, and your inner child is still curled up waiting to hear “you’re enough.” Mirror Work doesn’t just change how you think about yourself—it rewires how you speak to yourself. Out loud. Which, turns out, hits different.
It helps you:
Build real self-love (not the filtered, post-worthy kind)
Talk to your inner child like the badass parent you never had
Reprogram the lies you’ve been sold about your worth
Face your shadow without flinching
Unlock your voice and finally say the damn thing
And weirdly enough, after a while, you start feeling less like a hot mess and more like Beth Dutton on a healing journey—still a little dangerous, but finally softening.
How to Actually Do Mirror Work (Without Crawling Out of Your Skin)
Here’s your no-fluff, no-flower-crowns guide to getting started:
1. Pick a Mirror
Handheld, bathroom, bedroom—whatever works. Clean it off. You're not doing sacred inner work next to toothpaste splatter.
2. Set the Vibe (Optional)
Light a candle. Throw on a moody playlist. Or don’t. This doesn’t need to look pretty—just feel intentional.
3. Look Into Your Eyes
Not your eyebrows. Not your hair. Not your chin. Your eyes. That’s where your soul’s been waiting for you.
4. Speak Aloud
Say the thing. Then say it again. Start with affirmations if you’re not ready for the deep stuff. Try:
“I love and accept you exactly as you are.”
“You are safe now.”
“You didn’t deserve what happened to you.”
“I forgive you.”
“You are not too much. You are powerful.”
It’s gonna feel weird. Say it anyway.
5. Stay With It
Start with 2 minutes. That’s it. You can handle 120 seconds of mild internal screaming. Eventually, you’ll crave it. (No, seriously.)
Want to Sync With the Moon? Hell Yes You Do.
If you’re gonna go full ritual, why not bring the moon into it? She’s been doing emotional work longer than any of us.
New Moon
Theme: Self-Acceptance & Planting Seeds
Say: “I am open to becoming who I’m meant to be.”
Ask: What part of me is ready to emerge?
First Quarter
Theme: Courage & Resistance
Say: “I am done shrinking to fit in.”
Ask: What’s keeping me small?
Full Moon
Theme: Release & Radiance
Say: “I am allowed to shine.”
Ask: What am I still hiding—and why?
Last Quarter
Theme: Forgiveness & Integration
Say: “I forgive myself for not knowing what I didn’t know.”
Ask: What pain am I ready to lay down?
Pair It With Journaling (Because Emotional Receipts Are Hot)
If you’re already cracked open, might as well write some shit down. Try these prompts:
What came up when I looked into my eyes today?
What did I not want to say out loud?
What part of me is still scared to be seen?
What would I tell younger-me if she appeared in the mirror right now?
What truth do I need to hear most often?
Final Pep Talk (The Beth Dutton Way)
Mirror Work is awkward, gritty, and often uncomfortable. But so is becoming someone who actually loves themselves.
This isn’t about being “high vibe” or manifesting your dream life with perfect lipstick and a blue check mark on IG. This is about showing up for yourself when no one else does. It’s about locking eyes with the one person who’s been with you through it all—and choosing them, again and again.
So stand there. Say the damn thing. And if your voice cracks? Good. That means it’s working.
Just don’t be surprised if, somewhere along the way, you start becoming a little more unshakable. A little more honest. A little more... you.
Beth would be proud.
(And she’d probably pour you a whiskey to celebrate—even if all you want is tea.)