Taking my shirt off in public.

I was pretty overweight as a teenager and it’s permanently impacted my impression of my body and perception of how other people see me. I’ve lost a lot of weight into my 20s and know I look different, but it never really feels like it no matter what.

Going to places like beaches or public pools, which I actively avoided as a teenager because I didn’t want to be seen, and eventually having the confidence to take my shirt off and realise that I’m just another shape in a large spectrum of other male body types, has helped me immensely.

I still hesitate. I went to the beach today even and kept my shirt on until I sort of forced myself to take it off. But it helped.