Every woman around me was carefully wrapping herself in a towel, turning away, doing her best to stay covered.
It wasn’t a large room — and there were cubicles with doors for anyone who wanted privacy — yet still, there was this sense of needing to hide.
And it made me pause.
Why do we feel we need to hide our bodies… even in a space that’s just for women?
Why do we feel we need to hide our bodies… even in a space that’s just for women?
Growing Up in Sweden Was Different
I grew up in Sweden, where this was never the case. The showers in change rooms were open — no curtains, no cubicles.
Women would stand side by side — showering, chatting, laughing. Bodies were just bodies. There was no shame, no awkwardness, no sense of needing to cover up.
When I was rowing, we even shared the sauna with men. It wasn’t strange. It was simply normal.
A Memory With My Daughter
When my children were little, I saw how different things were here in Australia. My daughter would use her towel like a shield after swimming lessons, because that’s what “everyone did.”
But when she was 11 (and my son was 9), we spent three months in Sweden.
One day, she came home after sports at school, her eyes wide.
“Mum… the girls were all running around naked in the change room! Showering, laughing, not even caring!”
At first, she was shocked. A little uncomfortable.
But then she noticed the freedom in it — the comfort, the joy, the complete lack of shame.
But then she noticed the freedom in it — the comfort, the joy, the complete lack of shame.
That memory has always stayed with me.
A Body is a Body
I’ve worked with bodies for over 25 years. I’ve seen every shape, every size, every scar, every wrinkle, every story.
And you know what?
๐ None of that defines a person.
๐ None of that defines a person.
Your body is not who you are.
Your body is your temple.
Your body is your temple.
Bodies Change — And That’s a Privilege
As women, our bodies go through incredible journeys:
๐คฐ Pregnancy
๐ง Birth
๐ Menopause
โณ Aging
๐คฐ Pregnancy
๐ง Birth
๐ Menopause
โณ Aging
Bellies stretch. Breasts sag. Skin wrinkles. Gravity leaves its mark.
Yes, those changes can feel confronting when we look in the mirror.
But every mark, every fold, every wrinkle is proof that you’ve lived.
But every mark, every fold, every wrinkle is proof that you’ve lived.
And isn’t that worth embracing?
My Message to You Today
Can you stand in front of a mirror and truly love what you see?
Not “one day when you’ve lost weight.”
Not “when you’ve toned up.”
Not “when you’ve toned up.”
But right now.
๐ Can you love the belly that carried your babies?
๐ The wrinkles that came from years of laughter and tears?
๐ The softness that time has gifted you?
๐ The wrinkles that came from years of laughter and tears?
๐ The softness that time has gifted you?
And if you choose to make changes, do it from love — not shame.
Move your body, nourish it, care for it. Not because you need to be “perfect,” but because you love yourself enough to honour your temple.
Move your body, nourish it, care for it. Not because you need to be “perfect,” but because you love yourself enough to honour your temple.
Another Reflection…
Why do we hide so much here in Australia?
Why don’t we allow female teachers to simply supervise girls in change rooms — showing them what healthy, comfortable body acceptance looks like? Perhaps that role-modelling is what young girls need most.
And here’s where I may differ from some: I believe there are two sexes — female and male. And we can honour that without shame, without confusion, and without losing the sacredness of our spaces.
What I Believe Deeply
โ๏ธ A body is a body — it is not who you are.
โ๏ธ Every wrinkle, every fold, every scar tells your story.
โ๏ธ Hiding feeds shame. Embracing feeds love.
โ๏ธ Self-love begins when you stop fighting your reflection.
โ๏ธ Every wrinkle, every fold, every scar tells your story.
โ๏ธ Hiding feeds shame. Embracing feeds love.
โ๏ธ Self-love begins when you stop fighting your reflection.
A Question For You
๐ What is your relationship with your body?
๐ Do you hide, or are you learning to accept and love yourself?
๐ Why do you think women hide in change rooms here in Australia?
๐ Do you hide, or are you learning to accept and love yourself?
๐ Why do you think women hide in change rooms here in Australia?
This may trigger some… but maybe that’s the point.
Maybe it’s time we open up the conversation.
Because real self-love doesn’t start “one day when we’re perfect.”
It starts now.
With the body you live in today.
It starts now.
With the body you live in today.
Love it. Care for it. Honour it.
Because it’s yours.
And it’s beautiful.
Because it’s yours.
And it’s beautiful.
Karin Hagberg – The Awake Wellness Warrioress
Father’s Day is that cherished moment to honor the profound impact of fathers, grandfathers, and father-figures, both past and present, who embody the sacred masculine with their steady presence, courage, and guidance. This celebration invites us to reflect on how these figures shape our lives, offering protection and grounding wisdom that nurtures the dance between masculine and feminine energies. For those who may have grown without this presence, the Divine Masculine is a universal force, ever accessible within the earth, the cosmos, and ourselves. Dive into the depths of this heartfelt tribute to appreciate the roles these figures play, the strength they inspire, and the harmony they create in our world. Discover how their love, even when imperfect, carves pathways of resilience and support, reminding us all of the enduring bond that transcends time and space.
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Embrace the powerful journey of awakening as a true Warrioress with the mantra: "Strong in Body. Fierce in Spirit. Worthy in Soul." This transformative path begins by redefining strength, not as a measure of appearance, but as the resilience and vitality that energize your every move and decision. Move beyond mere survival to thrive with a spirit emboldened by courage, speaking your truth and turning adversity into opportunity. At the core of it all lies the sacred understanding of your inherent worthiness, a truth to remember rather than achieve, leading to self-acceptance and empowerment. Discover how intertwining these elements brings a profound alignment to your life, encouraging reflection and personal growth. Awaken to your own potential and step confidently into your true essence, where you are already whole and divine. Join this inspiring journey to reclaim your authentic self and rise as the empowered woman you are meant to be.
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Scott’s work is direct, raw, and honest — but it’s also deeply compassionate. He speaks to women about boundaries, confidence, and self-worth in a way that cuts through the noise and gets right to the heart of what holds us back.
And let me tell you, this conversation left me reflecting deeply on my own journey — and the journeys of so many women I work with.
Why Women Struggle With Boundaries
Let’s be honest. Most women were not taught how to set healthy boundaries.
We were conditioned to:
- Say “yes” when we mean “no.”
- Put others’ needs before our own.
- Believe that our worth is tied to what we do and how much we give.
But the truth is, when we live without boundaries, we lose ourselves.
We end up drained, resentful, exhausted, and often invisible in our own lives. We give and give until there’s nothing left, and then wonder why we feel so disconnected from who we truly are.
We were conditioned to:
- Say “yes” when we mean “no.”
- Put others’ needs before our own.
- Believe that our worth is tied to what we do and how much we give.
But the truth is, when we live without boundaries, we lose ourselves.
We end up drained, resentful, exhausted, and often invisible in our own lives. We give and give until there’s nothing left, and then wonder why we feel so disconnected from who we truly are.
What Happens When We Lack Boundaries
Scott and I talked about how life feels when we’re living without clear boundaries. It shows up in so many ways:
โจ Energy leaks – always giving, rarely receiving.
โจ Lack of clarity – confusion about who we are and what we stand for.
โจ Disempowerment – living by other people’s rules and expectations instead of our truth.
โจ Resentment – frustration with others, but deep down, frustration with ourselves for not standing tall.
And here’s the thing: when we don’t have boundaries, we send the world a silent message that we don’t believe in our own worth.
โจ Energy leaks – always giving, rarely receiving.
โจ Lack of clarity – confusion about who we are and what we stand for.
โจ Disempowerment – living by other people’s rules and expectations instead of our truth.
โจ Resentment – frustration with others, but deep down, frustration with ourselves for not standing tall.
And here’s the thing: when we don’t have boundaries, we send the world a silent message that we don’t believe in our own worth.
The Transformation of Boundaries
But oh, the magic that happens when we finally claim our boundaries!
Boundaries are not walls. They’re not selfish. They’re not about shutting people out.
They are sacred lines that say: “This is who I am. This is what I value. This is how I honor myself.”
When we set them with love, everything changes:
๐ Confidence grows — because we’re finally standing in alignment with ourselves.
๐ Self-respect deepens — because we’re honoring our own needs instead of betraying them.
๐ Relationships transform — because we start attracting those who respect our worth and letting go of those who don’t.
Scott reminded me that true confidence doesn’t come from perfection, external validation, or doing more. It comes from being rooted in self-worth and living in alignment with our boundaries.
Boundaries are not walls. They’re not selfish. They’re not about shutting people out.
They are sacred lines that say: “This is who I am. This is what I value. This is how I honor myself.”
When we set them with love, everything changes:
๐ Confidence grows — because we’re finally standing in alignment with ourselves.
๐ Self-respect deepens — because we’re honoring our own needs instead of betraying them.
๐ Relationships transform — because we start attracting those who respect our worth and letting go of those who don’t.
Scott reminded me that true confidence doesn’t come from perfection, external validation, or doing more. It comes from being rooted in self-worth and living in alignment with our boundaries.
My Warrioress Reflection
As women, when we learn to set boundaries, we reclaim our power.
We move from depletion into empowerment.
We stop apologizing for who we are.
We rise into our fierce spirit while honoring the softness of our soul.
This is the Warrioress way. Strong in body. Fierce in spirit. Worthy in soul.
Boundaries are the bridge that allows us to live from that place — fully, unapologetically, and authentically.
We move from depletion into empowerment.
We stop apologizing for who we are.
We rise into our fierce spirit while honoring the softness of our soul.
This is the Warrioress way. Strong in body. Fierce in spirit. Worthy in soul.
Boundaries are the bridge that allows us to live from that place — fully, unapologetically, and authentically.
A Reflection for You
I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect:
- Where in my life do I need stronger boundaries to honour my self-worth?
- Where am I still saying “yes” when I truly mean “no”?
- How would my confidence and energy shift if I honored myself first?
Take a moment to journal on this, or even speak it aloud. You may be surprised at how much clarity arrives when you simply give yourself permission to choose you.
- Where in my life do I need stronger boundaries to honour my self-worth?
- Where am I still saying “yes” when I truly mean “no”?
- How would my confidence and energy shift if I honored myself first?
Take a moment to journal on this, or even speak it aloud. You may be surprised at how much clarity arrives when you simply give yourself permission to choose you.
๐ง Listen to the Full Conversation
This blog was inspired by my conversation with Scott Lancaster on the Transform Your Wellness Podcast.
If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to listen to the full episode — because we go so much deeper into the practical ways women can reclaim their self-worth and embody confidence through boundaries.
If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to listen to the full episode — because we go so much deeper into the practical ways women can reclaim their self-worth and embody confidence through boundaries.
Transform Your Wellness Podcast: Cut the Crap: Building Boundaries & Boldness
Remember, Warrioress: You are not here to be everything for everyone. You are here to stand in your truth, honor your worth, and live in fierce alignment with your soul.
Dive into the transformative power of coherence, a state where body, mind, and spirit harmonize, creating profound balance and clarity. Discover how coherent living impacts your wellness on every level, bringing resilience, focus, and a deep sense of peace that encourages thriving rather than just surviving. Through simple practices like breathwork, gratitude, and connecting with nature, learn how to embody this harmony in daily life, moving away from chaos and toward a centered, vibrant existence. Imagine a life where stress melts away, creativity flows effortlessly, and you stand strong, guided by inner wisdom and tranquility. As you journey through these insights, consider how adopting this harmonious state could illuminate your path to being the best version of yourself. Embrace the empowering path of the Awaken Wellness Warrioress and unlock the true essence of who you are.
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