The multiverse shifted once again.
This time, Inse found himself in a sleek, futuristic wellness center, the kind of place where even the mirrors seemed to judge you. He adjusted his athletic tank top uncomfortably, tugging at the fabric over his midsection. He had never been overweight, but standing under the hyper-bright lights of the facility, every perceived flaw, his slightly rounded belly, the lines around his eyes, the thinning of his hair, seemed magnified.
Across from him, Curity stood tall, her perfectly tailored fitness attire and effortless posture exuding confidence. She smiled, glancing at him through the mirror.
“Inse, do you know how many people in this world would kill for a body that lets them move freely, hug their kids, and enjoy good food?” she asked, stretching her arms overhead.
Inse sighed. “I just want to be in the best shape of my life. I feel like I should be more toned, younger-looking. You know, perfect.”
Curity raised an eyebrow. “And who exactly defines perfect?”
1 TFM – Ignore the Voice of Insecurity
As Inse stared at his reflection, his mind filled with criticisms:
- You’re not fit enough.
- You should have started working out years ago.
- Look at social media, everyone your age has abs!
Curity tapped his shoulder. “You’re hearing it, aren’t you? That voice telling you that you aren’t enough.”
Inse exhaled sharply. “Yeah. Loud and clear.”
“Then here’s your first move: ignore the voice of insecurity. Don’t argue with it. Don’t try to silence it. Just recognize it’s there and let it pass like background noise.”
He frowned, crossing his arms. “Easier said than done.”
“It’s a habit, like anything else. The more you let the voice pass without reacting, the less power it has over you.”
2 TFM – Use the Voice of Insecurity for Amusement and Inspiration
Inse smirked. “Okay, so what? Just laugh at it?”
Curity grinned. “Exactly. Next time that voice says, ‘You’re getting older, you’ll never be in shape,’ respond with: ‘Yeah, and maybe I’ll sprout wings and fly too.’“
Inse chuckled despite himself. “That’s ridiculous.”
“So is your insecurity,” she said, winking.
He thought for a moment. “Alright. If my insecurity says, ‘You’ll never look like those fitness influencers,’ I can say, ‘And they’ll never look like me, lucky them.’“
“Now you’re getting it,” Curity said. “See how the sting fades when you don’t take it so seriously?”
3 TFM – Let the Voice of Security be Your Guide
Inse took a deep breath, shifting his focus. “So instead of listening to my insecurities, I should tune into something better?”
“Exactly,” Curity said. “The Voice of Security doesn’t just push you to be more, it reminds you that you already are enough. What would it say to you right now?”
Inse hesitated. He closed his eyes and imagined speaking to himself with kindness. “It would say… ‘Your body has carried you through life. You’re strong. You can make healthy choices without needing perfection.'”
Curity nodded approvingly. “There it is. That’s the voice you trust.”
4 TFM – Act Despite the Voice of Insecurity
The fitness instructor called their group forward to begin a high-intensity workout session. Inse felt the insecurity creep back in. What if I can’t keep up? What if I look ridiculous?
Curity clapped a hand on his back. “Do it anyway.”
“What if I fail?”
“What if you succeed?” she countered. “You don’t have to feel ready, just move forward. Act despite the insecurity.”
Inse clenched his jaw. He wasn’t going to let self-doubt win today. He stepped onto the workout mat and pushed through, sweat pouring down his face. He wasn’t the fastest or the strongest, but that didn’t matter.
He was doing it.
5 TFM – Befriend Your Inner Voice
After the session, Inse wiped his face with a towel and met Curity by the juice bar. “Okay,” he admitted. “I see the pattern now. My inner voice isn’t the enemy, it’s just a part of me.”
“Exactly,” Curity said. “You’ll never get rid of insecurity completely, and you don’t have to. But when you befriend your inner voice, you stop being controlled by it.”
“So it’s about balance,” Inse said, nodding slowly. “Listening to insecurity without letting it lead, and trusting security without ignoring reality.”
Curity raised her smoothie in a toast. “Now you’re getting it.”
Inse clinked his glass against hers, smiling. Maybe he wasn’t perfect.
And maybe that was perfect enough.
Takeaways from the Story
- Recognize but Ignore the Voice of Insecurity – Self-doubt will always exist, but you don’t have to obey it.
- Use Your Insecurity for Amusement and Motivation – Lighten its grip by laughing at its absurdity.
- Let the Voice of Security be Your Guide – Speak to yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
- Act Despite Insecurity – You don’t need to feel ready to take action.
- Befriend Your Inner Voice – Both security and insecurity have a place in your life; learn to balance them.
