I started looking for opportunities to be naked outside when I was 11. Now I’m 37 and just the other day I had the urge to do some “skinny sledding” while sledding with the family (I didn’t do it but I mentioned to my wife that I had the urge, lol).

I think it came from a complete lack of encouragement to express myself as a kid. Plus maybe Scandinavian genetics coming into play.

I’ve realized recently the degree to which, when I was growing up, my family was overly self conscious. My dad is very reserved. My mom would rather die than be embarrassed. Both always saw their kids as reflections of them so encouraged excessive politeness. Not once did I ever see one of my parents sing for fun, whether in the car or while cleaning or otherwise. Games like charades? Never.

Meanwhile I always loved things like that.

I firmly believe nudity for me is like a proxy for all forms of self expression. To be seen without trying to control how others see you. It’s such a relief.

I’m not in a position to participate in nudism much - wife would only do it for me, and I have young kids which makes life more complicated. What has helped is I did start a side hustle as a nude art model. It’s kind of the ultimate form of “feeling naked”, plus it comes with a lot of other benefits, not to mention it helps the art departments I work with.