Becoming Unpretty: Sydney Ryker's Journey to Self-Acceptance

Hey there, fabulous members of The Gal Project community! I just had to hop on here and share my recent experience from the latest episode of the Diana Prince Podcast. As you know, our mission is to spotlight the remarkable things women do every day to make the world a better place, and this episode was no exception. It featured the incredible Sydney Ryker, an entrepreneur and transformational speaker who has built a thriving health company and revolutionized how we view self-worth and beauty. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your jam), and let's dive into it!

In this episode, Sydney introduced us to her unique method called "identity deconstruction." Now, if you're anything like me, you might be wondering what in the world that even means! But essentially, Sydney shared her journey of stripping away societal expectations—those pesky societal standards that we as women all too often get trapped under. Her story resonated with me on a personal level because, as a photographer for Angela Atelier, I constantly observe the undue pressure women put on themselves to conform to beauty ideals.

We delved into this fascinating idea of "deconstructing identity," which is all about peeling back layers of external validation to uncover our true, beautiful selves. It's like removing that Instagram filter and appreciating the raw, unedited picture of you—because, let's face it, that's where real beauty lies.

Sydney talked candidly about her past struggles, emphasizing the importance of confronting and challenging the mind chatter that hampers our self-love journey. She shared a simple yet powerful practice: the "Name That Thought" exercise. By acknowledging our thoughts without judgment, we can quiet that internal critic and make space for self-acceptance and self-love. It's such a practical tool that I've started using it myself, especially whenever I'm prepping for my own photography sessions and feeling the pressure to be 'picture perfect.'

It was enlightening to hear Sydney discuss how liberating it is to embrace who you are without the constant need for approval. As we chatted, it hit me just how important it is to capture our authentic selves through the lens in photographs. We don't have to look like supermodels to deserve space and appreciation in front of the camera.

Before I sign off, let me share a little gem that rocked Sydney's world and furthered her transformation journey. The book "Bhagavad Gita" profoundly shaped Sydney's perspective on life and self-beauty. This ancient Hindu text is filled with poetry and insights into not chasing success but working from a place of love and authenticity. It's a read that she wholeheartedly credits for helping her peel back layers and discover a more profound sense of peace. If you're keen on taking your self-love journey deeper, this might just be the book for you!

Remember, dear members of The Gal Project, we all have our unique stories and strengths. Let's continue embracing our authentic selves and raising our voices. As always, I'm grateful to be part of a community that uplifts each other and celebrates women who are doing amazing things.