Hello Sunshine,

I just returned from my photography conference last week and have been looking forward to sharing this week's “3 Things Thursday” where I share updates, info about photography, my life, and the latest fun findings.

So here goes…

1. Unsolicited Opinions 

I've recently thought a lot about a moment that many of us share—the first time we recall being on the receiving end of unsolicited opinions about our physical appearance. Think back to the earliest recollection you have of someone commenting on your appearance, be it a compliment or a critique. For many of us, this memory might date back to our formative years, often long before we fully comprehend the societal significance attached to our physical attributes. It's a peculiar memory, one that often leaves us pondering why our looks take center stage in a world brimming with diverse talents, personalities, and experiences.

It's a strange feeling, isn't it? To have others judge us based on our appearance as if that were the most intriguing thing about us. It may leave us feeling both vulnerable and perplexed, wondering why our physicality takes precedence over our character, dreams, and aspirations. From a young age, we become aware of the expectations society has for us. These expectations can manifest as compliments that set certain standards or criticisms that sow seeds of self-doubt. These early encounters with unsolicited opinions can significantly shape our self-image and influence our perception of beauty and worth.

As we navigate through life, it's crucial to remember that our physical appearance is just one facet of our multifaceted selves. It's a part of who we are, but it doesn't define our worth or the entirety of our identity. We are artists, thinkers, creators, and dreamers, each with a unique story to tell. It's essential to challenge the narrative that reduces us to mere appearances.

Let's celebrate our individuality, our quirks, our passions, and our accomplishments. Instead of being shaped by the unsolicited opinions of others, celebrate the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The first recollections of unsolicited opinions about our appearance mark the beginning of a journey—a journey to redefine beauty and worth on our own terms. Our physicality may catch the eye, but it's our character, kindness, resilience, and dreams that truly define us.

Cherish the profound essence of our being and recognize that we are far more than the sum of our physical parts. It's time to celebrate our wholeness and embrace the diverse tapestry of experiences that make us who we are.

2. Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype

I've had Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype saved in my audible wishlist for at least 6 months, maybe more. I finally listened to it on the plane to my photography conference last week and so glad I did. As one of my clients said to me, this book should be a required reading for all women and I couldn't agree more.

Below is the description. Click here to check it out.

“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One million copies sold! “A deeply spiritual book [that] honors what is tough, smart and untamed in women.”—The Washington Post Book World”

“Within every woman there lives a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. She is the Wild Woman, who represents the instinctual nature of women. But she is an endangered species.

 In Women Who Run With the Wolves, Dr. Estés unfolds rich intercultural myths, fairy tales, and stories, many from her own family, in order to help women reconnect with the fierce, healthy, visionary attributes of this instinctual nature. Through the stories and commentaries in this remarkable book, we retrieve, examine, love, and understand the Wild Woman and hold her against our deep psyches as one who is both magic and medicine.

Dr. Estés has created a new lexicon for describing the female psyche. Fertile and life-giving, it is a psychology of women in the truest sense, a knowing of the soul.”

3. Self Value 

I've always been interested in learning of ways to improve my quality of life. At the beginning of this year, I was introduced to the Self Value Education by Sue Bryce. Let's just say her teaching has profoundly opened my mind to learning “an entirely new way of thinking, feeling and acting”. I especially love watching the monthly deep-dive conversations.

If you're also interested in the topic of self value, below is the description of the education program. It's the best under $200 I've spent on myself this year!

"You will learn to get yourself out of the stuck, rat-wheel mind that sabotages you with avoidance, drama, gossip, and resentment. If we stay in that state, we become bitter, resentful, depressed, suppressed, and stuck in relationships that don't serve us, stuck in jobs and careers we hate, wilting, and over-helping others get what they want, feeling unseen, less-than, and not worthy.

Instead of constantly being caught up in the overwhelming thoughts, emotions and struggles, you will start to clear the mind and open the heart. You will learn to focus on yourself, feel good in your skin, connect with your body, and connect with your income.

You will finally feel in control - even though you will soon learn that it's not about control, it's about focus."

Sue's Self Value online courses include the Power Talks, Money Mindset, and more + monthly deep-dive conversations with a focus on practical application and personal growth.

The special beta pricing of $181/year is available now until October 1st. After October 1st, it's $299/year.

Click here to check it out. I think you'll love it.

I hope you enjoyed this week's 3 Things Thursday, and I'm excited to share many more with you in the coming months. As always, I'm so grateful for your support and appreciate your readership!

With love—

-Amy