In this episode, Kayla Ackelson sits down with photographer and artist Shelah Riley to talk about self-love, empowerment, and the transformative experience of boudoir photography. Together, they explore what it means to celebrate our bodies in the present moment — not someday, not when things change, but now. Kayla shares her personal experience stepping outside her comfort zone for a boudoir session, and Shelah offers insight into how photography can become a tool for reclamation, healing, and confidence. They also reflect on the nuances of self-care, the influence of social media on self-expression, and the importance of creating — and living — from a place of authenticity.

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https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠

BetterHelp is the sponsor of this episode and they are on a mission to make starting therapy easier. I am so excited to announce my newest partnership with BetterHelp because therapy has been pivotal in my own self-love journey. As someone who resisted it for a really long time, I know how hard it can be to start. I actually recently decided to start going back to therapy and kind of start over with a new therapist and honestly, it's not easy. Retelling your story, hoping they connect the dots, but I chose to go back for a lot of reasons. So that I can be a better parent. So that I can be the best mama to Miles that I can be. So that I can safely process emotions I'm experiencing. So that I can give myself grace and compassion when I don't want to. So that I can offer grace and compassion to others when I don't want to, and so that I can feel validated in my own experiences. My therapist has been so helpful with really big life obstacles and also just day-to-day things that we all struggle with. All of that to say, if you're thinking about starting or restarting your therapy journey, I invite you to try BetterHelp. I've been enjoying my experience and it is so accessible. 

With BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist online from the comfort of your own home through video, phone, or even live chat. therapy has never been easier. Fill out a questionnaire and you will match with a therapist in as little as a couple days. One of the best features of BetterHelp is that if the first therapist doesn't feel like the right fit for you, you can easily switch to another one until you find someone that you really connect with.

They carefully make sure the therapists on the platform are well-qualified and their customer support team is there to help you if have any questions. With over 7,000 reviews, BetterHelp is a platform that you can trust. It's flexible, it's affordable, and it takes away so many of the barriers that usually keep us from getting help. So if you're ready to take that next step or if you're struggling and think you'd benefit from a therapy session, go to ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠ to get 10 % off your first month. 

That's ⁠https://betterhelp.com/unhurried⁠. 

Again, you don't have to do it all alone. I used to think I had to and there is so much support out there and so much love. Here if you want to chat, here if you just need a hug. Remember that self-care is sexy and BetterHelp is the perfect way to take care of yourself.