When 2024 began, Lydia Myers set herself the target of transforming her mind and body within six months, and the results have completely stunned the internet.
Before starting her New Year's resolution, Myers, 27, lacked self-esteem and felt insecure, so January 1 felt like the perfect opportunity to make a change. She told Newsweek that she wanted to really prioritize her hair, skincare and her health, and six months seemed like "adequate time to see a difference."
She captured a video of herself in January to show what she looked like before, and on August 1, she captured a subsequent clip to reveal the incredible results on TikTok (@lydianoellemyers). The video instantly went viral with over 953,600 views and 95,200 likes so far.
Needless to say, Myers' transformation left many social media users speechless, and even she has been surprised by how much has changed.
"What happened during that 6 months actually launched me into way more change than I could have imagined," Myers said. "I was impacted more than my original idea to clear up my skin or grow out my hair."
Many will be desperate to know what Myers, of Mississippi, did to achieve such a drastic new look. Of course, she's implemented a lot of dietary and regime changes, but her transformation also went much further than just that. After all, beauty really is more than skin deep.
"I have been intentional about drinking collagen to benefit my hair, skin and nails. I really worked hard to cultivate my perfect skincare routine for the morning and night. I continued to drink a gallon of water a day, and I consistently took biotin vitamins," she said.
"I started a consistent gym routine, started cooking more meals at home, and I prioritized my sleep—which is vital, especially to us moms. I took up journaling. I leaned heavily into mindfulness, self-awareness and reflection to help me realize where the true glow-up needed to happen."
'The Glow Comes From Within'
Over the last six months, Myers has seen great improvements in her skin, her hair has grown faster and she's continuing her weight loss journey.
Not only does she look different, but she feels so much better on the inside too. She walks with confidence, and perhaps most importantly, she feels at peace. But it's not over yet, as Myers hopes to sustain her new regime and ensure this new version of herself is here to stay.
"The inner work will never stop. Now that I know what it feels like to walk through life as a healed individual, I don't ever want to return to the insecurity I felt before," she told Newsweek.
"Many people have congratulated me on my glow, but I don't think that could have been achieved by simply doing skincare. The glow comes from within. Through self-reflection, journaling and therapy, I learned about some deep core wounds that have never been healed. Once I started pursuing this healing, that is when the real change happened."
'Creating Real, Lasting Change'
When it comes to improving our health, Sonia Jhas, a mindset and wellness expert, says there are "no quic-fix solutions." The key is to be consistent with any changes we make, whether that's with skincare, diet or exercise regime.
The speaker, educator and author says that six months is long enough to notice a change in themselves, as long as a person commits and acts with real intention.
"Six months is enough time to establish new habits, shift your perception and set the stage for lasting change," Jhas told Newsweek. "By committing to yourself, you'll build a foundation for a life that feels more aligned, authentic and fulfilling. Reaching the six-month mark won't feel like a finish line; it will be proof that you're creating real, lasting change."
Myers may look completely unrecognizable now—which is in large part due to the collagen supplements, new diet and new sleep schedule—but it's also a result of her inner healing too.
Jhas explains that mental wellbeing and physical wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and that healing from within can have "a ripple effect of wellbeing." They can also balance each other out, so when we're flourishing in one aspect, it can boost the other.
"A calm and balanced mind allows you to better tune into your body's needs. Stress can disrupt this balance, leading to hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbances and skin flare-ups. By nurturing your mental space, you create an environment where both your mind and body can thrive," Jhas continued.
"Prioritizing mental health lays the foundation for making choices that honor and support your body, such as eating nourishing foods, staying active and practicing self-care."
The Social Media Response
At first, Myers thought it would be fun to document her six-month change on social media, although she never expected it to attract this much attention. She's incredibly grateful for all the support that she's received, and she encourages others to prioritize themselves too.
Myers continued: "I've received an outpouring of love and encouragement on social media. It really affirms me in knowing that the change is evident.
"I'm a single mom, and my little girl deserves to witness her mom taking care of herself. You can't pour from an empty cup, so as mothers, we can't stop taking care of ourselves. Try to find that small percentage for yourself, find things that make you feel confident."
As much as social media has hailed her new appearance, Myers adds that a lot of the superficial changes are just "icing on the cake." What's pleased her the most is the work she's done to change herself on the inside.
"If you can heal yourself inwardly, everything else becomes a hobby rather than a necessity," she says.
With over 650 comments on her TikTok post, the internet was full of praise for the 27-year-old. One comment read: "The mental health glow!"
Another person responded: "Girl you look like a completely different person!"
While another TikToker joked: "I refuse to believe this is the same person."
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