Tell me about yourself.

I am an empty nest mom struggling with my role in the world after pouring my life into caring for my child and everyone else all these years. I’m a nurse and absolutely adore helping others, but rarely if ever take care of myself.

How has your photo shoot experience shaped how you view yourself?

I have always hated pictures of myself. This experience showed me that I can look and feel both professional and pretty. Even the family shots were the most favorite photos I’ve ever had taken of us. I look at those pictures and wonder who that girl is, but I also know that she is happy. Those pictures brought out a smile that had been missing. It’s still missing some days, but I know she’s in there somewhere.

What message would you like to give other women that are going through a difficult time in life and might not feel worthy?

My advice to anyone going through things is to do something for yourself you normally wouldn’t. Do something that scares you but you’ve always wanted to do. For me it was these pictures, a vision of myself that I don’t see but these pictures show me it’s possible and real.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I laugh at this sometimes. My younger self always saw herself as fat. She had no idea what fat was. I would definitely tell her that weight does not make you who you are.

What would you tell other women about stepping out of their comfort zone and doing a photo shoot?

This is something I recommend to everyone!! It has changed both my perception and outlook on what I see when I look in the mirror.