“ I don’t think I’ve really talked about just how much these photos mean to me.

I’m down 89 lbs, but honestly, the biggest changes haven’t been the ones on the scale.

I’ve spent a lot of time over the last year trying to find myself again. Learning that saying no is okay. Learning that putting myself and my health first doesn’t make me selfish. Learning that my worth isn’t measured by how much I can do for everyone else, especially when I’m completely draining myself in the process.

I’m learning that I can love my body exactly where it is right now AND still want to work on it. I can appreciate everything this body has carried me through while still showing up at the gym every day, pushing myself, getting stronger and working toward my goals.

But probably the biggest thing I’ve been working on is learning how to actually love and trust myself again.

My thoughts are quieter now. They’re nicer. I don’t spend nearly as much time picking myself apart or letting that negative voice convince me that I’m not enough. I’ve started intentionally looking for the good, writing down my wins and reminding myself every night that I’m doing a hell of a lot better than I sometimes give myself credit for.

And then there’s Hailley.

I genuinely don’t know if she realizes how much she has been a part of this journey for me.

I walked into this last photoshoot nervous. Hailley basically held my hand and told me, “We can do this.” And then she showed me her.

The woman I’ve been trying so hard to find again.

I have cried looking at these pictures more times than I’m willing to admit. Not because I suddenly think I’m perfect. Not because I’ve reached some magical goal weight. But because I looked at them and, for once, I wasn’t searching for everything wrong with me.

I just saw me.

And I liked her.

That confidence boost is so hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. Hailley has this way of making you see yourself a little differently, and I swear I will tell anyone who will listen what that has done for me.

So yeah… I’m still a work in progress. I still have goals. I still have days where I struggle.

But I’m also really freaking proud of the woman I’m becoming.

And Hailley, thank you for helping me see her again.“

- Jessica Pickett