"Red shoe make overs are less about having nice photos of yourself to look at and more about rebuilding confidence and strength.

I use this photo every day to remind me that I am fierce, I am strong, and even though I have not yet reached my goal weight....I am still beautiful.

Somewhere along life's painful journey in the past 2 years I lost myself. I lost my strength, my hope, my confidence and determination, and even the will to live. I had my makeover at the time my 10 year marriage was ending in hopes of feeling better about how I look.

What I did not know at the time was that life was about to get even more painful than I ever expected it could be. There are days I can not bear the thought of getting out of bed to take care of my 4 children when I just want to sit and cry all day.

Then I look at the expression on my face that Sarah somehow managed to catch on camera that reminds me I am better than that. I am stronger than the temporary pain I am going through. I deserve better than the broken relationships and lost friendships. I am a kind and loving person. I am a great mother and a damn good friend anyone would be lucky to have.

I will never trust or love another man as long as I live and I am ok with that. My children need me and I will fight to find my way back to the person I see in this beautiful photograph. I gave of myself more than I could afford to give to people that did not appreciate or deserve it and now it's time to give back to myself. This makeover was the 1st step in doing that. Thank you Nicole and Sarah for reminding me that I am beautiful, inside and out and that I deserve peace and happiness in my life.

All my love and gratitude,

Angie