Today marks 3 years since I competed in my first figure competition. It’s funny to see these two pictures side-by-side because if you asked me back then if I was happy with the way I looked, I would’ve said I wish I was leaner, stronger and needed more muscle. And of course, if you asked me today, I’d say I was crazy then, along with everyone else. ? What we see in the mirror isn’t often good enough…no matter where we are in our journey, no matter how healthy or strong we are, no matter how many positive choices and sacrifices we’ve made…when we’re not quite yet to the goals we’ve set (especially if they are unrealistic goals!) And sometimes what WE think is “good enough” isn’t always healthy.
What I don’t miss about that girl on the left: counting calories and weighing and measuring every single thing that went in my mouth, weighing myself every day and being so focused on numbers that I disregarded how I felt and how my body, even my hormones were responding, over-exhausting myself in the gym not doing things I enjoy.
What I love about the girl on the right: eating food that is healthy and tastes good but enjoying myself too in moderation, focusing on balance and proper portions and supplementation to make sure I’m getting enough fuel to match the demands I put on my body, doing things I love and trying new things, embracing the curves that I have, while paying attention to how I feel and the health of my body and allowing that to be the compass for the choices I make each day moving forward.
The process of competing was a blast! I stepped outside of my comfort zone and learned I was capable of 100% dedication and discipline to myself, instead of to everyone else. Is that vain? Maybe ??♀️ but I coach people every day that if you can’t give 100% to yourself, how can you ever expect to be 100% for anyone else.
People ask if I’d compete again? ? For now all I can say is I try to live each day with the dedication of the girl on the left, but with the mindset of the girl on the right ❤️??
