At 50 years old, I started my bodybuilding journey January 2014. I was bored working out without an "end game". So, I took to the internet and found a bodybuilding competition taking place THREE (3) weeks later!! Entering the Master's Division (50 and Over), I SOMEHOW placed 3rd. Honestly, it felt like a fluke. Yet, because I love(d) being an athlete again, I'd train and compete again later that same year. However, very few of my family and friends knew that I was competing.
In retrospect, I didn't share my bodybuilding with family and friends because I wasn't "owning" what I love. Commiting to something I love? I struggled with loving myself; much less openly loving a sport and being an athlete. So, my journey to now has been; continues to be, one of committing to loving Self as I train for bodybuilding competitions as a bikini competitor.
Currently, I am prepping for my first show of my 2023 season. Actually, in seven (7) days, on Saturday April 15, 2023; I take the stage at the historic, "World Vegan Bodybuilding Championship" in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. While I started my journey January 2014; this is my first time committing to the process! I hired a coach, Heather Rickard of Jacksonville, Florida and since December 2022; I have been owning what I love.
The PROCESS of Owning What I Love has been (and continues to be) a journey of healing. Whatever it takes to EMBODY Me; I'm Doing It! I am encouraged and supported by my matrilineal ancestors: My Mom (Ann); Grandmother (Willa); Great Grandmother (Fannie); Great Great Grandmother (Frankie); and ALL of the Warrior Women from Whom I descend.
I'm allowing Myself to be aware; conscious of thoughts and behaviors that I held onto; but that harmed Me instead of helped/healed Me. My Ancestors support Me. It is my identification with anything that makes it so. This is My 60th Year.
I'm OWNING What I love. I'm EMBODYING Who I love: Me.
Practicing The Presentation of What/Who I Love: