The importance of support

Today marks 13 weeks out from the show.  I wanted to mention that without the amazing support network of people in my life, this dream of mine would not be possible.  If you have a large goal and want to really succeed, I believe it takes a team of people and in my case, my "team" has grown through this process.  Many people in this group may not even be aware that I consider them part of my team, but I do my best to show them gratitude in how they have helped me along the way.  I am thankful first and foremost to my husband who when I made my case that this competition and the timing of it was very important gave me the thumbs up to go for it, without his support, this would be a much more challenging feat, and his support means so much to me because he believes in me. 

 I have two trainers, Daphne Mills who has been a mentor and teacher to me, she is now my posing coach and trainer for my lower body, but she was there guiding me in 2009 when I was perplexed in why I wasn't able to lose those stubborn 30 pounds of baby weight before my 20 year reunion.  Because of Daphne's direction, I succeeded in reaching that goal and attended that reunion with gusto. 

 Another amazing person on my team is Bill Haskins, he is my trainer for my shoulders and arms, he is a great friend and mentor.  Since I have known him for over 2 years, he has been an encourager to me and has shown me what friendship is really about, we always share a good laugh, which is important, the process of keeping a strict diet regimen and exercise routine can be intense, but my weekly session with Bill keeps things in perspective.

 The next group of people who are on my team are my children are a reminder that this competition is not an all-consuming event.  They keep me present in my life, they help me to stay balanced in my schedule and show me how to live life with zeal and joy. 

 My chiropractors, Dr. Sean Toner, who has helped me through what I thought was going to be a chronic case of tennis elbow has taught me to listen better to my body, how to better train myself during exercise and this injury has blessed me to become a better trainer to my clients.  Dr.  Heidi Westra, is my chiropractor who enables me to keep my immune system up with weekly adjustments.  With the heavy weight I lift for my legs, she keeps me in sound alignment especially through my sacrum which likes to frequently get out of whack. 

 I have mentioned my nutrition and cardio coach, Paul Revelia of Pro Physique, he has been an awesome asset to my team. He answers my email questions promptly and as I have said before, I trust my diet and nutrition to him and am excited to see how the coming weeks unfold.

 Lastly, I cannot meet this amazing goal without my faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Without God, none of this would be possible, He has lifted me up and given me wings to soar.  There have been days (and I am sure there will be more in the coming weeks) where I will have self-doubt, fear and anxiety, but I rest on His assurance through His word.  My church family, though some aren't even aware of my participation in this competition, have been a great source of strength and support through my spiritual growth. The teens who I work with in the youth group are so amazing, this is the critical generation of our church and knowing that makes this world quite a bit brighter for me and many others. 

Here is the scripture I have focused on through my workouts this week:

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:3,4 


Though I am 13 weeks out from my show, I feel like I have already won, I know that may sound strange and premature, but the process of seeing how God's thread is woven into my life has shown me how He brings people into my life at just the right time and makes my life  such a masterpiece to unveil.  I hope that this blog entry can show you how people in your own life have made an impact, even those who you find may be a negative in your life are there to teach you something about yourself, so look at those moments as something to learn from. 

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of people who have made this an amazing journey so far, many of my training clients and friends are the best cheerleaders I could have ever asked for!
I'll be in touch soon with my progress.