Today is an exciting day, I am revealing to the world (though some are already aware) that I am competing in my first figure bodybuilding competition.  I registered for this competition in November, knowing that this would keep me committed so here I go!  I have toyed with the idea of competing since losing my last 30 lbs of baby weight in 2009, I have even been approached by figure competitors, but my answer was, I don't have enough time, my kids are still young, I have school to finish, well they were valid excuses, but really what my real excuse was, I was scared.  It is not about the teeny, tiny suit that I will be wearing as I confidently walk across the stage for all to see, it is the changes, the discipline, the focus on so many aspects (balancing family, nutrition, training, my business, my faith) all at one time.  Well, I will tell you one thing that comes first in this journey and that is my trust in God.  That is why I decided to take this journey.  I have read that only a very small percentage of people embark on this type of challenge and I can see why.  It is a matter of the mind, to take a finite amount of time and sculpt your body into the condition that many people can dream of.  I have a tendency towards anxiety and I am aware that this competition will push me to my limits in so many ways, but rather than being self-reliant and freak out, I am going to let God shine in this and He will be glorified through the process, I can feel it!

So first, I decided before anything else that I needed to prepare my mind for the next 15 weeks.  I have already gotten in the habit of getting up early and having a cup of coffee with God, it is before anyone else in my house is awake (if you don't count the black and tan dachshund in my lap).  After the holiday, I knew I needed to get myself in gear mentally for this show (I know that 16 weeks seems like a long time, but it goes by lightning fast, and there is not a lot of time to waste when you want to drop 10% body fat!) I was feeling a bit anxious, like a whirlwind was going on in my head and I knew that needed to stop ASAP.  I decided to take that early morning time with God and focus it on what I wanted to strengthen in my life.  This week, the focus is on COURAGE.  So beginning yesterday, I went to my bible, and searched for scriptures about courage.  The first scripture that came up was in Psalms 31:24 which reads:  Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the Lord.   I decided to write down my verses on an index card and focus on that verse for the day.  Each day this week until next Sunday, I will locate another verse on courage, write it down and pray it over my life for the day and keep it with me throughout the day.  I will keep you posted on my progress over the course of the next 15 weeks.  Thanks for tuning in, God bless you!

-Kristin