Charlie

Male

20

Pennsylvania, United States

student

2004

How I started and how I continued... Several years ago, I began lifting to widen and strengthen my slender frame. Determined to end what others saw as a fragile being, I pounded my body in the weight room; seeing rapid results on nearly every major part of my body. What others who made fun of me didn't see is the strength that was building inside. During this time my life split off into the wrong direction, completely out of my hands. The actions of my parents and their selfish demoralizing ways left my heart stranded for them to feed upon. As they nibbled away at my confidence, security, and destroyed my sense of trust, I was left with only one place that I could call home...the weight room. A place where I was free to be an individual, both inside and out. A place where I could prove to people that I was strong. Eventually, days turned into weeks, and weeks into years. Still feeling alone I transfer my pain and emotions into each set, as a way to temporarily escape from the everyday suffering of living life without a family. I spill my insides out as a way to cope with my mother's alcoholism and my lack of communication with my father. Although I'll never be able to flip back to yesterday, the gym brings light to the past the present and the future. Today, I refuse to follow in my parents footsteps reshaping my life with the unfortunate lessons they have taught me and pulling what good from them I can find. Pushing my body to new levels has kept me alive and has allowed me to express myself freely without limits. Despite hard work ethic and consistant training techniques, I can truthfully say that my heart has built the body that I have today. Anyone can lift plates and dumbells, but without a soul our efforts are limited. One must first strengthen their heart and mind before their body; only then will they create something truly unique. Never turning back I have found peace in bodybuilding. To anyone reading this...remain close to the ones you love, dream big, and stay strong...last of all...Never give up!

It allows me to become stronger mentally and physically. I love leaving everything behind for those couple hours and focusing my energy towards something that has become a part of me. Weightlifting provides me with an escape from my negative surroundings. I also love helping and giving advice to others who are looking to improve themselves as well.

Love me or not... My mother and father. Special thanks to... My little bro Brandon, My beautiful girlfriend Heather, my big sis Dana, and my step dad Brian, and my aunt Cindie I love you guys more than you will ever know..I don't know what I would do without you all in my life. I appreciate all of the strength, hugs, and encouragement you have given me in my life and in my quest to become a stronger person. Thank you* ...Don't forget to hug yourself!

"Dream Big, Stay Strong"