I was a very active healthy kid who couldn't sit still for very long. My thrive was in gymnastics and running fast. Suddenly at 11 years of age my body started to ache and was breaking down fast. For some time doctors couldn't figure out what was happening to me hut my joints were infected, red blood cells count was dropping and my body rejected everything I ate. I suffered through my teens with autoimmune disorder, predominantly rheumatoid arthritis. I was unable to walk or move my joints normally by 12 years old, wheel chair was offered to get around when I could no longer walk. My range of motion very limited, iron levels, bodyfat and bmi at a dangerous low so my hormones were abnormally unbalanced. I was basically at a near death point because of my anemia and white blood cell overtake and experts offered no hope, only tests and harmful medication.
Prayer for healing, followed by a hopeful wisdom took over my mindset. That was the breaking point. I started to replace the negative reports from the physicians with positive thinking and visions while the experts were feeding my mind with things like; I won't have children, I'lll be in a wheel chair for life, a shortlived one etc.... My thoughts turned into action. I started to force my joints to move, stretching and inflicting pain on my body and for months I repeated the movements. I had no idea what I was doing. I was only about 14 years old. I started to gain weight and finally when I was 16 I could wear a bathing suit and started to be very active. I joined a gym and went from there. My pain slowly went away. I could wake up in the morning without feeling stiff and weak! It is only by the grace of God, and people like my dad who believed and encouraged me. It is a miracle that I am here and tearing it up! I am an unlikely person to have the strength and ability that I have and that's why I would encourage everyone to set goals, big dreams, imagination, and let those hopes direct a life path that is unlikely based on what we are told. I am still currently working on healing. Although the deteriating came to a halt, some of my joints have permanent damage and I have to modify my workouts using more core and stabilizers to assist the weak and limited joints. My wrists, spine, and hip (fractured hip) are damaged but I am able to do far more than average.
My body and health is my testimony therefore I will always cherish my abilities and further challenge myself to persevere!
Bodybuilding is taking my body and giving it a chance to reach full potential in appearance and performance! It is a combination of character building and a test of attitude through focused concentration, control, discipline, working toward a vision and reaching unlikely goals as a result. My mind is strenghthened as well as my body. This is empowering.
It brings me joy to remember the depressed inprisonment that I am freed of in mind body and in my spirit. I hope to inspire others to break out of the limited life and go accomplish whatever the heart's desire!