I was featured in Muscle & Fitness (October 2013) for my Inspirational Story on how I got started. Link is Below.
http://www.muscleandfitness.com/news-and-features/athletes-and-celebrities/picking-it-back
After my best friend & 2 other friends were killed in a tragic Car Accident on August 7th, 2010 I hit the lowest point in my life. I fell into a deep depression and developed Post Traumatic Stress & Severe Anxiety, according to doctors'. For 6 months I wasn't able to leave my house as I was a prisoner of my own mind. I was forced to drop out of college, quit work, and wasn't able to drive, let alone get inside of a vehicle. Like I said, I hit the lowest point of my life, & admit suicide crossed my mind constantly. If it wasn't for my mother and my ex-girlfriend being there for me I honestly can say I wouldn't be here today. Eventually, my girlfriend at the time got sick of dealing with the stress of everything and watching me suffer so she left me. (I didn't blame her)
Eventually, I would discover my new love & passion in life. I found a form of therapy that I ended up getting addicted to...Fitness! Through exercise & proper nutrition, I rebuilt myself; A bigger, stronger, faster, & more aesthetic ME. It helped me rid the stress and anger built up inside of me, as well as keep my mind occupied so I wouldn't force upon anymore attacks.
I was talked into doing a NPC Men's Physique Show by a friend at the gym. With 1 month to prepare and thinking I had no shot in hell to even place let alone win..... I took 1st Place in Class C & 1st Place OVERALL!!! Still in shock, I competed in Nationals a month later in July 2013, took 1st Place in my Class, but even better than that, I was discovered by the CEO of Silver Models Management in NYC.
I signed with Silver August 14th, 2013 and moved into the infamous Model House. I am currently clawing my way to the top. Keep an eye out for me in the Modeling/Acting industry.
My name is Jonathan Brownell and I Refuse to Lose!
All accomplishments are dedicated to my brother & best friend.
R.I.P Joshua K. Durham ¢¾
I love bodybuilding/working not to build a great physique, but because to me it is an escape from reality. Lets face it, the real world is extremely stressful and hectic, but for those 60-120 minutes I step foot in the gym: nothing else matters!!! I am able to release my stress & sculpt my body at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the Physique the Lord has blessed me to build, but I don't necessarily workout for the purpose of getting "jacked" , "ripped", "yolked", whatever you want to call it.
Also, ill be honest with you all.... I was very ugly as a child and growing up. I got made fun of a lot in middle school and early high school especially, not to my face but I would always hear the girls whispering. Then, the fact that my first love cheated on me with my "best friend" at the time (not the same one that was killed) has bothered me still to this day! She left me & so did my 2nd girlfriend. By them leaving me it made me not feel attractive/wanted, so I help use that along with the death of my best friend as daily motivation to reach the top!
"The Best Revenge is a Massive Success" -Frank Sinatra