My dad and mom have always encouraged me to eat healthy and be active. Both of my parents have lifted weights and competed. As long as I can remember My parents have been working out. My dad is the one who got me hooked on the weights and I started lifting with him when I was in junior high. But, I truly got serious my junior year of high school. It became so much to me: spending time with my dad, releasing stress, having fun, feeling successful, etc. Follow me @healthhaven (Instagram)

I love lifting weights, staying active and eating healthy BECAUSE IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD INSIDE AND OUT! I began to truly love this lifestyle when I learned that I am in control of my body. My sophomore year of high school I weighed 132lbs at one point, I was still lifting weights and staying active. I got sick of being that weight so I cut back on my calories and added more cardio into my workouts. I got all the way down to 113lbs by my junior year, I didn't really mean to loose that much weight, but my diet and workout plan became a long term habit. One day I looked in the mirror and realized how much muscle I lost, that really made me angry. So, the summer before my senior I started my plan to lift heavier and up my calories. By December of that year I weighed 128lbs, I met my goal and got my muscle back. However, I knew that felt and looked my best around 120lbs. And that is when my new goal was set. About four months later I met my goal and I have stayed at 120lbs since. The cool thing is, is that I have stayed around this weight for months, but I am still getting stronger and stronger weightlifting. Through this journey, I have discovered that I can push myself to achieve my goals. There were times when I felt completely defeated, but that wasn't my body telling me I can't, it was my mind. I had to tell myself almost everyday, "I can and I will, I will and I can." And I did. And believe if someone truly wants it, they can to, which is why I love bodybuilding.