I have always been a fan of bodybuilding growing up and followed it but it wasn't until I went to an expo and met up with my favorite bodybuilder Cathy Lefrancois and it was in that moment that I said wow I want to get in shape and build some muscle. I have always loved how muscle looked and was in good shape through out high school but I let it get away from me. Had a few tragedies and events that I let take over my life and just hid behind my clothes because it felt easier. I feared what others thought of me and was afraid to attract attention to myself after adolescent abuse and growing up in the system it seemed easier to hide and stay in my comfort zone. I finally realized with the support of my adoptive family that like so many others experience we can still move on and feel good about our selves. Its what we do with it and learn and make yourself strong and don't let others bring you down because then they still win. before I knew it i was pushing 200lbs and was feeling miserable and starting to have health issues. I didn't like who I had become with my body and knew I needed to make a change.

Over the years I let other people in my life bring me down and worried more about them and what others think of me and didn't stick with the gym as much as i would have liked and the weight kept coming on and I realize now I was hiding behind it for what i thought was protecting me but in the end I know that it doesn't matter how you look (skinny,fat,fit,sexy,tomboy,muscular) doesn't matter. No matter what it doesn't give anyone a right to take advantage of you or judge you. Be you and be proud of who you are no matter what. Do what makes YOU feel good. Bodybuilding gave me my confidence back and made me feel empowered.

Recently I made a big life change and moved and in the last year my family has provided a lot of support and helped push me to do what they know I love so as of this Last Oct 2014 and going to the Olympia in 2014 with some close friends, I set my mind to it and haven't looked back. I have had great support from my friend and Coach Cathy and my family. I don't let other peoples opinions stop me and i just stay positive and keep on smiling. The gym has become part of my daily routine and I don't see it stopping. Its something I look forward to now. I have learned so much about supplements and how to train from my coach making it easier along the way and the endless resources online. I couldn't have survived without my BCAA man what a difference those make in your recovery.

I didn't join body space until 2014 but this is going to help keep me motivated. All I got to do is Bring it! No looking back. all the past stresses and crazy life experiences will not stop me. I will use the gym for my stress relieve and bring what I have been fighting for. Doing what makes me feel good.

Working out brings me a sense of relief and power than nothing else can. When I am in the gym nothing else matters.... I love how it make me feel not just on the outside but mentally it's great too. It helps with self confidence and your hard work shows on the outside which is a reward in its self. I haven't always looked at myself in a positive way I am my worst critic and use to hide myself to prevent people looking or commenting but what working out does for me is amazing. It helps me remove the covers I have put over all my layers that built up over time and now I feel free!!! I have become a new and happier person by working out and proud of who i have become.