I have always enjoyed being active. As a child, I participated in competitive swimming, took tennis lessons and and played softball. I even ran track for a stint. However, shortly after I graduated from law school, I noticed that I was beginning to gain weight. Stressed out from the day to day demands of my career, I began to turn to food for comfort. After a few years, I was tired and depressed. I could not sleep at night and my days were plagued with anxiety. I began therapy and was prescribed an antidepressant "to take the edge off" as my psychiatrist would say. Initially, I felt great and lost weight. I was at the top of my game, or so I thought. But this new feeling didn't last. A few moths after I started taking the medication, I began to notice that I did not feel as good any more and that I was no longer loosing weight. I had gained more weight than I had ever gained. I started researching the side effects of the drug and I learned that weight gain was one of them. The drug totally altered my body chemistry and it took months for me to even loose a pound.

At that point, I was totally frustrated and I felt like giving up. But, during a trip to Hawaii in the summer of 2008 for my brother's wedding I became inspired. I saw one of my my God sisters for the first time in may years while in Hawaii. She looked as good as she had when she was a teenager. However, she was 40 years old! She leads a lifestyle of fitness. No fad diets, no gimmicks, a lifestyle. Seeing her gave me hope. I returned home and started working on my diet and I lost about 17 pounds on my own. But, I seemed to have hit a wall. I hired a personal trainer and I became super focused on my goal. Within 3 months I lost 30 pounds! Shortly thereafter, I began prepping to participate in my first bikini competition. All of this at the age of 37. But, most importantly, I no longer needed any medication for anxiety or depression.

Shortly after the competition, I got pregnant with my first child. Having a child changes you in so many ways. I decided that it was time really focus on what I love. Now I'm back at it, working on my mind, spirit and body and I am amazed at the progress I have made.

I enjoy inspiring others to reach their health and fitness goals. The benefits of a healthy diet and exercise are numerous - everything becomes clearer. And once you become committed to a healthy lifestyle it is a major change for the better.

It makes me feel so much better both mentally and physically! I enjoy the experience of getting stronger. I am lifting weights that at one time I only dreamed about. Progress takes time, but it is beautiful if you let it run its course.