Fitness is a huge part of not only keeping me physically fit but keeping me mentally healthy. I am an extremely energetic, active person and love my daily workouts as a release from daily life stressors. But what really motivates me is the journey getting there.
Bodybuilding is a passion, it's a long game, in which you either succeed or fail. If you push yourself far enough, and give it everything you have, you will succeed. Bodybuilding is a game in which you are the judge, an athlete and a score keeper. It's a life in which you push it to the limits, and if you do, it will push you to the top. And the top is not when you're the top dog, its not when you can bench the most, or the biggest in stature, but the top is when you're satisfied with what you have reached, when you keep working on your goal, and never ever give up. (What's that you say, Mr. Valvano?)
Bodybuilding is a challenge that takes over your life, and it gives back what no other has. It's a challenge that takes over the way you eat, makes you do more cardio than you would ever done, it makes you work hard in the gym mentally and physically, and teaches you a great responsibility.
As a parent, days quickly grow long. Aside from the daily parental responsibilities, I make my presents known everyday (many times twice a day) at my gym. I have sacrificed luxuries such as going out, eating desserts, and even sometimes sleeping! However, I know this is a lifestyle. I choose it not because of any glamorous endeavors or accolades from others, but because of the fire inside me that makes me want to transform myself physically/mentally/spiritually everyday. I do it because I am my boys' superhero and I need to look the part. I do it because I love knowing how much I can push my body and mind.
When I lift, and I'm on that last set, that last one repetition, and I can feel my muscle giving up on me, that little voice in my head is saying "its enough", but I keep trying, I fight with my own body. It is the divine essence of mind over matter. And that's why I love bodybuilding, my body is not my own and is a temple; I have but only one... so I better treat it right.