I love being someone that inspires others to be the best versions of who they are. My journey is only getting started. Has it been tough? More then anyone may think! I have my good days and my bad days, just like anyone else. I struggle with my nutrition, and sometimes with having the motivation to even work out. But being healthy makes me happy. It makes me feel good. And it feels that much better when I hear that I've encouraged or motivated someone enough to better their own health and lifestyle.

I started my journey in April of 2014. I used to be active in high school sports, and on my free time I biked, ran, lifted, or roller bladed to keep myself busy. Unfortunately after high school I set down lifting for four years as I was told I would look "manly". After all...all the guys wanted skinny girls. But why should that have even mattered? It shouldn't have! The all well known stereotypical comment we hear as little girls, "lifting turns girls, into men." If you're reading this, and someone has told you that...ignore it. All those girls on the magazine covers; the models we admire...yeah...THOSE girls lift! I'm not quite sure what pushed me to starting back up again. But, I'm so glad I did. I really couldn't be happier in life. I've never felt stronger, more confident, or sexy then how I feel now. Do I have a long ways to go...YES! And I know it'll be a lot of hard work to get to where I want to be. But I'm ready to tackle this journey, and every dream I've ever had.

I completed in my first Bikini competition in May of 2015 at the Mr & Ms MN Natural Bodybuilding show. I didn't place, but I'm proud of myself for doing it. Don't think you HAVE to do a show to get to where you want to with your fitness goals. There's a lot of people that don't. The reason I started competing was to get out of my comfort zone. I knew competing would completely push myself out of the little bubble I'd lived in for so long. The girl that hated wearing swimsuits because she didn't want people to look at her. The girl that hated being critiqued, was petrified of being in front of people, and even more so, the photographer that hated being in front of the camera.

Believing you are good enough can be a difficult thing to do. It's a struggle of my own, and I have to constantly remind myself that I am good enough. I am strong. I know that I am only a year in, and I have a ways to go. Judging yourself is one of the worst things you can do. "You are your own worst critic" is what one of my photographers had told me. And that couldn't be more true. The world is full of critics, and no matter what you do, someone is going to judge what your'e doing with your life. Let them be the critics, just make sure you're always looking forward; telling yourself you can.

"You are your own worst critic."
-Adam Jones

I love working out because it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I like knowing that I'm not competing against anyone but myself. So when I do succeed, I know it's because I pushed myself past my limits. I also enjoy being able to help others and inspire others to start or even continue their journeys. Hearing I've inspired someone to start is such a great feeling!