What I Learned Winning My Pro Card

Ten years ago, I stepped on stage and fell in love with the competitive sport of body building. After several setbacks, pit stops, and almost giving up all together, I finally accomplished my goal, and won my pro card.

I flew out to Las Vegas to have the time of my life, just not in the way most people would think. Instead of gambling, drinking, shopping and going to shows, I spent my weekend. hungry, thirsty and excited for what was to come. My weekend entailed, eating fish and green beans, taking a polygraph, and a spray tan that made me look like ten shades darker.

I had been training and dieting for this show for months. Yet this time something felt different. In my past shows I was so concerned about the outcome that I often missed the enjoyment of the journey and the little success stories along the way. This time I focused on the joy and sense of accomplishment I felt from being my own coach. Not only I had done all of my own diet, but I also wrote my own training program, and did my own posing. That in itself deserved to be celebrated.

Despite how tired I was or how many treats were brought into my work, I didn't deviate from my plan. The sense of determination and perseverance that I felt pushed me to keep going on my weakest days. By time show day arrived I was so excited to show off my hard work. Of course, I wanted to win but

I pre decided no matter the outcome I was proud

of the body I built.

While waiting to go on stage, nerves kicked in and fear started to take over. I found myself looking at all the beautiful women around me. The more I looked at them the more I felt myself shrink back and question If I even deserved to be on stage. I wondered if I had done enough, as I felt my confidence began to diminish. Instead of staying in that mental place I found a quiet corner and talked to myself like I would a dear friend.

I reminded myself of the joy I felt stepping on stage and no matter the outcome I was proud of myself. The work I put in was something no one could take away from me. I fell back in love with the process instead of the outcome. That is the biggest take away I learned from winning my pro card.

To my surprise not only did I win my pro card, but I won the overall, and the Iron Angels. Sometimes when you let go and enjoy the journey you get something better than you could have ever imagined.