Finding the Positives in NPC Competition Being Cancelled Due to Coronavirus

Regardless of circumstance, I believe we can all choose what energy we want to exist in.

Yesterday my coach contacted me about my thoughts on continuing prep or pulling back because of the virus and shows being cancelled, lockdowns being mentioned, and so many unknowns.

I told him my gut was to continue the prep as planned but that my mind was in a more logical place considering if it is really healthiest or as conducive to my long term goals as a competitor to push these last 3 weeks, arguably since I would not have been reversing into the show, much more taxing and most stressful on body.

I asked him what his thoughts were and he said he wants my health to be the top priority and it doesn't make sense to keep going and pushing the body if it is likely to be cancelled but that he didn't want to sway me either way.

I am so grateful to have a coach who prioritizes my health and considers my wants. While every part of me wanted to go on, I have goals bigger than a show in 3 weeks.

This was actually the perfect time to pull out. My motivation, energy, and drive has been on a high note. My commitment is unwavering, mind is stable, and body is strong.

In fact, I believe everything happens with perfect timing.

Opting not to do this show has not changed much. If anything it has just reinforced that the motivation to work, improve, and commit to the process is still there even when the rug gets ripped out from under me.

I don't do this for the stage, I do it for me.

I also don't compete just to compete. I compete for myself, to be better, to represent my mission but also to win.

I know that this will set me up for even more success as we move forward this year. I am in the best place I could be in mentally, physically, and emotionally with this.

I am empowered by my vision, kept strong by my experiences, and driven by my purpose. I see no need to play with chance when the vision I have requires, demands, and deserves a level of certainty that we do not have right now.

While we never know what lies ahead, we are given moments in time to make what appear to be 'tough' decisions. In reality though, they are no different than any other decision.

All decisions are influential in our life.

Had I chosen to continue, I would have had a similar story about pivotal moments, commitment, drive, etc.

How?

Because, this is not about the show or the stage or the body, it is about who I am regardless of those things.

Driven, committed, inspired, positive...

Making an educated decision, I believe, is going to allow me to really hone in on this lifestyle even more. 2017-2018 I prepped all year, 2018-2019 I restored my health and gained a lot more size as well as visible muscle maturity which came with a lot of weight gain that others might deem as 'unnecessary' but in my circumstance it was exactly as it was meant to be, and since around April 2019 I have been focused on getting back on prep and back into competition mode. By October we were prepping.

The point is, I am in this for the long run.

AND NOW?

I could mope and complain about the timing and the outcomes but why would I? I have been given a gift.

I have achieved so much and have the opportunity to celebrate that with maintenance, improvement, and a new normal.

By not taking it to a certain completion, I am really opening myself up to evolution.

Sometimes we focus so much on a target we forget that at any moment, someone could move it and then what??

I am in such a peaceful place. I did cry about it. I felt all the emotions.

But I also journaled about it, focused on the positives, found freedom in the decision and have SO much excitement in me for what is next.

I am living in a healthy, functioning, beautiful body that I love.
I was living in a healthy, functioning, beautiful body that I loved in April and in my last season.

I of course want so badly to step on the stage, get requalified for nationals, get Sandy's feedback, and step on a national stage to compete and earn my pro card.

I have envisioned for months, years, and many hours myself with a crown on my head and a sword in my hand and an indescribable feeling of elation knowing I represent what it means to live my mission to truly BUILD MORE THAN JUST A BODY.

This moment, like any other, is amazing.
This circumstance, like any other, serves a purpose.
This challenge, like any other, will become my strength.

We are the ones who determine how we are defined, how we center ourselves, and what we choose to spend time focused on.

The fact that I was able to naturally immerse myself into a state of gratitude, peace, positivity, and complete trust in myself is as gratifying as any crown, sword, or qualification.

Myself, you, and everyone else going through this will be even better athletes because of it.

What a time to really focus on our mindsets and come face to face with what really needs our TLC right now.

Thank you for reading this, following my journey, and reaching out. I am so excited to continue evolving in love through this.

What's a memorable story without a plot twist anyways? ;) 

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