I Am Amy...and I Have a Point
Being a mom is hard. Being married is hard. Being a bodybuilder is hard. So it stands to reason that being a married bodybuilder with kids would be the trifecta of hard. And...it is!
But I seem to like hard. I didn’t get married or have kids until I was 30, and didn’t get my pro card in bodybuilding until I was over 50. But, man oh, man, was it all worth it! I have a full and amazing life. I rarely consider anything undoable or out-of-reach. I am absolutely convinced that God has equipped each one of us with certain gifts and talents that, if honed, cultivated, and used, will not only bring us joy, but will bless our world. And it’s that firm belief that allows a 56 year old woman like me to train and diet her butt off in order to stand on stage before a panel of judges in an over-priced bikini!
But isn't life FULL of endless possibilities? And, given all the possiblities, why would we limit ourselves to only well-worn paths trod by team Status-quo? I'm a free agent and I'll never play for that team. My team has cheerleaders. Team Status-quo has nay-sayers. "You're too old, too busy, too small!" they sneered. But my desire to follow my dreams was so strong,and my conviction that the path I was on was blessed by God, that no amount of criticism could drag me off my goal. And I am grateful everyday I get to walk this path.
So, surrounded by encouragers, a world-class coach (Lynn Suave), and a husband who's an expert in nutrition and patience, I set my sights on a dream. For so long I had envied the beautiful women of professional bodybuilding and now I was going to stand on stage NEXT to them! This was beyond a dream come true, this was the stuff that makes this ONE life we have so rich and exciting...the possibilities!
I embraced who I was, i embraced what I was, and I embraced the notion that I could actually DO what I WANTED to do. Life is so short. Live your dreams, indulge your imagination, and fear regrets!
I stepped on stage with women who were mostly competing in order to acquire enough points to compete in the World Championships held in Phoenix, Arizona. I held no expectations of making it to Phoenix, but I am quite proud and amused by the ONE point I did earn. It's one more point than I would have had if I listened to Team Staus-quo and never followed my path.
And now I have a treasure chest of memories from my professional competitions. My vision boards, meeting world class athletes,making friendships, the gut checks of competition prep, and one of my greatest treasures- a letter of encouragement from Ms. Olympia herself, Lenda Murray! I've acquired a degree in nutrition, training, and self-confidence that only the University of Living on Your Own Terms can offer. And those women I idolized for so long? They turned out to be some of the nicest and most giving people I've ever met.
I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything in this world. I've made very little money, I have no titles or trophies, but I'm blessed beyond measure. I'm Amy... and I have a point.
But isn't life FULL of endless possibilities? And, given all the possiblities, why would we limit ourselves to only well-worn paths trod by team Status-quo? I'm a free agent and I'll never play for that team. My team has cheerleaders. Team Status-quo has nay-sayers. "You're too old, too busy, too small!" they sneered. But my desire to follow my dreams was so strong,and my conviction that the path I was on was blessed by God, that no amount of criticism could drag me off my goal. And I am grateful everyday I get to walk this path.
So, surrounded by encouragers, a world-class coach (Lynn Suave), and a husband who's an expert in nutrition and patience, I set my sights on a dream. For so long I had envied the beautiful women of professional bodybuilding and now I was going to stand on stage NEXT to them! This was beyond a dream come true, this was the stuff that makes this ONE life we have so rich and exciting...the possibilities!
I embraced who I was, i embraced what I was, and I embraced the notion that I could actually DO what I WANTED to do. Life is so short. Live your dreams, indulge your imagination, and fear regrets!
I stepped on stage with women who were mostly competing in order to acquire enough points to compete in the World Championships held in Phoenix, Arizona. I held no expectations of making it to Phoenix, but I am quite proud and amused by the ONE point I did earn. It's one more point than I would have had if I listened to Team Staus-quo and never followed my path.
And now I have a treasure chest of memories from my professional competitions. My vision boards, meeting world class athletes,making friendships, the gut checks of competition prep, and one of my greatest treasures- a letter of encouragement from Ms. Olympia herself, Lenda Murray! I've acquired a degree in nutrition, training, and self-confidence that only the University of Living on Your Own Terms can offer. And those women I idolized for so long? They turned out to be some of the nicest and most giving people I've ever met.
I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything in this world. I've made very little money, I have no titles or trophies, but I'm blessed beyond measure. I'm Amy... and I have a point.
Excellent!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading about your life. Loved all the words a encouragement through out. Most if all I love the drive you have a great hold of .
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the encouraging words, Alicia!
Delete