Bodybuilding and the Singularity

   

   A singularity is defined as "The state of being singular; distinct;peculiar, uncommon or unusual. A point where all parallel lines meet.". 
   The term is most often associated with a technological phenomenon that non-scientists might find of only passing interest. But there is in this life the possibility of a personal singularity, a distinct moment when all your passions, all your gifts & talents meet, and you find your quintessential self; that which makes you you.
    Bodybuilding allowed me to find my singularity. Not just in the training, but the hard work and dedication needed to grow, sculpt and build my body was essential. Not just in the dieting, but the self-discipline needed to stay on a strict diet was essential. And the singularity wasn't in the creative process of putting together a posing routine or the hours of posing practice.
   I find my singularity around 5:00 p.m the night of competition.
    When all the grueling training is over, the last posing practice is in the books and the last rice cake has been choked down, it's time to show the world the 'Why?' of why you've lived like a monk for the past few months. 5:00 is showtime. All the hard work, all the boring food, meticulously weighed, all the dreams relentlessly pursued, now become fuel. 5:00 p.m is truly showtime. I will show who I am! I will show the world I am strong. I will show the world I am dedicated. I will show the world I am unstoppable! 5:00 p.m is MY time.
    And when my name is called and I finally hit the stage, it comes. The singularity. I am not just a bodybuilder. I am not just a wife. I am not just a mother, a dancer, a dreamer, an actor. I am AMY, and this is my moment to pour all that I am into two minutes of self-expression. My moment when all my gifts, talents and dreams converge...and I am me.
   None of us are completely one thing. We are a confluence of many, sometimes diverse, gifts. And all those gifts need expression. A platform or pathway to check all the boxes that make us so unique and essential to God's plan in this world. The blessed among us find the outlets for that expression. We find our "Why?" of why we are here. We find our singularity.
   Mine is bodybuilding. What's yours?