I always promised myself, and you my readers, that I would be honest and unedited in my writing. So, it would be dishonest for me to say I was pleased or excited about the outcome of my trip to Miami for Fitness Universe Weekend. In fact, I was incredibly disappointed. Not because I didn't place or win, but because I was not able to meet my high, personal expectations and attain my goals. It is not often that I go after something I really want in life and don't achieve it.
Competition was steep in my category and the winners, including my teammate Karye, looked incredible and should have won. Do I think the judging was fair? Yes. This is a subjective sport so judges all have their own "perfect standard" of how the ideal candidate should look. There was a certain look they wanted and I was not it this time. That's okay. I cannot control what other people think nor am I going to change my physique or look for every competition hoping I get it right for the next one. Rather, I will continue to build on what I have to achieve the body I want. And really, that is all that matters because I am the one that has to live in it.
Despite the disappointment, there were some very positive things that did occur. I brought the best total package I have thus far. I felt completely put together and beautiful in my custom bikinis and costumes that were made by AGame Fitness. I did the best spotlight walks I have ever done. This was validated by my coach, my former coach who was also a judge, and my teammates. Moreover, I felt really good about it. I knew my walks were good and, when I watched the video, it confirmed I was right. That just builds my confidence for the next competition.
Every experience in life provides us with an opportunity to learn and that is how I view this past weekend. Going forward, I will continue to work on a better and tighter physique. Next time, I will look so good and perform so well, I won't be ignored. That's just how it is going to be.
XOXO,
Carrie
Monday, June 22, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Be Kind to Each Other
Recently, I attended a house warming party and had the opportunity to catch up with some ladies I had not seen in a while. As I spoke to one, we will call her Rachel, our conversation went like this:
Rachel: "I understand you have gotten really into fitness and even did a competition."
Me: "Yes, and it was great!"
Rachel: "You are not going to take steroids and get really big like a bodybuilder are you? That is really unattractive and gross."
Me: (Pause) "How are your girls?"
Our conversation then proceeded in a different direction which was what I wanted. Did this little episode bother me? Not really. However, it does show how uneducated the general public is about what we, as fitness competitors, do. Is it my job to educate her? No, not unless she asks. Do I want a bodybuilder physique? No, but it made me think about how those words could be discouraging to someone. What if that had been said, as it undoubtedly has, to someone who does want to be an all natural physique competitor? Someone who wasn't quite confident in their desires? What if it was the last straw for them and they finally gave up because of the negativity? The "what ifs" could go on and on. Now take this and apply it to any situation in life. We all have different desires and it is not for someone else to dictate what they should or should not be.
Perhaps this conversation did bother me more than I would like to admit. It is not the first time I have been asked this question and I am sure it will not be the last. Honestly, I am very happy as a bikini competitor because my personality and physique fit this category. I also have great respect for anyone who ventures down the competition road because the level of dedication it takes to do this is unbelievable. I have no doubt that these words have been long forgotten by her but they still linger in my mind. Words cannot be unsaid and, I know from personal experience, some are never forgotten. I suppose what I am trying to say is be kind to each other. Just because it is not your dream, doesn't mean it isn't someone's.
XOXO,
Carrie
Rachel: "I understand you have gotten really into fitness and even did a competition."
Me: "Yes, and it was great!"
Rachel: "You are not going to take steroids and get really big like a bodybuilder are you? That is really unattractive and gross."
Me: (Pause) "How are your girls?"
Our conversation then proceeded in a different direction which was what I wanted. Did this little episode bother me? Not really. However, it does show how uneducated the general public is about what we, as fitness competitors, do. Is it my job to educate her? No, not unless she asks. Do I want a bodybuilder physique? No, but it made me think about how those words could be discouraging to someone. What if that had been said, as it undoubtedly has, to someone who does want to be an all natural physique competitor? Someone who wasn't quite confident in their desires? What if it was the last straw for them and they finally gave up because of the negativity? The "what ifs" could go on and on. Now take this and apply it to any situation in life. We all have different desires and it is not for someone else to dictate what they should or should not be.
Perhaps this conversation did bother me more than I would like to admit. It is not the first time I have been asked this question and I am sure it will not be the last. Honestly, I am very happy as a bikini competitor because my personality and physique fit this category. I also have great respect for anyone who ventures down the competition road because the level of dedication it takes to do this is unbelievable. I have no doubt that these words have been long forgotten by her but they still linger in my mind. Words cannot be unsaid and, I know from personal experience, some are never forgotten. I suppose what I am trying to say is be kind to each other. Just because it is not your dream, doesn't mean it isn't someone's.
XOXO,
Carrie
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