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
