Two and half years ago is when I began to put my competition wheels in motion. I had yo-yo'd in weight my whole life, staying around a healthy (or hefty) 165-175 lbs on a 5'7 frame. When I finally decided to compete, I had reached the "enough is ENOUGH" point in my life. You know, cliche as it is, the straw that broke the camels back. I had spent my entire adult life thinking that the perfect body was only jog once a week away. I didn't realize the dedication, discipline and hard work it would take to step onstage at 6% bodyfat and finally tell the world that "I CAN!". Back then, I had something to prove to myself. I had to prove that I could put my mind to something and follow through. I didn't trust myself, I didn't believe in myself and I never in a million years thought that I would be onstage in a bikini!

I've come a long way in two years. I've learned a lot about myself. I realize that I, layers and all, am the same through thick and thin. I had this dilluded idea that being thin, seeing abs and a having a bit of muscle to call my own would improve my self image. It was a huge wake up call when I realized that I still looked in the mirror and saw a fat girl looking back. Every flaw became more apparent. As the layers of fat peeled back, the layers of protection peeled back as well. I became vulnerable to myself. I felt unprotected and exposed. I realized that I had a long journey ahead of me. You see, back when I started, I was so sure that "getting skinny" as I called it, was the key to unlocking my self love, my self esteem and self worth. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I truly believed that if I had the perfect body, I could have the perfect acceptence I've craved from myself.

Life has taught me many lessons through the years and one of them is ever prevalent...inner beauty is far more worthy of a goal than what I'd ever given it credit for. 20 something years under my belt and its only revealing itself now. Perhaps it's always been there, I just couldn't see it, or perhaps I wasn't listening. Either way, I'm here now and I'm ready to take the next step and follow life wherever it leads me.

I guess I know that I'm like a lot of women out there. Actually, I think I'm worse in a lot of ways. My real intention in all of this is to hopefully inspire you, women of all ages, all shapes and sizes to seize YOUR moment. Take back your life and as Oprah always says, find your authentic self. There are many ways of doing that, but I think having an active lifestyle is a huge factor is being a more complete person. Eating properly, performing weight bearing exercise and cardio in a regular daily/weekly routine are the keys to a healthy lifestyle. I truly believe that when you feel good about yourself and your choices, you will help others to feel good about themselves too. You will never "find" the time to work out and get moving. But let me ask you this...do you find the time to eat? To watch your favourite program? Well then, need I say more? Make time, put it in your schedule.

Grab your gym bag and head out the door girlfriend, we've got a moment to seize, a memory to make and a life to live!

Always,

Crys