Success Begins Within


...
... into my ...
has been one of the best ... I ever made.
My early ... was marred by the trauma of sexual abuse.
Although these memories were ... until j Incorporating bodybuilding into my lifestyle has been one of the best decisions I ever made.
My early childhood was marred by the trauma of sexual abuse. Although these memories were repressed until just a few years ago, I spent most of my life suffering from all the classical symptoms of abuse: low self-esteem, low self-confidence, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and depression.
The cycle of abuse continued through my adolescence when, at age 16, I entered into an eight year abusive marriage. I endured daily emotional and verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation.
My self-esteem continued to plummet and at age 24, when I finally divorced my husband, I was a physical and emotional wreck. I had never practiced a healthy lifestyle, had no self-respect, and the stress of my lifelong abuse had taken its toll.
At 24 years old I weighed 97 pounds, was having daily chest pains, heart palpitations, panic attacks, and insomnia. I also suffered from TMJ Syndrome due to stress.
My doctors advised me to begin an exercise program before my condition worsened.I reluctantly began aerobics and then incorporated a mild strength-training program. I immediately noticed the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
At that point in my life, toning and building muscle was not my goal. I needed an outlet for stress and an increased energy level.
However, it didn’t take long for me to develop an interest in nutrition, building muscle, and possibly competing. My self-esteem and general outlook on life improved tremendously as I continued my workouts.
In January 1998, at age 34, I took my love of the sport one step further. I hired a professional bodybuilder to train me for the upcoming Belding Natural Classic Bodybuilding show in Belding, Michigan.
Due to the abuse I suffered, I have always had a terrible self-image. Even though I never had a weight problem, I have always been very embarrassed of my body.
Competing was something I never thought I could do, because of this hang up. At a petite 5’ 2”, I am not genetically gifted with good muscular development.
However, I trained hard, was very dedicated to my diet, and did exactly what I was told me to do. I felt a lot of anxiety on April 11, 1998 when I stepped on stage in just a posing suit.
Most of my competitors had better muscle development and had been training much longer than me. (Normally, that would have sent my confidence right out the window.) However, my routine was graceful and my poses weren’t bad either! The audience was very supportive and my self-confidence soared.
I won a medal that day. In my mind, I accomplished everything I set out to do.
I gained valuable experience and many of my fears and hang-ups were conquered. I have never felt such confidence, satisfaction, and pride in myself.
I have come a long way over the years and achieved many goals, but that contest changed my life tremendously. It is difficult to put into words, but I have not felt the same since that day.Over the years my family and friends have noticed the positive change in my health, attitude, and self-confidence.
I have taken other steps to improve in those areas and to heal from my past. However, bodybuilding has been the one thing that has made the biggest difference in my life.
It has made so much difference that I became a certified personal trainer. Through my new business, Trinity Coaching Services, I now combine fitness training and personal development coaching to help others reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I have continued to compete once or twice a year, simply because it is vital for my self-esteem. © 2000 By Monique Rider Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .

Top blog stories

A review of Idmobile.com

Idmobile.com offers both pay-as-you-go and contract plans. Pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for customers who don't want to be tied down to a long-term contract, and they can purchase bundles of data, minutes, and texts as and when they need them.

see post

A review of Idmobile.com

Idmobile.com offers both pay-as-you-go and contract plans. Pay-as-you-go plans are ideal for customers who don't want to be tied down to a long-term contract, and they can purchase bundles of data, minutes, and texts as and when they need them.

see post

AO.co: Online Shopping Made Simple

AO.co is a trusted expert in TVs, washing machines, clothes dryers and other household appliances. AO.com is one of the largest retailers in the UK and it specializes in electronics, clothes and home furniture.

see post

For our people.

At Three, we believe phones are good. They just make life better. Easier. And more fun. But we all need to find a balance that works for us. Our mission is to help our customers use their phones to live their best lives.

see post

We make your life easier

We make your life easier Since 1992, we’ve been helping customers get the best deal on their dream phone. We firmly believe in giving you the highest quality, for the lowest price. That’s why we work with three of the UK’s leading networks to do all the haggling for you,...

see post

FOUR BRANDS BECOME ONE. CURRYS.

Currys PLC is a leading omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, operating through 800+ stores and 16 websites in seven countries.

see post

Halfords - Quicker, Easier, and Convenient.

At Halfords, we're all about the journey. With more than 700 stores with over 10,000 colleagues, we're the UK's leading retailer of automotive and cycling products. We are also the leading operator in MOT, tyres, car servicing and car repairs - pleasing more than 750,000 customers every year.

see post

FOUR BRANDS BECOME ONE. CURRYS.

Currys PLC is a leading omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, operating through 800+ stores and 16 websites in seven countries.

see post

Sky - Epic. Endless. Entertainment.

It's important to us that everyone gets great customer service and can enjoy our products, no matter their level of sight. So, if you're blind, partially sighted or struggle to see or read the screen, we’ve a range of features to help you get the most from our products and...

see post

Nasty Gal - We exist for the “girl in progress”.

Look iconic, without the hassle— using Nasty Gal discount codes, you can shop your favorite pieces for way less by simply entering one of our promotional codes (of your choice) at the checkout. From delivery offers, to promo deals, we keep ‘em coming, so you always have the offer you...

see post

Digital Publishing From Past to Now

The Covid-19 has caused the school and universities to shut down around the world creating a major issue in Learning and Education. As this virus spreads through the interaction and if social distanci... The Covid-19 has caused the school and universities to shut down around the world creating a major...

see post

Why it’s Important to Manage Your Holiday Calendars?

A printable calendar 2021 is a prominent online platform where you download printable calendars of your choice. These calendars can be customized as per our client requirement with photo, text, logo, or any other image. If you are thinking of planning a dream vacation tour with family and kids but...

see post

The German People Is A Genius Not A Superior One


The world hasn’t forgotten the Superiority of the German People theory adopted by Hitler and resulting in massive destruction represented in the killing of millions of people and the destruction... The world hasn’t forgotten the Superiority of the German People theory adopted by Hitler and resulting in massive destruction represented...

Will EU Remain Spectators in Arms Race?


Emmaneul Macron, the youngest president in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon, has said: ‘In the absence of a legal framework, they (EU member states) could rapi... Emmaneul Macron, the youngest president in French history and the youngest French head of state since Napoleon, has...

The Characteristics of the Dictators


1-The dictator believes that all his opinions are always right. 2-The dictator believes that he is the embodiment of the country. Any kind of opposition against him is considered a crime against the ... 1-The dictator believes that all his opinions are always right. 2-The dictator believes that he is...

Why is Getting My Dog Groomed So Expensive?


We know the importance of getting our dogs groomed. But not all of us can actually afford the grooming of our dogs luxury pet centre.   We know the importance of getting our dogs groomed. But not all of us can actually afford the grooming of our dogs luxury pet centre....

Dog Sitting Services - How a Professional Dog Sitter Gives You Peace of Mind


You need to travel, or you are traveling frequently. What are you doing with your pets or your beloved dog? You can’t take your dog with you when you are traveling.    You need to travel, or you are traveling frequently. What are you doing with your pets or your beloved...

How Can I Train a Dog at Home


This article teaches you how to train a dog at home. You can toilet train her at home. You can also train her in removing unwanted behaviours and many exciting tricks. You can train a dog anywhere. So, how can I train a dog at home ? In fact, most...

Reasons why grooming your dog is good for you and the dog


Having a dog is great but comes with a lot of responsibilities, just like having any other pet. The main responsibility is grooming the dog regularly, something that some people still question the importance of it. If you have been wondering whether you should be grooming your dog, then below...

Sterilization of Dogs - An Overview


Neutering (also known as castration) and spaying are the common term used to describe the surgical procedure during which both testicles (in males) and uterus and its parts (in females) are removed in order to sterilize (make infertile) a male and female dog respectively. At Pet Prime Veterinary Clinic (Dog...

Reasons Why Dogs Become Aggressive


You may have noticed cases of your dog suddenly showing signs of aggression or rather becoming aggressive and threatening to bite. Such nasty behaviours and signs of aggression by your dog may be frustrating Well, if you have no idea why your dog gets aggressive all over a sudden and...

Things You Need to Consider Before Adopting a Dog


The loyal nature of dogs makes them the perfect pets, whether you have a family or not. However, most of the time, people rush into adopting pets only to end up being overwhelmed with the responsibilities, which are physical, emotional, and psychological. If you have been considering adopting a pooch,...

Search topic

Things You Need to Consider Before Adopting a Dog

The loyal nature of dogs makes them the perfect pets, whether you have a family or not. However, most of the time, people rush into adopting pets only to end up being overwhelmed with the responsibilities, which are physical, emotional, and psychological. If you have been considering adopting a pooch,...

Learn more