"So, what are you training for?"

I can't believe it....I am just shy of 1200 blog views. That's crazy! When I started my blog I figured if five people take the time to read it and one of them gets inspired and motivated, then sweet! In addition to my blog views I have received messages from people I don't know, as well as people I do know. All encouraging and uplifting. I've been found randomly on Google search and I have been recognized while running errands! "Hey! You're the Muscles and Mascara girl!" It's a pretty cool feeling. I have never been one to need the spotlight on her. I have never been an attention seeker (or attention whore as I have head people refer to others as...thank goodness I'm not THAT) and in fact I have always lacked in the self confidence department. Just another reason that this competition is so important to me. It's not about looking hot in a bikini (of course that's a plus, duh) but it's about me getting out of my comfort zone and out of my shell. To change my life in so many ways. So, when people ask me, "What are you training for?"

Okay, so maybe those aren't my exact words, but in a nutshell. That's it. LIFE. I will get so much more out of this experience than just a bikini competition. My self confidence will be boosted. My body will be healthy inside and out. I will be able to continue a healthy diet, but also eat more of what I like and want, within reason of course. I will be more confident and less critical of myself. In the month and a half that I have been training, I can already feel a difference in my overall lifestyle. I AM more confident and I do feel healthier and more positive. My 430am cardio sessions have become a part of my daily routine that I enjoy. I love starting my day off that way. Although I still lose my patience with the kids at times, I feel more in control and organized at home. Scott and I have been more understanding of each other and there has been less stress about things that we can't really control. There is so much good coming out of this experience, how could I ever go back to my old ways?  

I am working on this one. I am tough on myself. Scott recently took my one month progress pics and of course I picked myself apart in a negative way. Scott did the same. But completely opposite of what I was saying. He pointed out differences between day one pics and current pics. I had to admit, there was a difference. I now have a thigh gap (Mind the Gap!), my boobs are looking firmer and lifted as well as the booty AND my favorite change is the muscles you can see sculpting in my back. I have a long way to go, but progress is happening. Pretty cool. Besides being negative and hard on myself. I have to stop being negative and thinking the worst about life. With all this talk about a possible invasion in the next couple weeks, I'd prefer to keep my kids at home and locked inside where it is safe. When I drop the kids of at school, I worry about their safety. I wonder if someone decided to bringing a gun to school... or they are going to be teased and bullied... I've been having second thoughts of our Disney trip in December because I am afraid we might be there and terrorist are going to attack... It's not healthy and it needs to change. These are all things out of my control. The only thing I can control is the thoughts that go through my head. I know worrying is normal, especially for a mom...but it's time to take control of the negative thoughts. Life is too short to live in fear.

I was recently approached by a fellow mom and member of the gym I work at. She told me she enjoys following my blog as well as seeing the pictures of my family and the inspiring quotes I post. She said she admires me and how sweet and down to earth I am. When I walk through the gym, you would never know I lack confidence as I walk with my head held high and a smile on my face. I am friendly to everyone and ask how they are and their kids. When I am asked how my training is going I am honest and admit it's hard at times. I never brag or come off "full of myself" or act as though I am the best thing since sliced bread....(hahaha, love that!).

 It was one of the best conversations. Everything I am striving for is exactly what others are seeing. She suggested I start a fitness page separately from my Muscles and Mascara page, (which is a combination of my Younique business as well as my competition journey) and include my meals, workouts and fitness advice. I had to kind of chuckle and thank her but that won't be happening for a long time. My diet is strict and created by my fitness coach to personalize my needs. My workouts are tough but I am still learning more each day. I don't feel qualified to give fitness advice to others. I CAN say, be ready to give it 110% of dedication and time. You can't half ass this lifestyle. If you want it, you have to be ALL in it.  I can also say, from the support and encouragement I have been receiving from my followers, be humble. Be confident. Not cocky or an "attention whore" hahaha. It's apparently a turn off to most. I have to admit, I follow a TON of fitness and body building models and I am most drawn to the down to earth ones compared to the ones that are all about how hot they are and bragging.

So, thank YOU for the support! I hope to continue to grow my blog viewer connections and continue to inspire others every day. Thank you to Scott for pushing me and encouraging me everyday, thank you to Amie for being the best Coach, I wouldn't be seeing results if it wasn't for your diet and workout plan and thank you to my Younique customers! I reached my goal again this month! Stoked! Stay tuned for new products being launched tomorrow! You can check out my website tomorrow to see the new stuff! www.musclesandmascaralife.com