Every journey begins with a single step - this is how mine began.

Thank you to aboutmuscle.com for featuring me.

It's always a privilege to share my story and motivation through an interview.

"What you desire most in life does not happen by accident but comes to pass through constant dreaming, planning and consistent effort."  Carla Hampshire

http://www.about-muscle.com/articles/interview-with-carla-hampshire.php

https://www.facebook.com/notes/strengthmedia-dan-mueller/spotlight-on-carla-hampshire/533625606649015

 I would like to share a bit about myself and my bodybuilding journey in this interview by Strength Media. I have been asked to be their 'Spotlight'. I feel very honored indeed. Thank you Paul Olson of Strength Media for affording me this privilege.

 Here is a small quote from my interview:

"This is a journey well worth every mile of the uphill climb. 
It will propel you into a new and exciting direction of personal growth."

https://www.facebook.com/notes/strengthmedia-dan-mueller/spotlight-on-carla-hampshire/533625606649015

A great thing about this sport is being part of the bodybuilding
community. I believe in surrounding myself with positive people; people
with similar goals and aspirations. Bodybuilders are among some of the
happiest, most down-to-earth and hard-working people I know. There is a
lot of support and a spirit of camaraderie that goes on backstage, in
the gym and also in the online communities. I have formed strong bonds
with fellow athletes over the years. It’s such a pleasure to be part of
one another’s journeys. I feel greatly privileged to have such amazing
friends and supporters worldwide. Their encouragement makes all the
difference.

Thank you

                                                                                                                          
March 21, 2012

Dear 50 lb Dumbbells,

For
many years now I have admired you from afar, longing to be your friend.
Over time, I have become well acquainted with your younger friends the
20's, 30's, 40's and even your neighbor the 47.5's. Two weeks ago you
invited me over to play. Were you just teasing me? I wasn't sure. So
today I approached you with some trepidation. Would you let me play with
you again? You welcomed me with open arms.

Thank you for your friendship. We are one.

Sincerely,

Carla

P.S. I would really love a formal introduction to your next door neighbor the 52.5's. Much appreciated

Every year I create a motto for myself as a guide and reminder of my goals.

In 2007 my motto was:

'Believe and the unbelievable will happen!'

And
indeed the unbelievable did happen as I began my bodybuilding journey
and stepped onto a competitive stage for the very first time.

2008

'No deviation; no regrets!'

I
was committed to the journey and this served as a reminder to stick to
the training and nutrition plan without deviating from the course.
This was the year I earned my IDFA Pro Card!

2009

'Dream big; train hard; make it happen!'

I had the opportunity of traveling across Canada to participate in my first Pro show!

2010

'Go Confidently in the Direction of your Dreams!'

This
is a quote by Henry David Thoreau which I have posted on my living
room wall; a constant reminder to remain confident as I set my goals,
because dreams really DO come true. I was able to receive a small
sponsorship cheque which allowed me to hire Dr. Joe Klemczewski and his
team to look after my nutrition and training as I continued to reach
for my dreams.

2011

'It's the discipline that defines us!'

I like the double meaning of the word define
in this instance. Not only does discipline define the person but it
can define the body as well in preparation for competition. Discipline
was also used this year in order to study as I decided to challenge the personal training certification course. Mission accomplished!

The
motto for this coming year is something I have been thinking about a
lot. All positive changes have to begin on the inside before they can
manifest on the outside. This is my focus for the year.

2012

'Focus on the inside; perform better on the outside!'

I will strive to improve myself in all areas of my life: spiritually, physically, intellectually etc. through

• prayer
  

• meditation
  
• visualization
  
• reading
  
• writing
  
• improved nutrition
  
• cleansing of internal organs
  

It's my hope that as I strengthen Carla from the inside, the positive results will be reflected on the outside.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Big hug,

Carla

Visualization

If something can be conceived in the mind, it can be achieved.

Just
think for a moment of all the inventors of old who conceived a project
so big, so impossible to achieve yet we have something wonderful today
called electricity.

Though their initial thought was so far-fetched, they could see it and they persisted and achieved.

What
is it you wish to achieve? Hold that thought in your mind and give it
life. Imagine it for a moment. How would you feel having accomplished
what you conceive in your mind?

Till the next one... put your mind, your most powerful resource, to work for you!

Carla

Decisions

5 frogs are sitting on a log, 3 decide to jump off.

How many are left?

If you guessed 2 you would be wrong.

There are still 5 left because 3 only decided’ to jump off.

I
heard this little riddle a few years ago and instantly liked it. I was
quick to respond with the correct mathematical answer initially missing
the deeper meaning. There is a big difference between deciding and doing.

The
decision is only the beginning.  Every decision requires an action.
Just like a seed, the decision needs to be planted and nurtured. This is
where commitment enters in. Once you commit to act upon a decision, you
have planted the seed to success.

At this time of year
when we are beginning to think about making New Year’s resolutions,
let’s keep the little frog riddle in mind.

Till the next one...jump in at the deep end.

Carla

Prisoners

“Two men look out the same prison bars; one sees mud and the other the stars.”

In 1992 I had the privilege of teaching at Malapoa College in Vanuatu (South Pacific).

One
day I wrote this quote by Frederick Langbridge on the chalkboard and
challenged my students to reflect upon this and propose an
interpretation of this brief yet very profound saying. There was some
silence. I encouraged them to put themselves in those prisoners’ shoes.
If the one was seeing mud where was he looking? Where did his thoughts
lead him? And the other who saw the stars where did his gaze take him?
Was he in a more positive frame of mind? Ahhhh, I could see their minds
light up as they began to understand the meaning of these thought
provoking words.

Life is all about attitude. Attitude dictates whether we will succeed or fail.

Till the next one...gaze upward; press forward!

Carla

Whatsa matta fo you? No more pizza?

That’s right, you heard it here first. No more pizza for this Italian mamma! I’m closing that door and opening a new one.

Though
I have enjoyed excellent health in my adult years, I have decided that
there is always room for improvement. After attending a nutrition
seminar in September, I realized that there were still some changes I
could make to my already clean diet to help take my health and vitality
to another level.

I have removed all flour from my diet –
no, not just wheat flour - I mean flour of any sort. Flour has a way
of forming glue on the walls of your large intestine preventing your
body from being able to absorb vital minerals and vitamins. Now who
wants that? Thankfully, I have discovered sprouted grain bread made
solely from – you guessed it - sprouted grains...16 of them! It
contains NO flour, bad fats, sugar or dairy, which are now also on the
‘do not eat’ list. Who needs the bloating anyways! Whey protein has
also gone by the wayside. Hee-hee, pun intended! No, I haven’t lost my
mind...well, not just yet anyways! This will help eliminate all
artificial sweeteners, flavours and colours, as well as all those
unpronounceable chemicals. In its place I have adopted brown rice
protein, hemp protein and pea protein as well as wheat grass and
greens. Sound healthier? I think so. I know I feel SO much better, so
why not!

I have also had colon hydrotherapy treatments,
and this past week I have done a liver and gallbladder flush. Check out
this website to order your copy of the book
http://liverandgallbladderflush.com/. Next, I will do a kidney cleanse.
Ahhh, nothing like spring cleaning in the middle of winter.

So what’s on your Christmas wish list? I know what’s on mine...improved health and wellness and increased vitality and fitness.

Till the next one, stay POWERED FROM THE INSIDE!

Carla

"Your mind is a powerful tool - use it well!"  ~Champshire

I
use visualization as a motivational tool. It’s a proven technique that
helps you imagine your goals. When you see your goals in images you
will have more clarity of what it is you wish to achieve.

At
the beginning of the year, I created a vision board of my specific
competition goals with pictures and slogans. I see it every morning when
I wake as a constant reminder of where I am headed. I also have my
competition pictures on my bedroom wall and mirror to keep me motivated
to improve. My trophies and awards are in a prominent spot in the house
where I can see them daily. These are some of the visual tools I use.

In
addition to this, I have written a vision statement of my goals as
though they were already accomplished. I read this on a regular basis. A
vision statement has a way of articulating your dreams and hopes. It
points out what you are trying to build.

These visual
reminders are great motivators that help me work toward my goals. They
act as tools of encouragement to stay optimistic, focused and motivated
while on this journey.

See it in your mind's eye, believe it; breathe life into your goals, dreams, and aspirations.

Sending love to all who read this and remember that you are worth every moment you invest in yourself.

Carla

My interview in Natural Muscle Magazine Sept. 2011

Off the Beaten Path

Off the beaten path

Where my heart lies

The way is narrow

Through valleys and highs

Mid thorns and briars

I reach for the crest

The course is rough

The road is a test

At the end of day

When light grows weak

My heart sings out

As I reach for the peak

While memories fade

Time cannot erase

The joy that I found

When I came to this place

Written by Carla Hampshire September 3, 2011 at the beginning of Peak Week

It
expresses the joy that I have found through the bodybuilding journey.
Though the road appears tough at times, this is what I choose to do.
This is where my heart lies...off the beaten path.

HOPE by Carla Hampshire

Hope lies waiting

Outside my door

Wishing for me

To push for more

Courage sits

Upon my shoulder

Whispering words

To make me bolder

Faith reaches out

Its hand to me

To show the way

To walk with me

Strength entreats me

To stand strong

Should life's billows

Come along

"To continue living a life powered by love!"  ~Carla Hampshire

It was August 8, 1981 when I married my soulmate. We will soon be celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary!

I thank my Heavely Father daily for bringing us together. My life as Mrs. Hampshire has been a privilege and a true blessing.

To my six children I want to say that I am so proud of all of you. Mom loves you. Keep filling your life with all that is good.

To my 3 grandchildren...Grandma loves you bunches.

To
my sweetheart... I have treasured every moment of our adventure
together. You are my best friend, my love and my light. I loved you
then, now and forever!

Eternal love,

Carla 

“Failure precedes some of the greatest accomplishments.”  ~Carla Hampshire

If
you have ever watched a child learn to walk, you will clearly
understand the above statement. As she let’s go and attempts a step on
her own, she will invariably stumble and fall time and time again. There
may be a few tears, and a bump here and there. But undaunted he tries
and tries again.

The falling, or repeated failures, are
merely stepping stones toward a great accomplishment; learning to walk.
Were it not for our acceptance of these failures and our determination
to try yet again, many of us would still be crawling on our bellies.

Let
us not become discouraged by what some would term ‘failures’. Let us
continue on undaunted, learning lessons as we go that will help us
improve and propel us to greater things.

Keep strong,

Carla 

“Laughter is good for the soul!”  ~Carla Hampshire

How many bodybuilders does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Zero – never let a bodybuilder anywhere near a light bulb!

I bought a lamp two days ago and proceeded to screw in a new bulb. Lo and behold the bulb exploded in my hand in the process!

Yesterday,
as I was driving home from work, I adjusted my rear view mirror and
much to my surprise it came off and I found myself staring at it in
disbelief as it sat in my hand!

Today, I’m afraid of going to work. What if I break my massage clients too?

Smile, life is good!

Stay motivated and keep throwing that iron around...but remember... stay away from light bulbs!

Carla