debbie bell’s BodyBlog

"YOU CAN HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT IF YOU WANT IT DESPERATELY ENOUGH.
YOU MUST WANT IT WITH AN INNER EXUBERANCE THAT ERUPTS THROUGH THE SKIN AND JOINS THE ENERGY THAT CREATED THE WORLD".
Sheila Graham
"GOOD CHARACTER IS A PREREQUISITE TO HAPPINESS.  IT ENTAILS EMPATHY, COURAGE, GENEROSITY, WORK, HONESTY, DISCIPLINE, AND BALANCE.  IT IS NOT ASILY ACHIEVED.  IT IS NOT A LESSON WHICH CAN BE LEARNED FROM BOOKS.  IT REQUIRES PRACTICE."
Jeane J. Kirkpatrick.
"IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.  BEIEVE THAT YOU CAN DO IT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  BECAUSE IF YOU BELIEVE YOU CAN, THEN YOU WILL.
Wally "Famous" Amos.

Many smiles to you all for a wonderful weekend and holiday.. know the Angels are always looking over you! Deb

To end this long troublesome though accomplished day I will end my very tired eve.. well morn with this quote - for it just happens to be so apropos to how I have felt today!:
"EXPECT THE BEST; CONVERT PROBLEMS INTO OPPORTUNITIES; BE DISSATISFIED WITH THE STATUS QUO; FOCUS ON WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, INSTEAD OF WHERE YOU’RE COMING FROM; AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, DECIDE TO BE HAPPY, KNOWING IT’S AN ATTITUDE, A HABIT GAINED FROM DAILY PRACTICE, AND NOT A RESULT OR PAYOFF."
Denis Waitley
kinda blows your mind huh? .. Well it did mine .. to be honest I was feeling down today.. there are to many people in this world that try to hurt others because of their own issues and insecurities… my goodness … there is so no need for that .. it is a vicious cycle -when people do that -when a person is the victom of someone that is envious or jealous of them … the more it happens to them the more bitter they become… and in turn will then do the same to others!  I have personally seen it happen with my own eyes…I do not speak in code for those that are questioning me …I just wish I could be bitter cause then I would not feel so much hurt and sadness… though you know I take that back .. If I can help open the eyes of one person to change … then it is worth enduring the hurt I feel.  
You might think that this is silly .. I enjoy the fact that I am a mushy girl… I do not particularly care .. actually never did .. bout what people think.. though that is different when you put your trust in someone and they lie to you… that is just not nice..and I do not like it at all!!!
THERE IS JUST NO NEED FOR PEOPLE TO BE DECEIVING AND CRUEL..it for sure does not accomplish anything .. actually it does.. it accomplishes hate in this world .. war .. and vindictiveness…and backstabbing!  The bottom line is that if people would realize that the bitterness they feel for others is simply - they- we all -  are looking for LOVE.  Nothing more and nothing less!!
Cause truly nothing in this world matters if you do not have LOVE!

The quote reminds us to focus .. focus .. key word .. where we want to go .. not focus on other people and how come we are not them… sounds quite silly when you here it out loud .. huh?  It also says it is OUR OWN decision to be happy or not .. as I have said so many times to so many people how powerful the brain is .. I am bewildered myself.. Maybe we are not supposed to know…maybe we need to teach ourselves and believe in ourselves …well its not a maybe .. from my experience it is  a for sure that this is what we need to do.. no one has control over our brain or thoughts except for our own self… therefore like Dorothy we have the ability to control our actions and can choose to love .. and can choose to be positive and most of all can choose unity and ask for help when we need it!
I must end with this .. getting so very late.. and have to wake .. I hope you all can get something out of what I wrote ..I remember when I was a little girl .. me and my brother loved those Christmas animated shows.  To be short ..this big monster was so mean..and trying to attack little guys ( I dont remember much except for the moral ) ..at the end the monster got hurt..and the little guy helped him.. by starting out saying to him(which was a song ) "put one foot in front of the other and soon you will be walking out the dooorrrr oooorrr oorrr… put one foot in front of the other .." and well I do not remember the rest.. though if anyone does know please mail me and tell me what the name of it was .. the point is that if we put one foot in front of the other.. take slow baby steps.. stop hurting eachother .. slowly I believe that the fate and G-D’s will … will finally come upon us as well as what we all are searching for .. THERE IS NO NEED FOR HATRED AND JEALOUSLY.   I want so badly to take what is in my head and share it with someone - and have them understand…believe the way I do! That there does not have to be so much silliness in the world.
It is not that hard .. I know .. I have been there.. I am not a religious koo koo head or anything .. do believe in G-D… but I just wish the bull would stop… and it begins within ourselves.
G-D BLESS AND GOODNIGHT .. WITH SWEET DREAMS.. D

Oh my gosh as my heart is pounding and I feel as if I were a balloon that someone put a pin in and the pressure of the air is being released!  
Ok that might not have made sense to you .. I thought it was a good simile  just maybe not the right wording
I just was reading this link  http://www.FLEXONLINE.com/nutrition/78  
And it feels so wonderful to know that they say what they are saying .. I do not want to say anything to influence anyone.. so if anyone reads this get back to me and I will explain.  Quite interesting though.
Many smiles Deb …
Gosh you guys prob. Think I have nothing better to do .. well I don’t .. he he .. boooohoooo   I really wish I could workout .. although education is just as good

Ok you sneaky little guys… now that I have a bit of down time –especially since the mean oops I mean wonderful– he he ..Doc..that I can not workout for the next week because of the surgery (I just might become a masked murderer. JUST KIDDING ? ) …I  am spending my time catching up on things as well as having the opportunity to finally get back to you guys and do some reading.  And let me tell you .. well not all of you.. a lot of you … sneaky sneaky sneaky!!  ?  
Let me explain:  What I have learned in my experience of competing- and IZ be a quick learner ? -When I am competing at a show such as the IM and the A I stay very focused.  That being said – for me at least – I tend to not pay mind to any distractions.  
Such as people ? ..no offense .. If for one moment that I allow myself to socialize with one person I find then there is someone else and so on – you get the picture.
Then what happens is People start saying things and your head gets all messed up in the gossip.  Or people start saying things behind your back about you, or tell you what is right and wrong.  And so on…you guys get this point right? Right!

So in this down time I have navigating around the net, I have seen some of you that were at the Arnold.  Gosh now you guys have made me feel awful.  I know I get and need to be in the Zone for the show, however after the show I don’t .
I went to the exhibit on Friday and Saturday, and oh my gosh – so overwhelming!!
I feel so lucky to have had that experience, and to boot placing 6th ?.
Getting back to the exhibit, well look I am five feet tall and had to carry my roller – suitcase with me. (being that I was staying 20 minutes away  so annoying – bla)
Plus like a dope I went outside after swimming (a couple days before the show when it was snowing), with my hair wet and got sick. ( I know I already heard it a million – “didn’t your mother tell you not to do that ?” .).  Lost my voice and was a bit out of it.

So here I am sick, feeling like a bag lady (he he ) and people are stumbling all over me cause I suppose I was one of the smallest people there…they didn’t see me ? – actually living in NY it USED to happen to me till I learned how to act like a football player..lol .. gosh I really do crack myself up sometimes..he he – to give you a visual – As I am writing I am laughing at myself, well chuckling ?)
You guys are probably dying to find out about now why I called ya’ll sneaky huh?
He he .. k – CAUSE I HAVE BEEN SEEING PIXS OF SOME OF YOU THAT WERE AT THE ARNOLD – and you didn’t say hi…that is if you saw me.  (by the way the caps are not yelling in an angry voice lol.. more of a “whas up with that voice” ?

Ok ,,well to be honest I do not like crowds much – actually at all.  So I did not spend all that much time there – and my voice was trashed from my cold, which is why if I passed any of you and you wondered why I did not say hello that was the reason. I kinda felt like
I was a rock in a Tsunami.  A tiny rock lol. I had an amazing time while I was there.  Though I probably would have done better if I had listened to my Mother and not gotten sick! ?.
So my feathered little and big friends, HI, HI and HI, to make up if you might have thought I ignored you …which I would never do, and please do not forget this message.  Cause I am sure at some point our paths will cross again and when they do please say Hi and approach!!   I really don’t bite..just tickle..he he he.  It would be my honor if you did!

I am sending shimmering smiles out today to help keep that smile on your faces. ?
Be Healthy Happy and Smiling
Deb ?
.*oh and I want to thank all of you that wished me a speedy recovery cause it worked I feel awesome, see what positive thoughts can lead to.*

"LIFE IS EITHER A DARING ADVENTURE OR NOTHING.  TO KEEP OUR FACES TOWARD CHANGE AND BEHAVE LIKE FREE SPIRITS IN THE PRESENCE OF FATE IS STRENGTH UNDEFEATABLE."
Helen Keller.

I always admired her so very much .. so much in fact I wrote a book report about her ( he he when was the last time you heard "book report".. well I suppose unless you have children:) ) in elementary school!

Here is a woman .. that had nothing - knew nothing - and with the help of Ann Sullivan.. another amazing person.. Helen fought for her life and became something more amazing that thought was possible.  She influenced so many people - and without a doubt myself included!
The mind is such a powerful tool.. as we till this day with all our technology we still do not understand how the brain works.  Imagine that!  As I always tell my clients, and myself, if you believe in what you want to accomplish it just might happen.. and as one teacher once told me that always shoot for the stars.. for if you set your goals less than what you might think is impossible you will never know if you could have ever accomplished the ultimate!
The brain we do know controls our body .. our thoughts control our brain .. where our thoughts come from .. for me I believe in the soul… and fate and G-D.. though we do have choices we can make … I will be the first to admit that it is so very hard sometimes to believe and succeed .. though even when I am feeling down .. I SMILE!  (as on my tee shirts it says a smile goes a long way. *anyone that wants one let me know I will be happy to send one to you..*:) )  And of course having the support of others.  If we believe in ourself and stay positive - and most definitely not bitter or vindictive — gosh .. could you imagine what the possibilities could be!
I started competing in figure at 38… wanting to have competed in fitness about 10 years ago .. had five surgeries.. and gave up that dream.  I was depressed ..have a fused wrist ..could not do gymnastics anymore..I snapped out of it in the past few years and I do believe that what I went through has made me a stronger person .. with more drive than ever!  A year and a bit ago.. something came over me .. as I would like and do believe that it is my feisty nature that will always be better than expected.  
I am quite pleased with myself for what I have accomplished so far .. and very much intend to reach further than the stars!!
I am writing this to you because as you know I have just turned 40 … though not feeling it at all.. and being as humble as I am .. I give myself kudos for as I kick my butt every day in the gym .. to where people that see me roller blade .. work out to where they believe it to be to much.. think that I am crazy .. well that might be true .. however it is my life…and aside from genetics I know that I look better than I ever did in my 20’s.
You know I see all the time people leaving 9-5 jobs to become a personal trainer .. or people that have jobs as an accountant or stock broker etc.. and then decide to compete.. not me .. this is my life and I could think of nothing else I would ever ever do!!
Training my clients and now finally finding my place in the natural BB world has given me so much joy!
My plans are to WOW the world .. and show everyone exactely as I have written above that the mind .. if we use it correctely can take us to limits that we did not even know we had… and of course you guys know .. that even if you don’t feel like it smile!
For that will take you further than ever thought possible!
Sending you all my star smiles .. and wish you all to be healthy and happy!
xo deb
* oh BB.com did an interview on me .. which I am so honored about…and hope you check it out .. the link is  http://blog.bodybuilding.com/IronManBlog*
G-D bless
p.p.s. I have recouped from surgery .. and will be getting back to you guys.. all of you.. its been a hectic month traveling and all ..and being out of commission .. so please do not think that I am ignoring any of you .. I will get to ALL with SMILES!!
ALSO I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR B-DAY WISHES AND CONCERN.. YOU ARE ALL SO TREMENDOUS!!

Those that know me – know that I just turned 40 .. however. Funny as it might seem – it has not phased me in the least!!   Of course you all know I had surgery and have been in bed for the past five days .. ahhgg ..on the exception that I have to stay in bed for a week and not workout..which is driving me kookie .. .. and was told I can not work out for a week from now… so I would like now  to share my thoughts and beliefs with you!
I feel that although so many people put a mark on our age - it has no influence on me ,us - our inner beings .. our physical beings – that is if we do not allow it to.. – and most of all the way we think mentally!!!  
It is so strange - I do understand that when most reach the age of 40 they begin to feel or think .. ponder things - things that of which they wanted to accomplish at this point in their life that they have not .. looking back on the years and saying to ourselves why did I not do this or that. .  You know … I have been doing so since I was 20 years old!  Have not you all?? .. so I ask what is the difference?  - No matter how successful we are .. we are always ALWAYS looking back..The difference is wisdom – the wisdom that we aquire as we DO get older.. and as I believe we can use this to our benefit or our failure.. .. yes we all have those marks on our faces from stress and age.. and sagging skin .. ? … though it can be prevented not completely .. though slowly deterred.
G-D has a plan – I do believe for all of us!  
Positive attitude and an optimistic way of life is what will keep our minds young.
We all look for the “fountain of youth”… the funny thing is -  it is that which is within us all that will determine that!  That fountain of youth .. that has been in so many movies and documentaries .. is no further than our own self!!
Gosh when I was 20 I wanted to be 30 and when I was 30 I wanted to be 20 ..
I swear by the GODS that rule this world that we always want what we do not have… and then when we get what we want  .. we do not want it .. or want even more!!
I am a victim of this myself.. although I am grateful to say that I have been touched by some sort of angel … ok you might laugh at this .. though I pray you all experience what I have in my life and then shall realize -  this angel .. or power that has given me the ability to realize that I can achieve ANYTHING I set my mind to . my goals .I pray you all achieve the same!  
For now my goal is first proving to myself that I can succeed in my competing .. and when I do I pray to spread my euphoria and knowledge with anyone and everyone that wants what I have fought for my entire life.. and I will help and be there for them from the bottom of my heart and soul!!  As I pray that I can influence anyone and all that wants to achieve their goals .. no matter what .. for I will be there to stand by you all .. and sending you all so very many smiles!!  Cause remember in the end love, laughter and smiles is what life is truly about ..
G-D bless you all .. and thank you so so very much for all your b-day wishes .. and positive words to me .. I truly hope you all succeed in your dreams.. and when you do I wil be right there cheering you on ..
Much love health happiness and smiles . deb
I will be writing you all back on Tuesday .. hopefully recouped by then xoxo ?

You guys are ALL So very awesome!!  It feels so good to be back home and recouping from the past two shows- what an amazing experience!!!!  There are no words that would justify the time that I had….. funny as you all might think .. I am planning on competing in May at the Nationals in S.C. .. as well as in April in Chicago.  
As I have said .. to reiterate myself.. I was a competitive gymnast – that being said as many might think it is draining to do so many shows for me this is not true, I am so very used to day after day heavy training .. and competing… my body is used to that .. and now that I have found my place within the NPC it has given me the ability to live my dream!!  It  has enabled me to feel alive!! Keeping me grounded and focused.  To be part of this organization and surround myself with all the amazing people that I met, well the way a car needs fuel to run .. that is the same this is for me!!
My birthday is Thursday, and to those that know me you know my age, however I have never felt or believe I have looked better in my life!!  And quite proud to say so!  
Ok it is the big 40.   And  the funny thing bout this is that I am having surgery tomorrow.  (It is just minor surgery… no biggie … and nothing fake for those that are questioning.. hehe ..
So the big b-day I will be lying in bed recouping … which is just fine with me.. for it is not (as I so believe) the age .. it is how we .. I .. feel!!  And as every day goes by.. I ..we.. need to work on making our life younger.. as I try to do every day.
However…. It is the day that we were born.. and I do believe that we should celebrate that day!!  For it is very special for all of us!!
Anyway I wanted to tell you all this to explain why I might not be around for a few days.
Cause I will be out of commission for a bit .. though as soon as I get better I will be on the ball and write back to you all!! … and please know that I have read all of your comments to my blogs .. and other.. you have all touched my heart so very much!!  I could only hope that I will be able  and will do the same for ALL of you soon!!
I send many special wonderful happy tremendous ? smiles .. and hope you all use them to keep smiling .. I will speak to you all soon..
Deb xo

"JOHNSON WELL SAYS, " HE WHO WAITS TO DO A GREAT DEAL OF GOOD AT ONCE WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING." LIFE IS MADE UP OF LITTLE THINGS.  IT IS RARELY THAT AN OCCASION IS OFFERED FOR DOING A GRET DEAL AT ONCE.  TRUE GREATNESS CONSISTS IN BEING GREAT IN LITTLE THINGS."
Charles Simmos.

*gosh how true is that .. I could not have said it better myself.. through my experience of these past two shows, I have learned so very much .. two most important things I would love to share with you is one - listen to your instincts.. follow your heart -if you believe you know what is best for you (myself) then don’t doubt it!  two - with time comes wisdom and knowledge - if you allow yourself to learn from it you will succeed!!  (I use the expression "you" .. though I want you all to know that I write from my heart and my own experiences.as I do believe we have all had similar situations!  And I want to give you all the hope and truth that if you in your heart and soul believe in what you want to accomplish - your goals .. they will come true.. maybe not always the way we want them to - the way that is meant for us to continue to grow.*
I hope that makes sense.. sometimes I know I could ramble on for hours -for my passion of fitness -.. though know one thing .. all of your dreams and wishes .. you have my support to eternity!!  And of course with the most ultimate and sincerest of smiles .. deb

"I HAVE THREE PRECIOUS THINGS WHICH I HOLD FAST AND PRIZE.  THE FIRST IS GENTLENESS; THE SECOND IS FRUGALITY; THE THIRD IS HUMILITY, WHICH KEEPS ME FROM PUTTING MYSELF BEFORE OTHERS.  BE GENTLE AND YOU CAN BE BOLD; BE FRUGAL AND YOU CAN BE LIBERAL; AVOID PUTTING YOURSELF BEFORE OTHERS AND YOU CAN BECOME A LEADER AMONG MEN."
Lao-Tzu
Gotta love Lao-Tzu!!!

I am back now and I promise to be here for you all .. I have recouped myself .. and fully intend as best to my ability to get back to you all.. In the meantime .. I hope you accept my special debbie smiles that I send to you All!!!
xo d

Wow.. what a crazy couple of weeks!!  Crazy in the best way possible!   I have been to LA.. for the Iron Man - placed  fifth… and a week later went to Arnold Classic and place 6th.. I was just honored to have made it to the finals.. of course I would have loved to have come home with a trophy .. and gosh .. I still am striving to get one of those type of trophies and will not stop till I get one :) ,,, however.. when they called my name Thursday night, and I found out that I made it to the finals - well as honest as I am .. there were tears in my eyes!  I have worked so hard - so very hard - and it was truly an honor for me to not only be there.. make it to the finals .. and then place sixth!

Some people might think .. actually as prior to myself competing that sixth place was not a big deal.. though when I had so many people congratulate me on making the top ten .. and better .. well .. well it has inspired me even more so! And to be quite honest, aside from placing where I did .. it is the many wonderful amazing people that I have met that truly touched me and have inspired me  that was worth it all!!  More than any trophy could ever stand for!!  Cause that is what it is truly about .. the people .. all of us… the goodness .. love .. and sincerity .. that I know I look for and have found in so many people in this business.. and in competing.  I have found so much joy and content in becoming part of the figure NPC .. My whole life has been about fitness .. trying to help others improve their lives .. as I do mine.. and now for me I feel I am finally achieving my goals!!  Finding a family with fellow fitness people that inspire and motivate me to become a better person in my own eyes!!
To those that think I sound very sappy .. well goodness .. I can not help it .. as you all might know I am a Pisces and I am true to the description of what a Pisces is!  I am emotional .. and proud to be it .. for if one can not share their inner emotions- then what is life to be?  I believe in Love and Health and Happiness.  As I do hope to share with all of you my joy just to be around such amazing people!!
I want to thank all of the wonderful people that have been so gracious to me .. as I send my most sincerest smiles and love to you all!
G-D bless and always keep smiling
Thank you .. Debbie