taking a leap!
just like so many people that i’ve ‘met’ here, i don’t have a lot of support in my quest for a healthy and fit life. most everyone in my daily life thinks that i’m obsessed and need to "live a little". When i mentioned my photo shoot people pretty much said "uhh…why??" —ummm…because i want to! i had sent some pics that i’ve taken to my brother (he works out to be fit, not ‘obsessed’) when he saw them, said "OMG—i didnt realize how muscular you are!" he told me that he knew i was in shape but since he always sees me in jeans and t’s he didnt truely understand my dedication and passion. he is now encouraging me to compete—i have to admit, it is something that i’ve wanted to do, but havent had the guts to actually persue. i never thought i could be the type of chick to compete…but i also never thought i would strip down to a bikini for a photo shoot either~~LOL! i was scared to do it but a friend really pushed me to and i am so glad that i did! i dont want to live life with regrets. if i compete and have an awful experience and hate every minute of it—at least i did it and i’ll never wonder "what if??"
its so amazing what a little encouragement can do—my brother and his wife have even offered to go and check out some shows with me. i know i’ve got alot of research to do before i jump into this—but i really want to do it, just saying it outloud excites me! right now, i’m looking for a figure coach/trainer to help me…because i sure dont know what the hell i’m doing or even where to start!
if anyone has any tips or advice—i’d love to hear it! this chick needs all the help she can get 
May 16, 2008 at 7:19 pm
I sooooo understand. Those people that want you to ‘live a little’ will just never understand!
May 16, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Good luck with all you do, getting encourgement for people who don’t understand is tough, everyone at work thinks I’m a pig because I eat every 2-3 hours, yet I’m haveing healthy snacks not junk.
Well In the short time we’ve been becoming friends I have faith that you can do what ever you put your mind too.
So again good luck, not that you’ll need it.
May 16, 2008 at 7:29 pm
You know what I say - if you go see a show you will be hooked, it’s so awesome, you have to do it. Start with an OCB show, here;s their web site:
http://www.theocbwebsite.com/
I DARE YOU !!! You are ready to go !!!!
clc.
May 16, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Yeah, like so many other on this site, I don’t have that much encouragement at home either.
As far as a trainer goes, try chatting with BodySpace member AmyKessler. She is a wealth of knowledge. She is also nice and down to earth. I’m sure she can give you some great advice. Good luck!
May 16, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Best of luck to you! Do what you want!
May 16, 2008 at 9:09 pm
You know the fact of the matter is this, competing is the best device for putting a quantitative value on the training you do: Simply put, it will provide you with some objective data. If you’re looking for a medium that will provide you with an honest critique, I cannot suppose there is anything more applicable than a competition. And as you correctly stated, there will never be any value with a scenario that starts off with, "I wonder what could’ve been……"
May 17, 2008 at 12:10 am
Scott’s comments echo my own. All I can add is, "You have NOTHING to lose, and EVERYTHING to gain." Go for it.
May 18, 2008 at 6:30 pm
You just keep doing what you are doing. Those that don’t understand are probably not in shape either. They would know that after all the hard work that goes into getting in shape and looking good, the possible payoff at the end can be monitary one.