Inspiration

I found a necklace today with a quote from the british poet, William Ernest Henley, handstamped into a sterling silver piece and then topped with an 18kt gold pendant with a compass on it. Of course, I bought it and didn't even let the woman box it up; I asked her to help me put it on and I wore it out of the store!

"I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."

What a beautiful and inspirational quote! I felt that my feelings were captured in these eloquent words. So many times in my life I have felt out of control. I have relied on others for approval, acceptance and self worth. What a horrible way to live! Through this journey of health and fitness, I have learned tremendous lessons about who I am and what I am capable of doing. I have learned that only I am in control of how I feel about myself; I push myself to be strong, to be disciplined and to be MY very best.

I was never "overweight" or "obese", but I was feeling out of control with my body. By putting my focus into my goals, making up my mind to work hard and making the commitment to myself for MY health and MY physical appearance, I feel that I am capable of achieving anything! This has spilled into every aspect of my life. I'm a better wife, a better mother, a better friend and just a better person all around. I get up every day and make the choice to be the absolute best that I can be and know that I'm only in control of myself and no one else has power over me or my feelings.

After buying the necklace, I went and bought a bikini! Yes, I did it; I bought a bikini! A string bikini, at that! However, I did let them box it up rather than wear it out of the store. :o) I needed this bikini to take my pre-competition pictures, but I have been putting it off because I just didn't think I was anywhere near ready. When I'm about 6 weeks out from competition, I'll get my bikini that I will wear for the stage and I'll be able to see how much physical progress I've made. Right now, I feel strong. I am confident that I can do anything I put my mind to. "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."