First let me start this post by offering Gratitude and Thanks for this life. My intention is to share and hopefully help others with these words...
2015 had many ups and downs for me on a personal note. I had a serious reality check in January 2015 which allowed me to take a hard look at my life. What I discovered was I had lost my joy and happiness. I took a hard look at myself and my surroundings and knew it was time for me to stop hiding behind my ton of excuses and begin to LIVE in LOVE. What came from that was an internal and external transformation. I began to put Ashley first for the first time since I was 16 years. It wasn't easy at first. However, little by little, my path began to reveal itself. I forgave myself for neglecting myself to the extent that I lost my joy (and no longer could recognize myself in the mirror). I started to take the energy that I put in all of my external relationships and secular career and transferred that into ME. When that happened, everything inside and outside began to change slowly over time.
Fitness and Nutrition gave me a platform to spearhead my life to heights that I had never dreamed of. I know that sounds corny, but it's my truth. I forgave myself for neglecting my body for so many years. I forgave myself for all of the excuses as to why my life wasn't working for me the way I wanted. Once that happened, it seemed out of no where, people and situations showed up to support me in positive ways that I never would have thought would happen. I put in the work everyday!!! Every single day, I got up and focused on creating the life I finally wanted to live. Losing weight is a great first goal. That was one of many goals that I had at the time. The biggest goal I set was to to be healthy - both mentally and physically. That perspective allowed me to to reach my weight goals (and exceed them). Now, by US standards a size 14 for a women is a little above average. That was my dress size as of 1/1/2015. However, I didn't want to settle for being an average person. I knew deep down inside that I wasn't living up to my Authentic self. As of today, I have shrunk down to a size 2. That is not to boast or brag. It's not my ego in the way. It's what really happened. That is my truth! I didn't do it alone. Many people helped me along the way. I am so humbled by the love that I received.
I have reached my fitness goals in a healthy way (in my perspective), by eating clean, working out on a consistent basis and keeping my mind focused on becoming the woman I knew deep down inside that I was destined to be. I am sincerely thankful to all of the people who continue to support and encourage me. I am even thankful to those who have negativity and judgement towards my blessings. When you love yourself enough to make a commitment to your happiness with mental and physical health, you will start to feel the love, freedom, strength and power that a lot of you probably desire deep down inside.
In 2016, I hope to be able to enter my first bodybuilding competition (and win some hardware:-)). I'm not 100% if I can do it yet, but I will continue to do my very best to see it into fruition. There is no limit as to where this can go with hard work and dedication by staying in love and gratitude. Peace and Blessings to you all! Until 2016.... I'll leave you with this..
