CANADIAN PHYSIQUE ALLIANCE March Issue | Page 49

wishes and wants, “we are only confined by the walls we build ourselves.” I decided years ago that I never want to look back at my life and wish “I would have”. I want great memories and to evolve into the best version of me. Remember that it is your life, your journey. Fill those pages of your story with what sets your soul on fire. My favourite workout routines are always the hardest ones because those are the ones that change me and I love the satisfaction of completing them. They vary and I am always looking to add and change up my routine to better my physique and challenge myself. I always compete with the mindset of coming to stage better than the last show. Always improving and enjoy the process immensely. I can’t control who shows up, judging, etc. If I know I improved and left nothing behind, not skipping a workout, my diet on point and gave my all, I am super happy and proud of that. As for a pro card ... time will tell if it’s in the cards for me. I am so proud of what I have accomplished to date and I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other setting my goals higher each time and be grateful for everything and everyone that I have met on my fitness journey. I choose to compete with the CPA, as the local show I first was introduced to was CPA (OPA back then) and quickly felt there is such a sense of community. I’ve meet the most incredible, inspiring, outgoing people that have contributed to my personal growth and some have become the family I choose. I strongly believe that if you surround yourself with positive people that support and encourage your growth, it creates an environment to become your best self. If I had any advice to share with anyone that thought about competing it would be first to go and watch a show the year prior to competing. Research and find a great coach. Someone that has a lot of knowledge, experience and that you feel you can communicate with and has your best interest at heart. “Know your why.” Write it and all your goals down. Pen to paper makes it a plan instead of talking about it and keeping it just a dream. There will be so much self discovery during the process and I promise you will come out really proud of yourself for following through. You will grow mentally just as much physically. This process will help you see how much more you are capable of than you imagined and you will carry these traits, work ethic, time management etc into your everyday life and become the best version of you as a whole. Allow the toughest parts to challenge and change you, embrace the entire experience. Have Fun. MICHELLE