My Transformation . . .

As promised I am going to share with you all my journey from the person who I was in September '08 to the person who stepped on the ANB Stage in May '09.

Before my journey, I used to be that that person who would pick up a health & fitness magazine featuring people that had taken the step to transform their health & body dreaming of doing the same for myself.

I'd have days where I would be trying to find something to wear and would always end up in tears because I didn’t like what I was looking at in the mirror. I literally hated who I was. I know 'hate' is such a strong word but I truly did. I was at a real low point in my life. I had absolutely no self-confidence. Walking down the street I never stood tall, I was always looking down. I was so withdrawn from life. I constantly sabotaged myself from achieving anything. When I came close to achieving a particular goal or if someone told me how awesome I was at something - I would panic and walk away never accomplishing what I originally set out to do.

I knew deep down that I had to make the 'commitment' to change and really want to, but from the inside. So many times I would start my new diet on a Monday and but the third or fourth day, I would give up. It was a constant battle for most of my life and I didn’t realise why I would keep doing this to myself until recently. I realised that I was doing it for all the wrong reasons. I was doing it so people would find me more attractive or that I would be liked more - all superficial reasons. I wasn’t doing it for myself.

It wasn’t until I had seen an Osteopathic surgeon in 2007 for an ongoing hip issue that it all really changed. The Dr told me that my body was in poor condition and I was looking at receiving a hip replacement and possible spinal surgery in the near future. He instructed that I had to stop exercising – no more weight training and cardio for at least 12 months.

I was shattered. To have been told I could not exercise at all for at least 12 months really shook me. At first I was upset but soon that turned to anger. How dare someone tell me that I couldn’t exercise and predict where I am headed! I control my life not some Doctor.

This predicament really got me thinking. The freedom to exercise had only been taken away from me for a minimum period of 12 months. What about the people out there who don’t have a choice and lose all ability to exercise completely? People who lose limbs, become wheelchair bound? The more I thought about it, the more I realised that I had the power to improve my situation. From then on, I made the promise to myself that once I had recovered and been given the all clear, I was going to make the change. I was going to get into a gym and lose weight. I was going to prove to not only that Doctor but to myself that I choose my destiny and that I don’t need any type of surgery!

One dream I had was to compete in a figure competition. A dream that I have had since I was a teenager and had never forgotten. I remember opening my first bodybuilding magazine and being floored by these gorgeous athletic women like Corey Everson and Monica Brant. I had recently started going to Bodybuilding competitions and dreamt of being one of those women competing onstage. So this was my chance. Once I was given the all-clear by the Doctor, I signed up in Sept 2008 with Australia’s highest placing figure competitor Rosa-Marie Romero, one of the best in the business to get me in shape to compete.

From Sept on, I worked hard. No excuses. I had my goal and I did everything that Rose instructed me to do. If I was too tired, bad luck, I still got out there and did my cardio and weight sessions. I’d be lying if I said that it was all smooth sailing. I came across a few brick walls along the way where I wanted to give up where that negative thought pattern would try and sneak back in but I didn’t let it. I stayed strong and I am so proud that I did.

In May 2009, I stepped out onto the figure stage for not one but two figure competitions in the best shape of my life. I was finally one of those girls that I had dreamt of being. Even though I didn’t walk away with a trophy, I walked off that stage with my head held high knowing that I had finally achieved a goal that I set out to do. And an even better bonus - I was 20kg’s lighter!

It took having something being taken away from me to rebel and to actually get out there and do what I truly wanted to do. It is sad that it took me so long to realise what I was doing to myself. But on the other hand, I am glad that I had held back for so long because now I want to do everything so much more.

I have learnt so much about myself in these last 8 months. I realised that I had to stop being so hard on myself and to stop looking at what I hadn’t achieved in my life and start looking at what I had achieved.

I have the desire to look after my body now. And if I can help to inspire people do the same and make that change for the better that would be the icing on the cake. I now only want the best for myself and want to live a fulfilling life. I no longer want to float through life. I want to look back at my life when I am old and be content with what I have achieved.

From here on in, I am making this promise to everyone that I am going to do everything that I have ever wanted to do with no regrets. I know that I am not ‘cured’ from my former thought pattern, and yes I know I will have bad days. But I know now that it will pass. Tomorrow is a new day and life can only go up from here.

I have a great feeling about this year and what is to come. To be honest, I think that only great things can happen now due to the positive change that I have made on all levels.

Thank you to all of the people in my life who gave me endless support. Two very important people made the greatest impact and that was my trainer Rose and my partner Grahame.

To Rose, Thank you for being my mentor & giving me the tools, knowledge and motivation that I needed to succeed.


Last and definately not least, to my gorgeous partner-in-crime Grahame Thank you With you by my side, I couldnt fail. I am extremely lucky to have a partner like you who was there for me no matter what. I couldn’t have done this without your constant support. Love you babe xx


So whether you all like it or not, you will be seeing a lot more of me. A much better me.