A Place at the Table

  At church the other week the minister mentioned that most of us are just looking for a place at the table.  But if we feel like we messed up somehow we aren’t wanted anymore and just walk away missing the meal entirely.

That caught my attention because right now in my fitness journey I’m trying to figure out my place at the table.  I’m looking to see where I belong.

My first body building competition was last month and I entered the bikini division, which is kind of entry level because the goal is to look fit but soft and toned.  To really win in this area you need great curves and some serious swagger.  (I lack in both curvy and swagger departments.)

It seems a lot of people will give up if they don’t succeed on the first try.  They might think, “Well, I tried, it didn’t work out, I guess it never will.”  And while there is some self-preservation logic to this mindset, for me I think it’s important to think about long-term goals and the only way to enjoy the meal is to keep coming back to the table until you figure out the place you are supposed to be.

My next competition is November 3.  I’m going to enter the bikini again and try the novice physique division too.  That division requires more muscle tone but less sassiness.  Maybe that’s where I can compete better.  But you don’t know until you try, right?  My goal is to place in the top 5 (why train to lose?)  but even if I don’t I’ll be learning more about the sport and keeping myself healthy and fit.  Plus, I’m at a better starting point now.

When I started training for my first competition in February I was size 14 and just wanted to look good in a bathing suit.  I lost 50 lbs and walked on stage in a bikini.  It felt great to not give up on myself.  My journey was aptly called, “She’s Losing It!” 

Now it’s July and I’m size 1, I’ve entered (and lost!) my first competition and am now focusing on gaining lean muscle mass.  (And swagger.)  So this part of my fitness journey is named, “She’s Building It!”  I’m looking forward to finding my place at the table because this sport is a lot of fun.  It’s kind of like “Dirty Dancing,” but with weights.  Or “Rocky,” but in a bikini and 5 inch heels.  But I digress.

Anyway, I hope whatever your fitness goals are you keep pursuing them until you find a place at the table too.

Lisa

 

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