Dec. 17, 2006

Hello .....

Can you believe it... I got the INVITE TO THE ARNOLD CLASSIC. I honestly wasn't expecting it. I haven't been 100% with my diet as a result of less than optimistic thoughts on the subject. I was so thrilled. I wanted the invite more than anything last year and I was sadly dissappointed. I guess I didn't want to get my hopes up. My head is in the game...............

I hope to see all of you there. Hey, someone has to be last place, and I will take it. Just being on that stage.... having my family there--- it is so great. For those of you who don't know.. I am from Detroit. So, I will have my whole family and even my crazy cousins in the audience. For some.. this wil be there first time seein me compete.

The challenge.. coming up with an even more creative routine. I am looking forward to the creative process.

This is a dream come true. It isn't about winning or losing anymore.. it is about accomplishing personal goals. It is so nice to get on that stage without expectations. When was competing to get my pro card.. I put so much pressure on each show. It was all about winning.. or a huge dissappointment usually followed.

NOW.. it is just the sheer pleasure of competition. It is a nice relief. In the end.. in order to be in this game where placings, invites, etc.. don't make sense.....just enjoy the journey. Grow as a person with each passing show. Remember to keep your life in perspective. It is easy to get lost in the preparation.... to forget about what really is important.

I am learning to better manage my time and prioritize. Bringing my best package to the stage is important.. but so is my family , my fiance', my career, and my creative endeavors.

It isn't all about the GYM anymore. There are so many more levels to me and it keeps me grounded. In the past, when I would finish a competition, I used to get depressed. Now, I get excited and ready to focus on a new goal.

Enough of my motivational talk.............

Have a wonderful holiday. Don't eat to much. Thank you again for all your support.. you know who you are....

Colette