happy one year

One year ago today was my first Media Day for the Fitness America World Championships in Las Vegas, NV. Here we all were getting lined up on the balcony above the Golden Nugget pool. I remember looking around surrounded by media and filming for ESPN and taking it all in. I had hope and the excitement and anticipation of stepping on stage Friday morning.

Your first show is like your first love. You never forget it. And that weekend was bittersweet. It tested my true strength. And honestly, you never know how strong you are or how badly you want something until you are tired and beaten down inside and out, with people telling you that you are stupid and going to fail...but you still get up and take life by the balls and move forward towards your dreams. I know that my life has purpose and meaning. And though it may take me years to win a national title, I'll be damn sure that when I get there, I turn around and help someone else do the same. That is success.

At Fitness Texas this year, the host asked me on stage if it was overwhelming competing for the first time in Vegas. I told him "overwhelming" was an understatement. But at the heart of it all, true health is a gift. To be free from diseases and having met your own goals and overcoming each obstacle along the way is a blessing. And to be able use your journey to help people is karma 360. So I'll stick by that whatever placement the judges decide to give me.

I've had a beautiful life this past year. I've the opportunity to shoot a fitness ad, test shoot for a magazine, work at expos and health fairs, compete, travel from the west to the east coast, witness my cousins get married, and -just the other day- rescue another dog. I wont forget all the amazing people whose paths crossed with mine either. I believe that each person you meet has a reason for being there, whether it's for 2 minutes, 2 days, a month or a year. I always believe in leaving each one with kind words and to remember that at any moment, life can change and everything around you could be gone. I'm hands down grateful for the past year and I cant wait to share the next one with those I meet.

As the end of this year nears, I am only stoked about the possibilities of 2010. You can join me. I will happily share it all with you. Just make sure to fasten those seatbelts bc it's going to get crazy. :)

xoxo
Bethany

P.S.

Good Luck to all my Savage Sistas competing in Vegas this weekend!