I have a very lengthy response to your question, Newbie, but I'll save everyone their eyesight and give the Cliff's Notes version.
In the end, it's me against me on that stage. Other people's choices do not determine mine. Nor do they concern me anymore. At one point they did, but I've spiraled up in life, meaning that I've learned some hard lessons regarding jealousy, anger, disappointment, and what is truly important in life.
I cannot control other people. I cannot control their decisions. I cannot make them do what I would choose to do. I can only pay attention to me in the end. I don't like the fact that the organization turns a blind eye to the use of illegal steroids and practically rewards it openly, but I cannot change it since I don't run or own the organization. All I can do is continue to be stubborn and present what I feel is best for my physique and my life.
And if the judges never give me a pro card, then so be it. It just means I was meant for other capacities in life.
Trust me...it took a lot of tears, a lot of yelling, griping, complaining, whining, and commenting before I could reach these thoughts and truly mean them. It really is spiraling up. That's why I say, slow and steady wins the race. Be the turtle, not the hare, and you will show yourself how much you care...about you.
I worked out for eight years before I ever stepped foot onto a physique stage or ever dieted down for a show. Eight years, people. I was 26-years old when I began my journey into fitness. I think that's the key. No one likes to hear it. We are in a rush-rush-rush world...everything now, everything quick, everything with a click. Pace yourself, slow down, and understand that life will bring to you what it is meant to. When you begin playing around with things you shouldn't (i.e., your hormones), life might backfire on you.
In the end, though...it's up to you. Which road will you take?
The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost
TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 5
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same, 10
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I marked the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back. 15
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference. 20
Does it make a difference...or doesn't it? You're the author of your life. You decide.
