A letter to my 10 year old self...

Dear Brittany, 

I know that life seems hard right now. I wish I could tell you it's going to get easier.

But honestly, it's never going to be easy. There are always going to be cruel people in the world trying to bring you down. You think that if you are beautiful and skinny that people will love you, but they will only hate you worse because of jealousy. I know, I know... It doesn't make any sense. But it's life. 

You have a lot of struggles ahead. What you are going through now is hard, but it's preparing you for what's to come. 

God gave you a very big and tender heart. It is one of your most precious gifts, although at times you will feel like its a curse. Hold onto that gift tightly no matter how much it hurts sometimes. Always love people, even if they don't love in return. Your reward in the end for being a good person far outweighs anything anyone can give you. 

The bullying you are dealing with now is going to cause a lot of insecurities and self doubt, but you will overcome it. Stay strong. You have something inside of you that is great and you have a bright future ahead. Dream big and never give up! Fight for what you want and never lose faith that God has an amazing plan for your life. 

When you do become successful, stay humble. Never forget where you came from and always remember the girl that you see in the mirror now. 

Lastly, share your successes with the people who love you, and make sure they know how much they are appreciated. You've got some unbelievable people in your life who will always be there and more to come. You have so much to look forward to. Keep your head up and your heart strong. 

Love, 

Your future self 

Photo copyright: Michael-David Photography, 2014

1,000 Rep Challenge

Perfectionism

So last weekend I had my big photo shoot with the AMAZING Michael-David Reilly. It was an awesome experience! After the first round of pictures, MD showed me a few. I looked at them and honestly couldn't believe it was me. I was so happy with what I saw. Of course it helped having a fabulous make-up artist, Julia Snider work on me! And my boyfriend, Nick, was there to pull out my true smile. 

When we got home from Houston, I got a chance to sit down and look through all of the pictures. After only a few minutes of going through them, I began to pick myself apart. What I had worked so hard for and was so proud of just a day before, was now something I was critiquing. 

Since I started training, I've tried to be an advocate for positive body-image, and I even spoke to MD about that a lot. I felt utter disappointment catching myself in that weak moment and thought, "Nobody is perfect. You're never going to be perfect. Why do you insist on tearing yourself down?"

My boyfriend has always made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world and he was there to tell me how crazy I was and how proud he was of me. After all, he's been the one beside me day in and day out witnessing how hard I work. He was quick to remind me of how far I've come and how I had just spoken about overcoming body-image issues.

It was a humbling experience, and you know I like to keep it real on this blog- So I'm here to admit that I had a weak moment, and it probably won't be the last one. But the only thing I can do in those weak moments is pray and ask God for forgiveness. He loves me and has blessed me in so many ways and I am just a product of His amazing grace. 

I'm NOT perfect. I will NEVER be perfect, but I am healthy and I am happy!!! 

In case you need a reminder today-- you are beautiful in God's eyes! He created you with a purpose and you are precious!! 

Keep your head up and don't let the negativity of this cruel world get the best of you!! 

In Health,

Brittany