In 2016 I decided to compete again - but this time in the Figure Category. I went in with no expectations, and although many people doubted me, I pushed forward anyways. I do this for me. Not only did I win my class, but I won Overall for the entire show. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I know now that this is when everything kicked into gear for me. Previously, I had underestimated myself too often, and still catch myself doing so to this day. I had a hard time visualizing myself excelling and honestly, back then I don’t think I believed that I could. Being on stage brought about a stillness and presence within myself that I hadn’t known existed, as well as an inner belief that i’d never quite found beforehand. Winning the whole darn thing was a bonus. It showed me that even when we are scared, it is the choice to continue moving forward, and the process in which we do that brings out our strength. We are only as able as we allow ourselves to be and all it takes is a choice to start.
After graduating from high-school I had no idea what to do next. I felt like I was standing still. It wasn’t until I’d ran into an old friend of mine who told me about the Human Kinetics Diploma Program at Capilano University that it all hit me - how friggin’ cool would it be to study movement and exercise?! Within no time, I took a shot at applying and had gotten in! I fell in love with the program.
By now i’d spent several years in the gym on my own, and I decided I wanted to set a new goal to work towards - Bodybuilding. After mustering up enough courage, I reached out to a local coach. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I was terrified, but these were what I call the ‘good kind of nerves,’ it was exciting for me.
My first competition was in May 2015 in the Bikini Category. Although I didn’t take home any hardware, I’d gotten a taste of competing and I loved it. Balancing competing, full time school, and 2 part time jobs all at the same time made it so that my entire days were planned down to the minute, but I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything
My second Figure competition was Provincials in October of 2017. It was here that I placed 2nd and earned a National Level Qualification. I was so incredibly grateful once again to be up against such strong, beautiful women, and to realize at that moment that I too was one of them. This was no longer just a dream, but a goal that I had set my mind to and achieved.
I stepped off stage feeling grateful and even to this day, 3 years later (HOW?!) stay grateful for what it taught me. Although it feels like a lifetime ago, the lessons stay with me each day. Through competing, I discovered that the only competition we have is ourselves. Having this realization allowed me to openly appreciate others and the hard work they put in to get where they are.
“Learn how to show up for yourself in a way that no one else can.”
-Alex Elle.