Hey There,

Friday, August 6, 2010 at 6am my sister, Tammie, Smokey (my dog) and I took off for Jacksonville Fl to “The Dexter Jackson Classic” bodybuilding show. I ate dry pasta and drank water until noon. I had to drop the water in order to be “tight” for the show.” Tight” is a term used in the sport that means minimum subcutaneous water, which makes the skin appears tight. This allows your musculature to be more pronounced, to appear larger. 

Bodybuilding shows have a “pre-judging” in the morning where the winner is chosen. You are compared to each of the others in your class. My class was “The Over 50 Men”. Each year the competition grows stronger. It is amazing to see these finely tuned men at 50, 60 and sometimes over 70. There is no way to imagine it. It must be witnessed.  At the “ finals” the contestants perform a 60-90 second routine to music they have selected and show their “work” to an audience of fans cheering on their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and significant others. One thing I found overwhelming about this sport is the way the competitors cheer for each other. That, my friends, is not often seen and makes “us” even more unique.

Well, to make a long story short…..I WON !!!!! The best Over 50 man. I train, eat and live my life to win, but if I don’t …it’s OK. My biggest battle is the one with myself. It’s ME vs. ME. I have won (in my heart) if I am in better condition than last year. If I have done my homework, I am good with it. If I win, there is no one in which to share the glory. If I don’t, I have only myself to blame for exceeding the standards I have set for myself. This mind set has carried over into everything I do. It has truly made me a better person. I thank my Creator every day for that.

 All of those who stand on a bodybuilding stage are “winners” just because they are there. You are a winner because you set goals for yourself and followed through, regardless of any negativity from those who do not have the strength of will or of the mind.  

Bodybuilding is a solitary lifestyle, regardless whether you may have a workout partner or not. It’s just you and the weight.  There is no team to blame for the loss or share in the revelry. Perhaps that’s what drew me to it in the beginning. It is a science which becomes an art form. You must constantly stay in tune with your body. What worked last year may not work this year. The idea is to create a balanced physique.  To be successful you must read and learn the latest information on training, nutrition and supplementation. To be in charge of your body you must be in charge of your mind. You are what you think. 

I know very few are into bodybuilding. However, I urge you all to begin some type of an exercise program… even if it’s just a daily walk. People, in general, do not like the discipline of an exercise program.  But, I promise you, if you persevere…. in a short time you will come to cherish the high with which it comes, including mental clarity and physical well being. Surround yourself with positive people who are enjoying the benefits of fitness. Don’t be afraid to ask for their advice or help. 

And I quote: “no man can fail, if some one person sees him as successful”. Such is the power of the vision, and many a great man has owed his success to a wife, sister, or friend who “believed in him/her” and held without wavering to the perfect pattern”. 

 I am blessed with the success I have experienced in this thing we call “bodybuilding”. I am one of a few amateurs who have gained a contract from a supplement company and have photos in the industry magazines. I tell you now, as God as my witness, I owe my sister for her undying support, her faith in me and for being my best friend in the world. For the 13 years I have been competing she has never left my side.  I have stood on stages from South Florida to Columbus, Ohio. I could not always see her, but I can hear her screaming SMILE!!!!!.

 She did, however, talk me into letting her paint my finger nails when I was about 10.  When I realized…YIKES!!!!  This crap doesn’t come off.  I took off running like a kid shot out of a cannon to my Grandmother (one of my heroes) who got out the polish remover and saved the day. WHEW!  Yet another close call. I’m still a bit upset about that.

It seems as though I am getting closer to that “inner chick” thing I was telling you about. 

Let me back track just one quick moment….that “smile” comment was meant for you too. It is very contagious and unless it makes you smile….don’t look back.

Your homework assignment is:

•  Hold hands with your Sweetie and feel that hand inside of yours.
•  When you say “I love you”, mean it.
•  Watch clouds.
• Listen to your dog snore.
• Live in the “NOW”.

MEMAWISM OF THE DAY:    Me, my, mercy.

Peace,

Tom