I’m going to get a bit deep and meaningful here guys but bear with me. My PT and I obviously chat a fair bit during training. He’s gotten to know me really well over the last few years. More so since I started my body building journey. 1)

He’s seen me when I’ve been struggling mentally and he’s supported me and helped me through these last few months during my separation. His positive mental attitude has transferred to me. 2)

During training on Wed he told me that he has watched my confidence and self esteem grow from strength to strength since I started my body building journey. This is a big thing for someone with the back ground I have come from. 3)

The thought of walking on that stage in 12 weeks time is terrifying but it’s not something I see as an impossible task any longer. Growing up there is no way I could have envisioned being where I am today. The abuse I went through as a child crushed my confidence. 4)

It crushed my self esteem. I’ve spent most of my childhood and adult life despising everything about myself. I don’t think I had anything worthwhile to contribute to the world. I never thought I’d find anything I was good at. I felt worthless. 5)

I’ve been through quite a journey over the last few years. I’ve done things I’m not proud of. And it will take some time to forgive myself but I’ve realised that we’re all human and we all make mistakes. My mental health took a dramatic dip a couple of years back 5)

I had a breakdown after having flashbacks to the sexual abuse I endured as a kid. I went totally off the rails and it almost ended my life. I attempted to take my own life twice. I’m through the other side now but it’s a daily battle to keep my head straight. 7)

Exercise saved my life and this journey has helped boost my confidence and self esteem. I’ve finally found something I’m not just good at but I’m exceptional at. I’ve found something that I can use to help others make positive changes in their lives 8)

What I’m trying to say is that child abuse has a devastating affect on those who have suffered it. Many never recover and it destroys their entire lives. I just want to say to my fellow survivors because I’m not a victim anymore. I’m a survivor. 9)

Please don’t ever give up. Keep fighting, be the best you can be. Don’t allow your aggressor to continue to rule your life. Don’t allow them that power. There is hope! I’m proof of that. And remember this
YOU ARE WORTH IT!