The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me!

“The two most powerful words in the English language are ‘I am’.”

-William “King” Hollis

I am…a 42-year old woman who happens to be 6 feet, 4 inches tall.

But I am so much more than that.

I am a sister.

I am a daughter.

I am a best friend.

I am an artist.

I am an athlete.

I am a writer.

I am a designer.

I am worthy.

I am loved.

I am trusted.

I am beautiful.

You see where I’m going with this?

Often, when people see someone who is remarkably diferent (and yes, I consider myself to be remarkable, thank you very much), they only see the remarkable. In my case, they only see my height. They immediately make assumptions based on what they see. For some, that means they see a basketball or volleyball player. Others see a fashion model. And, as a rather unfortunate testament to our society, there are those who see something to be mocked and made fun of.

When I was younger, I took all of these reactions personally. Whether that meant I was flattered or offended is inconsequential. The important thing is that I took what random strangers said or did in reaction to my height to heart. I placed value in their [unwanted] opinions and let them define me. I reacted to their reactions.

The wonderful thing about ageing is learning what truly matters in this life. Thankfully, the opinions of strangers is so low on my list that it barely registers – and it only registers in a sort of abstract awareness. I’ve learned (rather painfully at times) that I determine my own self worth and am responsible for my own happiness.

If someone acts like an idiot, jumping up and down behind me in a queue to try to get a “funny” photo for their Instagram, let ’em. They’re the ones who are acting like a fool. It’s not worth me getting upset over. If someone calls me a “dude”, then they’re the bigot. I’m beautifully made and, as an ally, I am happy to share shopping tips with tall, transgender women who are struggling to find shoes that fit or pants that are long enough for their legs.

So why this blog? Why now? Why am I sharing my life with the world?

I’m sharing myself with you for a couple of reasons.

The world we live in can be overwhelming to those of us who are different. I’m sharing my life, thoughts, and feelings with you so that you know you’re not alone and that I understand and embrace you for exactly who you are.

I’m also sharing myself with you as a method of accountability to myself. I don’t always succeed in ignoring the idiots and have a history of not following through when it comes to my goals and dreams.

This blog is my digital diary which will document my successes and my failures in every aspect of my life. You’ll have a front row seat to the anecdotal evidence that people can be complete shits but can also surprise you in the most unexpected ways. You’ll also witness the making of a champion as I work towards achieving a level of emotional intelligence and physical dominance which will take me to bodybuilding’s most elite stage.

Did I mention my goals? They’re pretty extreme. You’ve heard that saying “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough”? Well, mine scare the ever-loving crap out of me.

Most of what I write will be very forthright, filled with humor, and may, at times, contain profanity. I’ll try to keep the latter to a minimum though.

I am honest.

I am determined.

I am headstrong.

I am here.

I am ready.

Let’s do this!