In our journeys we all face moments that test our strength and shake our soul. It's in these darkest times that we often find ourselves searching for a beacon, a reminder that despite everything, there is a fundamental truth we cannot ignore: You matter.

It happens to many of us. We get into the habit of not prioritizing ourselves, and focus heavily on reaching other goals and aspirations. If you’re into health and fitness like myself, you may begin to dismiss your consistent patterns, and become complacent. I can tell you from personal experience, do not do that. 

As we walk on the desolate lands of life’s challenges and transitions can often leave us feeling stuck in the muddy waters of our past. Yet, as the lotus teaches us, there is profound beauty and growth to be found when we rise from these depths. Let's explores the importance of moving forward, focusing on growth, and the transformative power of embracing change.

This is a topic that actually gets brought up a lot to me, and so I figured it would be a great one to touch on. Some of you may not know, but my husband is actually my coach. With that being said, people have often asked me if it’s hard, or how do you guys separate personal life and business? 

Imagine, if you will, standing before a mirror, gazing into its reflective surface. In that mirror, you see not just your own visage but the reflection of your brothers beside you. Their triumphs mirror your own, their struggles reverberate through your soul. For in the meaning of brotherhood, individual destinies are intertwined, each thread woven together to form a collective narrative of resilience and unity.

We are already a quarter of the way through 2024! How crazy is that?! Something that I have been doing recently is reflecting on life and how far Shawn and I have come over the years. We actually were discussing this the other day while we were running errands. It’s so crazy to look back at various events, a lot of which needed to take place for us to be where we are at now. 

In the heart of every individual lies a well of potential, a spark waiting to be kindled by the guiding hands of those who have navigated the tumultuous waters of life's journey. Reflecting on my path as a mentor and a beacon of hope, I am constantly reminded of the profound impact we can wield—not just on our youth, but on souls across all stages of life.

I have a lot of people assume when they talk to me that all I do is eat chicken and rice everyday because I am a bodybuilder. Sure, I do eat that on the daily, however, my daily meals include way more variety than just that. Variety is extremely important to keep the gut microbiome at its best.

In 2024 we exist in a world where cynicism and self-preservation often overshadow compassion, let us redefine our tools of power. Rather than measuring strength by the sharpness of our weapons, let us recognize the enduring force of kindness they bear.

As we get older, we do evolve as individuals. Certain things that we once loved, we’ve moved away from. Things that we never had much interest in previously, we may grow more fond of.

Our lives are amongst chaos and uncertainty, so there's an undeniable need for support and belief. It's a journey where we navigate through challenges, seeking solace in the companionship of those who stand by us. As a man, I've come to realize the honor lies not only in receiving such support but in being the beacon of strength for others.

Some of you may not know this, but I’ve been an equestrian long before I ever got into bodybuilding. I know I’ve mentioned this in one of my first blogs, but I thought I would revisit this topic and discuss a few things that many may not know about riding horses, and how this can actually benefit a hobby such as bodybuilding.

In the continuum of leadership, the mantle of responsibility rests not just on our shoulders but also within our souls. It beckons us to provide, to guide, to inspire—to become providers of light and strength in a world often cloaked in fear and scarcity.

Here we are, in the middle of nowhere surrounded by hundreds of thousands of trees and wildlife. The trees are centuries old, encasing years of knowledge and wisdom. The mountains, so full of energy and life. The lakes, embodiments of natural nourishment and healing properties. 

Where societal norms dictate the contours of our existence, maintaining fidelity to one's authentic self emerges as an act of defiance. It's a journey riddled with complexities, where the pull to conform often clashes with the innate desire for self-expression. Yet, amidst the ever-shifting tides of societal expectations, I've unearthed a fundamental truth: genuine fulfillment blossoms not in conformity, but in the unabashed embrace of our true essence.

Introspection is an extremely important process that one should take time to do in order to evolve into not only a deeper level of thinking, but a better understanding for oneself. 

In the ebb and flow of our daily lives, the stark truth dawns – any day could be our last. Our time is merely of the essence. This blog opens up the very heart of that realization, a journey recounting how the prospect of life's unpredictability has reshaped my world. I share this with you in the light that it may help you reshape yours. 

Not many of you may know this, but I’ve been a bartender for the past 5 years in addition to the other services and jobs I provide and have. As a bodybuilder, there are pros and cons to bartending. However, if you are wanting to make a solid income, and invest in your career goals, it’s a great gig. 

Welcome to the third part of our series, where we delve into a practical and informative guide designed to assist men on their healing journey. This comprehensive guide aims to provide actionable steps, real-world examples, and invaluable insights to empower men in building compassionate connections while navigating the intricate path of healing

Have you ever looked back to a time when you felt extremely confident in your own skin? When you literally felt carefree of what people thought about you, and weren’t confined to your own mental prison?

In the complexity of human emotions, the journey towards healing stands as a testament to resilience and personal growth. This blog, as Part 2 of our series, illuminates a different narrative — one where men, having confronted their internal hurts, undergo a profound transformation. Unlike the cycle of bitterness explored in our previous blog, we delve into the positive ripple effects of healing and self-discovery.

For years, we have all been exposed to media and what is deemed as “perfect”. Both men and women are faced with various expectations on what makes them attractive, what makes them competent, etc. 

‍In the intricacy of human emotions, unaddressed pain stands as a powerful but often overlooked force. For men grappling with their internal struggles, the journey towards healing can become elusive, resulting in a pervasive cycle of bitterness that spills over into their interactions with others.

In life, we will always face obstacles. We will always face challenges that come up. This is the inevitable that we cannot control. What we can control is how we react to these situations. How we handle our emotions in these situations. 

If you dive deeper into our lives, they unfold with a mystery that transcends the boundaries of our understanding. What if the light we perceive in our final moments is not the end, but a doorway to a new life, cradled in the arms of the giver of birth? This introspective journey invites us to question the unknown, explore the vast horizon, and discover profound pieces of ourselves within the fabric of the universe.

So much is discussed about how physically taking care of our bodies promotes a long healthy life. You always hear eating healthy, and daily exercise are the keys to longevity. While this is very true, what about our mental health? Exercise and healthy dietary habits to help with mental health, but there’s more to it.

In the turbulent symphony of societal expectations and external judgments, finding our authentic selves becomes a heroic quest, a journey that often veers off course. As we navigate the winding paths of life, dictated by the perceptions of those around us, the resonance of our true essence risks being drowned out. In this blog, we embark on an exploration of the profound significance of living a life imbued with purpose — a life that breaks free from the chains of external judgments and resounds with the unwavering echo of our genuine selves.

At some point or another, we will all experience dysfunction if we haven’t already. This can include gut issues, what I have mentioned before, as well as not coping with mental health/ stress very well. Stress is a huge culprit of dysfunction, and can actually cause the gut health issues to take place too.

In the intricate perspective of human existence, the concept of humility often emerges as a cloak, veiling the savage nature that resides within us. It is a paradoxical facet of our personalities, one that deserves deeper exploration. We strive to be humble, to keep our egos in check, and to present ourselves as modest individuals. But beneath this facade lies a profound truth - a savage truth, if you will.

Have you ever found yourself getting so wrapped up in business, life, work, or just various tasks? Very common, and considerably normal in this day and age. We are congratulated, and recognized for over working versus taking time for ourselves. 

In a world where masculinity is often equated with rugged toughness, it takes a true modern gentleman to understand that genuine strength is expressed not just in might but in the way you communicate and treat others. Your actions and interactions aren't mere external expressions; they are profound reflections of your character as a man.

When I first started getting into working out in general, I was always under the impression that going to the gym everyday is what was going to produce results. I wanted to build more muscle, specifically aiming for my legs to be bigger and stronger. At this time, I was still a full time equestrian too, so I was doing physical activity for about 4 hours daily. I never considered even allowing myself a rest day.

In our fast-paced world, where the allure of reputation often obscures our true character, it's time to embark on a profound journey into the heart of a life well-lived.

Do you ever have those days where you know you should get to the gym, but you’re really not feeling up to it? Those days when settling to lay on the couch instead and order takeout? How about when you try to opt out on eating all of your meals because you’re too tired, or you feel that you will be fine skipping out on said meal?

Bathed in a world of the relentless brilliance of the sun, a lone soul dared to defy convention. They sought to be more than just a ray of sunshine; they aspired to be the moonlight that would pierce the darkest of nights and offer solace to those in their deepest despair.

You just got done doing a show, maybe a couple of shows back to back. Once you’re done competing for the season, you will often hear the term Reverse Dieting. This is an extremely important step into setting yourself up for success. 

In a world that bombards us with endless streams of images and information or living in the age of ceaseless information and interconnectedness, our lives unfold like an unending reel of images. The way we perceive ourselves and how others see us can be a profound reflection of our inner world. Within this captivating spectacle, the projectors aren't high-tech machines; they are the eyes of ourselves and the people around us.

When it comes to striving for a healthy life, we always think eating better, working out, hydrating and sleeping is what it means to be healthy. Of course, that also means having some moderation, which could mean indulging on the weekends. Have you ever thought about the actual state of your gut health though?

As someone who recently crossed the threshold into their 40s, I understand the excitement and anticipation that comes with this new chapter of life. It's a time of reflection, growth, and a renewed focus on health and well-being. In this comprehensive guide, I'll not only share my own journey but also the collective wisdom and experiences that have shaped the fitness and wellness strategies for both myself and the individuals I coach – all of whom are navigating the dynamic landscape of being fit over 40.

In modern society, we are expected to fit into what is considered “the norm”. This typically consists of shutting down who you actually are, because we are so conditioned to try to fit in.

In a world where traditional values seem to be fading, there remains one aspect of a man's character that should never be forgotten: loyalty. But not just any kind of loyalty, rather the type that embodies the spirit of a true gentleman. Let's delve deeper into the essence of this loyalty and explore how it can redefine relationships and elevate the lives of both partners.

The majority of people are creatures of habit. We enjoy having a structured schedule, and knowing what to expect on the daily. So what happens when an opportunity comes your way? What happens if this opportunity feels like taking two steps back to get that much farther ahead later on?

In a fast-paced world dominated by technology and materialism in our years of 2023, even prior and beyond, it's easy to overlook the wonders that surround us—the breathtaking landscapes, the intricate ecosystems, and the profound interconnectedness of all living things. 

WARNING: This blog post has potential to trigger those who may be sensitive to this subject or have dealt with traumas growing up.This is an extremely difficult topic for me to discuss, but I do believe that it is necessary to discuss. I want to remind everyone who has been in similar situations or is currently going through serious matters that you are not alone. You will recover from this. It will take work , patience and self discovery/ self love.Without further ado, let’s dive into this topic.

In the world of sports, the bond between athletes and coaches is a powerful force that can ignite greatness and transcend boundaries. Exceptional coaches possess a unique blend of knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that enable them to guide athletes towards achieving their full potential. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the qualities that athletes should seek in a coach, as well as the essential aspects that coaches should embody to provide extraordinary support and guidance.

So recently I had a friend ask me to cover a topic which was the connection between mental health and training, specifically mental health during training.As I previously had mentioned in my last blog post, bodybuilding has saved me from myself numerous times. We all have moments of really hard days. To some degree, we’ve all suffered some type of trauma in our lives. This trauma could have started from early childhood or at any point of our lives for that matter.

Have you ever felt trapped in a life that no longer fulfills you? Do you yearn for change but find yourself unsure of how to break free from the confines of your circumstances?Are you feeling stuck in life? It can be or feel very discouraging, but it's important to remember that you hold the power to break free from stagnation and create the life you truly desire. It's a common experience, but it's important to remember that you're never truly stuck.

Today I’m going to discuss how important it is to fill your life with things that you enjoy. As most of you know, I’ve been a bodybuilder now for about 10 years, but have been competitive for the past 3 years. I am extremely passionate about pushing my limits and seeing what I can accomplish. One of the main reasons why I go into bodybuilding was the challenge, the constant discipline needed to see the results take place.

It's no secret that some people thrive on putting others down and undermining their successes. These individuals often have a manipulative way with words, fabricating stories and exaggerating their own accomplishments in order to make themselves seem superior to those around them. However, their behavior ultimately reveals their own lack of credibility and self-confidence.

When it comes to bodybuilding, we look at all of these divisions and how many incredible athletes there are in each of them. You’ve got a variety of different sizes in these divisions to cater to various physique types. Are we trying to actually meet a criteria, or are we trying to seek what division meets our desires?

Focusing on personal growth and development can have a profound impact on our self-perception and overall well-being. Engaging in activities that challenge us and push us out of our comfort zones can help us build self-confidence, enhance our skills and knowledge, and develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Healing isn’t linear. It can include a lot of speed bumps, and sometimes even taking a couple or steps back.‍We all have our issues, traumas and weaknesses, but it’s a matter of being proactive to make the changes necessary to self heal. This then brings us to the question of, “What are some steps that I can do to start my healing journey”?

The mirror and the reflection it produces are not inherently flawed, but it is our own perception that can become distorted. The reflection we see is a translation between our eyes, the mirror's surface, and how we view ourselves, which can be impacted by various internal and external factors.

This is my first blog ever, and I’m really excited to get the ball rolling!! My plan is to talk about various topics, not just restricted to bodybuilding, but include life topics as well. 

Over the course of many lives, I have had vivid visions, dreams, and premonitions of a past life where I was a fierce warrior.