2 days out...SURROUNDED by reminders :)

I am 2 days out from my very first national level competition! This is the show that I have been prepping for since January of this year. In between then and now, I have competed in 3 local shows and have achieved my goal of getting better and better with each show. While the local shows are important, the USA is the show that means the most to me. I have given my best to prepare. Each meal, every workout, every posing session had 100% of my effort! It's so amazing that in these last few days of preparation, while some are stressed and tense, I find myself surrounded by reminders of God's faithfulness through this journey! I can't help but smile, laugh and just enjoy this time as I think back on all the amazing things that God has done.

I was literally on the treadmill yesterday doing my hike interval, when I glanced in the mirror and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude fell on me! The shoes I was wearing were donated to me by a company who thought I could represent their brand well. The tank I was wearing was given to me by an amazing fitness apparel line who believed in me and what I was striving for. Seeing these things in the mirror caused me to run through all of the amazing opportunities God brought this year. I am blessed to be a Team HMB Athlete and represent their unique ingredient. I am proud to be a part of P28 bread and love that they believe in me enough to allow me to represent their brand! I am so thankful to be a Top Secret Nutrition Athlete and use their amazing products with my show prep...and the list goes on. God has proven Himself faithful time and time again.

I know that this weekend, when I compete at the USA's, God is going to be there with me. While I am coming to compete, have trained like a champion and want to win, I know that there is so much more that this weekend holds! It's about the opportunity to connect with other women, competitors and just people in general and share the amazing love of Jesus. I don't have a "mini-message" prepared, no fire and brimstone speech, just a heart to be a servant :) Sometimes, the most effective witness is what you show in your everyday interactions. I am praying for opportunities to show others that they are loved, valued and respected...and I am so excited to see what God is going to do on and off the stage.

Countdown is on...

In Health,

Jada

3 days out...

Soooo I am 3 days out from the Los Angeles Championships...

This time last year I was prepping for this same show. It was to be my second competition, and was a challenging competition prep for me. I was just learning how to do the competition diet without being too extreme and the fatigue of 70 minutes of cardio per day was beginning to wear me down. I remember that I worked so hard to be small for that show, I straightened my hair to switch things up, I was SO focused on winning. Funny thing is, even though I looked good, I placed the lowest I have ever placed at any of the shows I have done. I truly believe during that show prep, I was overly focused on the body issues that I thought I needed to perfect and somewhere in there stopped having fun. I think that I struggled with conveying confidence and excitement because deep down, I just didn't love what I was doing. It was an amazing experience for me because it showed me how I could get so caught up in how I think I'm supposed to be instead of just being the best me possible. Valuable lesson learned that day.

Fast forward one year later...I am prepping for my 6th NPC competition! I have more confidence than ever. Just to be clear, it is confidence, not arrogance...it's not about winning or beating out the other girl. It's knowing that I am bringing my personal best to the stage. I know I gave my best with each meal, with each cardio session, with each lift, with each stage posing session and because of that, I can go out there and absolutely shine! I believe that I will fall into an elite group of competitors that day purely based on effort, confidence and consistency. I have such a different mindset than I did at this time last year. I am so excited to be living this out at this time in my life, not only to prove to myself that I can reach beyond my goals, but to also show others a living breathing example of discipline and determination. While my goals last year were much more focused on getting to where I wanted to go, this year my goals and vision have expanded so far beyond myself AND IT'S SO EXCITING!!!! I give my best for myself but even more for the amazing people who train with me, read my blog, ask me questions, take my kickboxing classes, the list is endless. This isn't just about me. This is about living life at your best level and realizing how health and fitness tie in with your purpose!

I hope I didn't just get too deep for you! HA! I get so pumped up about these amazing opportunities that I have to share my passion for health and fitness with others. Back to my show stuff...so in 3 days, it's showtime. Expect me to shine, expect my best. And if you are competing, expect a challenge :)

In health,

Jada

10 days out...

I'm 10 days out from the LA!!!!!!! This month has gone by so fast...I keep saying that but I really cannot believe how fast the days are going. I checked in with my coach yesterday and I am completely on track as far as my body and training. It's great because I don't feel like I'm starving, I have energy and I'm truly loving each day of prep. What's really interesting is that this time in my life has been filled with a ton of uncertainty. I am surrounded by circumstances that I cannot control, and I am learning to let go and do the absolute BEST with what I have in my hand

I have always believed that blessings come when you learn to take care of and grow what you have in your hand. So many wish away life, dreaming about all the things they wish they had and they neglect what they already do have. This dream state can really take over some one's life when they find themselves in a time of instability or uncertainty. They can feel overwhelmed and only focus on their problem, forgetting any positives and unintentionally missing opportunity for growth and reward. While I have had challenging situations before, this is my first time truly being uncertain about what is to come next. I have had to take my own advice and focus on what I do have in my hand, which is my knowledge and passion for fitness, training business and goal of becoming Pro.

For the past 2 months, I have focused my energy on helping more clients, training hard to be ready for my shows and being an example of health and fitness to everyone I meet. It is truly amazing to see how right in the middle of a crazy time in life, God is truly blessing me! I am so proud to be a part of Team HMB and a Top Secret Nutrition athlete! I am so excited that I am being blessed with increased opportunities to help others with their fitness goals! I am so excited that my hard work is paying off and I believe that I will bring my best body yet to the stage at Nationals.

Let me encourage you to focus on the positive things you have in your hand. Have you gone above and beyond to grow those things? Have you given your best effort with those talents and passions that you possess? Do you need to re-focus and get your mind off of the wish list and start taking care of the responsibilities and opportunities in front of you?

I know this is challenging, but it's true. No one is going to drop anything into your lap. Take what you have, STRETCH yourself and see changes happen.

In Health,

Jada

Cuban Sandwich goodness...and GOOD for you :)

Hey everyone! I made a recipe for an exciting Cuban sandwich for my healthy eaters out there :) Cut and paste the link below into your browser for this easy and amazing recipe!

http://www.cutandjacked.com/Recipe-Healthy-P28-Cuban-Sandwich

ENJOY!

In health,

Jada