Breaking news: I have withdrawn from Night of Champions.
I'm just too sick with pneumonia. I know when to say "When." I realize that I have been looking forward stepping on stage, and I still look forward to that day. There were plenty of reasons why I was being advised by my family and doctor to not continue with Night of Champions... But I needed my own reasons if I was to withdraw. I started this for me, and if I was going to end it... It would be because of my own free will.
I wanted to compete being able to fully enjoy it. I wanted to do it knowing I did everything I could to be there in the healthiest way possible. And that just cannot take place at this time. As I went along, I wondered... do I want to spend all this money to get on stage (hair, makeup, nails, tanning, waxing, etc.) when I can't even feel like I enjoy it? Would that have made it worth it? Just simply completing the task? Just get on stage and pose, knowing my smile wouldn't be as genuine? Would I value that experience?
I started this for me and I cannot feel upset at ending it for me. I spent a good long 8 months bulking, 17 weeks leaning out, and now its time to go back into a bulk phase. And when contest prep comes again, it will be time to lean out again.
It would be really easy for me to let insecurity come in after making this decision. Insecurity and regret are the biggest stumbling blocks after a situation occurs that is out of our control. But,
I do not feel that I am a quitter, because I did not quit and have not lost resolve for the end result of the stage.
I have no reason to feel insecure about my decision because it truly was out of my control.
I have no reason to feel any regret because my time to hit the stage will come.
I have no reason to feel sorry, because I was making this all happen for me.
I have no reason to feel disappointment, because I am not one. I am extremely proud of my progress.
I have already had a plan in place of my off-season plans and as soon as I am well, I fully intend to jumping straight into that and leaving no room or time for the negative emotions to overwhelm me. More blog posts about that later. :) There is no looking back. Only forward. And here was my last progress pic taken Monday.
This will only prove that I need work on my perseverance, which is getting a nice long 6 months to do so. This will begin work on dieting to maintain, and not lose... which is actually a task I have not ever had before. I've been losing weight for almost a 2 solid years!
I really appreciate the kind, solid, motivating, encouraging, uplifting, and memorable words you all have given me over the course of this contest prep. I really appreciate ALL OF YOU! Your words kept me going when I thought I could not inch up one more step on the stair mill! Your encouragement helped me get down the fish I didn't want to eat. And all of your lives inspire me to continue just being the kind of person I'd want to know! I love each and every one of you and the lives you live. Your lives and normalcy inspire me. Finding time to fit it all in within your busy schedules, makes me not feel quite so alone in the world with our mutual love of training, food, yoga, and health. All of you ladies who compete, I admire so much. I appreciate all of your wisdom and words from experience. You all have been completely invaluable in my experience!
Thank you all again!
You are a winner in my eyes Lacey! You look fabulous in that bikini and the nice thing is that there are always competitions coming up. When you feel better, I hope you go to The Onion for a celebratory meal! You have earned it for sure! I am very proud of you and to tell you the truth, it takes a lot of stamina to handle an all day event backstage. Being sick is tough enough. To try and enjoy your big day and be that sick would be r-e-a-l-l-y sucky! Your show day should be super, duper FUN! You are making the right choice and that is respectable on all levels. What a tough choice to make, but......
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE STANDING IN YOUR TRUTH.
HUGS!
Chelsea
Lacey,I know how hard this decision was for you,and to be honest it was probably the right choice.
ReplyDeletewe all know the hard work you have put into this,and just because you are not able to step on stage just yet,does not mean we dont consider you a "bikini gal",this does not mean you are a quitter! sometimes life throws us curve balls and you are smart enough to learn how to swerve and know when to listen to your body.this is a time where it is circumstance,not choice that is a strong dictator in your decision.
shows will ALWAYS be there,and your health is WAY more important than a few minutes on stage feeling like dog poo. i love your attitude you have about this ordeal,you have the right mind set and i KNOW that once you do walk on that stage,you will be more than ready and it will be every bit of what you hoped it would be!!!!!
you are such a strong person Lacey,and your journey up to this point is nothing short of incredable and inspiring!!!!! you should be very proud of yourself girl!
show or not,YOU are the trophy,you are the winning prize!!!!!
i do hope this sickness ends soon and you can get back in the swing of things!!!
sending you warm positive vibes and big ol hugs from the east coast!!!!!!!!!
YOU ROCK!!!
oh and LOVE your suit btw!!!!!you are looking STUNNING!!!!!!see,even when your sick,your still awesome!
Your hard work definitely paid off sweetie, you look awesome! Be proud of that. AND, wow, I absolutely love that bikini, gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing and you have the right attitude. You'll enjoy that feeling on stage so much more when you are healthy and able to soak it all in. You are NOT a quitter, you worked so hard, just unfortunate events which weren't your fall. Get well, rest, and feel better soon.
Love to you!!
Lacey, I just read this post. So sorry you didn't get to compete but good for you to recognize that the value of your health completely outweighs the value of the stage! That bikini is AWESOME! You look really great too.
ReplyDeleteI know this must have been a very challenging decision to make. Glad you wrote this post and thanks for sharing your journey with us. As others have said there will always be the stage when you're ready.
Hugs to you and hope you're feeling better already!
Ohh Lacey, having written nearly this same post this last May, my heart goes out to you. It was really hard for me to reconcile my feelings about not competing and it took me moths to really accept it and move on. I can feel your strength and passion in these posts and have no doubt that when the time comes you are going to wow some people up on that stage! ((HUGS))
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