Why I am proud of my Ugly and why it has helped me achieve so much!

I had a hard childhood and constantly had to prove the naysayers wrong. Growing up with a lack of confidence in a socially challenging environment combined with a deprived household I searched for outlets to escape my reality. After a long psychological battle and having to come to terms with what I had been dealt in life, I eventually found training with weights in a solitary manner appealed to my need for self-reliance.

And the Magic begun!

As time passed the consistency of training taught me to use negative comments as a motivational tool and started a profound positive shift in my life, not only physically but I also gained a positive aura. On top of this I noticed I exuded confidence in all aspects of life, I found my personality and way of living extremely infectious to those around me.

In 2009 I was challenged further after being in a severe car accident. This resulted in over five years of not being able to train and some major challenges to overcome.  I obtained knee, hip, back and abdomen damage as well as suffering with chronic pain syndrome.

After five years of constant rehab and multiple surgeries I had gained significant weight and had also become very depressed. I didn't want to leave the house due to my appearance.

At that stage, I was being told by numerous health professionals…
“This is your new life now, accept it”
“You will never lift a weight again”
The motivation from those words will resonate with me forever.

Something Ugly deep inside me snapped!

My deepest fears became my reality. So I immediately began a very slow path to regaining control of my life.

My Ugly refusal had begun.

Today I still need to be very mindful of my injuries, but my Ugly side will not surrender!