Sometimes it’s hard seeing all these amazing women I post deadlifting, and squatting these huge numbers and don’t get me started on the girls who are benching more than most guys. It’s exhausting just watching them. And with my first meet coming up in 5 weeks (update: My meet story is here) , I began looking at myself and feeling like a little weakling and wonder why even try…

I heard this quote by Jon Acuff that says, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle”. It’s a good reminder to those of us who haven’t been doing this for years or who may not have all the resources available to us. We can’t compare our numbers, regardless of how meager they may seem, to the girl who’s been lifting for years. Strength comes with time. And even if you never get to pull over 300lbs or Squat three times your body weight as long as you keep going and keep pushing that's a win in itself.

I talk a big game about being happy with your own process, but I get down too. My first meet and while I'm excited I can’t help thinking that I’m nowhere near competitive, especially in my weight class so why even do the meet… but thanks to my husband and amazing friends, I’ve come to realize it’s not about being competitive. The best advice I’ve been given about this upcoming meet is to make my goals for the meet attainable. So my goal is to get a total. That’s it. Regardless of the amount, I just want a total and to be able to officially say I’m a powerlifter!

So don’t get caught up in what other people are doing. Learn to be happy with your journey and allow yourself to be inspired by these super strong women, they show us that these amazing feats of strength are even possible. Continue to do YOUR best and keep getting stronger and stronger. #UpliftandLiftHeavy