A Journey of Resilience and Taking Small Steps Forward
We all struggle, experience setbacks, and feel like giving up at times.
Don’t give up – take one small step forward towards your goals each day.
You are in control of your life and you are the author of your story.
Take ownership, pick up the pen, and write. I am sharing my story in hopes that it might offer some insight or help.
I don’t share this part of my life for pity – I am who I am because I went through it.
I am stronger, love deeper, and experience more happiness and gratitude now.
Most things, not everything, happen for a reason.
If we can step back and see the lesson and grow from it, we will become better versions of ourselves.
Keep your chin up and stay strong – I am rooting for you always!
Love, Erin
In a world full of curated images and highlight reels on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short…
Experts, influencers, and gurus show only their victories, never their setbacks, flaws, or struggles.
If you’re seeking motivation from these platforms, it can sometimes have the opposite effect, leaving you comparing your “blooper reel” to someone else’s polished moments.
But here’s the truth…
Everyone has their battles, and if you’re feeling stuck, the most powerful thing you can do is take just one small step forward.
This post and video is for anyone who feels like they’re struggling or lacking motivation.
I want to share my story with you and show that no matter how stuck you may feel, it’s the small steps that will eventually lead to progress and success.
My Story: From Rock Bottom to Resilience
My journey started long before 2008, but that’s when I took the plunge into competitive female bodybuilding.
At that time, I was running away from something. I was compensating for personal struggles and using the gym as my last reliable outlet.
Life had hit me hard—I had experienced failure in every area.
My personal life was a mess, my career was falling apart, and I was struggling to maintain control over my emotions and health.
In my personal life, I had low self-esteem and didn’t value myself, which led me to allow people into my life who didn’t value me either.
They reinforced my negative self-perception, making me feel worse about myself, and even became abusive. I went through two restraining orders and had to call the police on multiple occasions.
The fear I lived in was overwhelming, and at one point, I had to escape to a women’s shelter to be safe. Tragically, the man I was involved with ended up murdering his next girlfriend— that could’ve easily been me.
That experience made me realize just how lucky I was to be alive.
Financially, things weren’t any better.
The real estate market tanked in 2008, and I lost everything.
I couldn’t afford to keep the lights on in my house, and I found myself sitting in a dark living room, crying, unable to even put gas in my car.
I had failed both in business and in my personal life, and I was also struggling with my health.
I had an unhealthy relationship with food: first, I struggled with anorexia, and then, I turned to bulimia. Using food for comfort only made things worse, and my health deteriorated further.
However, amidst all these failures, bodybuilding became my escape. I was lifting weights like I had never done before, and after some time, I turned pro at my third show.
This was a turning point.
I had hit rock bottom, but I was beginning to see a small crack of light, a glimpse of hope. With nothing to lose, I decided to take small steps forward each day and make it my goal to be the best at something.
That goal was to win the Olympia.
The Struggles Along the Way
Living in a small town and having nothing to my name, that goal seemed impossible. But during my first year as a pro, I did well and prepared for the 2010 Arnold Classic.
However, just before the competition, the gym I trained at—the one place where I felt safe—kicked me out. They didn’t like that my progress was coming easier to me than to others.
As I was preparing for the Arnold, I realized that if I could get second place, I would have enough money to leave town, start over, and try to rebuild.
With no gym to train in, I resorted to working out in my parents’ garage, using an old, rusty multi-station gym that looked like it could give me tetanus.
Despite the conditions, I kept pushing. I entered the Arnold Classic and finished in second place—exactly what I needed.
That moment proved to me that consistency and belief in yourself could truly lead to success, even when things felt impossible.
Starting Over
With the money from the Arnold Classic, I sold my house at a loss and moved to Tampa.
I found a tiny 400-square-foot apartment, with little else but my freedom. That year in Tampa, I trained for the Olympia and earned my first professional win.
I went on to win the Olympia that same year.
Goal achieved!
Looking back, it feels like it all happened quickly, but every day of that journey felt like an eternity. In the early days, when I had nothing and faced constant challenges, it seemed like it would never get better.
I thought about giving up, but if I had, none of this would have happened.
The Power of Small Steps
Today, when I look at my accomplishments, they serve as reminders of how far I’ve come. But it’s not about the trophies or the accolades. It’s about remembering the power of persistence and small steps forward.
Taking responsibility for your life and pushing forward, no matter how small the steps, can lead you to places you never thought possible.
It’s okay if you’re running away from something. Many of us start out that way, whether we’re running from a painful past or a tough situation.
But over time, as you build strength, physically and mentally, you’ll find that your resilience will carry you through the toughest of challenges.
The strength you build in the gym translates into strength in every area of your life.
As you conquer physical challenges, you’ll gain the mental toughness to conquer the intangible ones.
Take the First Step
If you’re struggling or feeling stuck, just take one small step today. Write down your goals, make a phone call, sign up for a class—whatever it is, take action.
The most important thing is to keep moving forward. You are the author of your own story, and you have the power to take control of your life.
To anyone who’s watching and has heard parts of my story or just sees the fun workout videos and accolades, know that almost everyone who has achieved anything has faced struggles.
These setbacks are what make us stronger, more resilient, and more determined. So don’t shy away from your struggles. Push through them, because what you’re looking to achieve is within your reach.
Thank you for taking the time to watch and read. If you’ve stuck with me until the end, know that I’m rooting for you.
Go out there and chase your goals with everything you’ve got.
Until next time, train smart and train hard!
If my story can help someone you know, feel free to share this post with them.
Thanks for reading, watching, and sharing! 💖
✨ If you’re looking for a ladies-only fitness community – Join Us Here!