Hi Maria,

Thanks for the email, and congrats already on what WILL be a fabulous event for both participants and spectators alike. I can't wait to be a part of it. If you don't mind, and not too late, may I please re submit my story of inspiration, as the one that I gave you was rather generalised and thus not really very inspiring. I'll start writing and if someone should get to read this, and it make a difference, then that's all that I could wish for.  Here goes.......

Hello there, my name is Sharon, I am a mother of three beautiful children (Alexandra-9, Charlotte-7, and Campbell-3) a partime dental nurse and swimming instructor, and I love bodybuilding.  I have become more dedicated to the sport after the birth of my third child, as my self esteem was declining. This was a concern for me as I had 'been there, done that' and couldn't bare the thought of struggling with those feeling again. As a child I was the "fat kid" (academic, not athletic) and this stayed with me until mid secondary school when I stopped stuffing my emotions with food and starved them instead. A death defying spiral out of contol, which consumed my every thought and action. At one point I had very strong suicidal thoughts, and I suppose that my behaviour towards my body was infact a slow form of this anyway.  After a long and trecherous journey of self nuture and support, I reached a point of reasonable self acceptance, but this began to waiver a few years ago. I was determined to not let this take hold again, so I quietly re entered the gym (Genesis- Wantirna) and had a programe to follow. All the while I was observing the trainers and noticing not only how they trained their clients, but also how they presented themselves. This is how I approached my fantastic trainer,Jo Collopy, who has become not only my mentor, friend and PT, but more importantly MY inspiration. Jo has taught me so much about myself, not only physically building strength but mentally and emotionally too. I am so grateful to Jo.

This journey has now lead me to the stage!  I must say that it has not been an easy one though, as almost 12 months ago my marriage was very unhappy and I was miserable. The constant negativity and critism had to stop, as it was fuelling my self loathing. Soon after we separated, which was also a huge turning point for me. I could have wallowed in self pity and fallen into a pit of despair, or (and what I chose to do) to rise above it all and push myself to do whatever it take to "make it" . I now feel so good about myself, and I believe that when you feel good about yourself then you have so much more to give back ie to your kids, family, friends, lovers (any takers? !!).  As women (sorry guys) we face so many obstacles in this day and age, that unless you have the support, love and inner strength then sometimes life can overwhelm us. Believing in yourself is such an important thing, and having someone believing in you is incredibly powerful.

I encourage everybody, "if you want to achieve something, then go for it- find people that can help YOU make it happen- and You will get there.

For me, being a part of ANB, the people that I have met and become friends with, and making it on stage is such a privelidge, I am already a winner despite what happens on the day of comp.

I am proud of myself, to date, and look foward with enthusiasm to what the future holds for me. I now find myself wanting to help others, so thus would like to study fitness (cert III & IV  or a diploma) so any info or contacts would be appreciated, and maybe even sponsorship someday.....gotta aim high if you want to get there!

Thanks for reading.......in strength, passion and love, ShaZ     (Sharon Black)  XXX