Dear Angels

Dear Angels,

I’m waking up with a head full of curls, bits of sparkle and tan that I hope last forever, and an incredible new layer of confidence. This is an open letter of gratitude for everyone at Angel Competition Bikinis for the perfect day I had with all of you yesterday. Your Fashion Show and Olympia watch party and entire expo day was fabulous!

Allow me to share more…

What if? Should I? Could I? Am I _____ enough? Will I fit in? Maybe I need more experience first? These are things I asked myself when I first saw the event a couple of months ago. As an aspiring competitor that didn’t even own a suit yet or have any bodybuilding friends to come with, who was I to think I could come to an event like yours?

Let me tell you who!

Showing Up is Winning

Who was I? ME! Just like you are you and she is she and they are they! We are ALL everything enough to decide to do whatever we want. And your event was the perfect opportunity to put all of that into practice.

Those questions I initially asked myself needed to go in the trash compactor and never come back! These are the questions of limiting beliefs, self doubt, crushed confidence, and a path to nowhere fast. Whenever these questions arise, and no matter what for, it is time to permanently shut that garbage down and go do the thing. Go. Show up. Because showing up is winning!

The first step is to simply SHOW UP.

Showing up is a huge piece of the One Percent Rule.

Showing up is winning when we Show Up Fully.

I’m a fan of showing up – the whole world opens up to us when we do. When I was the first to arrive yesterday and welcomed with genuine smiles and hugs, I knew I had made the right move.

Insides to Insides

Recently I wrote about the idea of comparing our insides to other people’s outsides. The more I dive into the sport of bodybuilding, arguably the most initially intimidating sport of all, the more I experience genuine connections. A sport that is based on physical appearance is actually deeply guided by human connection, friendships, and vulnerable trust. Your event was an impeccable example of this, and the new friendships I have with all of you and everyone I met are proof.

Every Day

You represent every woman at every stage in her journey. You represent feeling confident and beautiful every day, not only on show day. Your bikinis aren’t trophies to be worn only on one magical day when our bodies are “perfect,” but rather an adornment to what is already perfect, gorgeous reminders that we sparkle and shine every day.

Why Did I Go?

This is about the benefits of showing up. Each time I do, I learn more, gain confidence, and develop another layer of experience and comfort. This is about  compounding my daily 1%. Each event/class/thing-that-is-new-and-uncomfortable that I show up for gives me my 1%. The more uncomfortable it initially seems the better – YES sign me up! I’m running towards it all!

I could have stayed home and streamed the Olympia instead of coming all the way out here to watch with a group of strangers.

I could have played with my Pro Tan DIY kit instead of getting one professionally done.

I could have practiced my posing at home instead of throwing my slowly improving, nearly naked self into a room full of onlookers.

I could have played with my own hair and makeup at home instead of having fun letting someone else do it, seeing more ideas of what is possible.

I could have set up my own photoshoot in my home studio instead of allowing another professional to guide me and create their own vision.

I could have done all of the same “things” at home, but I wouldn’t have grown nearly as much (or at all), especially with all of the parts that only come when we show up. In every instance, showing up is winning.

What Did I Gain?

New perspectives, new tips, a mock show prep experience, a peek into the creation of suits, trial run of a tan, hair, make-up, soon-to-come photos – incredibly valuable experiences. But above all I met new friends and formed a special foundation to continue to build upon. Each time I wear my Angel suits from this point forward I will have on a new layer of confidence, questions replaced with with exclamation points, and the genuine support of every new friend.

The only way to get comfortable with uncomfortable things is to go be uncomfortable. Eventually it becomes comfortable. As you say, “let your confidence shine.” To that I will add “so brightly that your spotlight comes from within.” My lingering bits of sparkle and tan are reminders to internalize this feeling and go home an even stronger woman, bolstered by the collective confidence that you gifted to all of us. By bringing us together and welcoming each of us with open arms and hearts, you’ve shown me that you all truly are angels.

Thank you Karah and Lauren and everyone at Angel Competition Bikinis! You’re gifting the world so much more than gorgeous suits – you’re brilliant creators of collective effervescence. May your sparkle always shine like the angels that you are and continue to light the way for others!

Carey Martin

PS – I can’t wait to see my photos and I’ll see you in March!

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