After nine years and 24 shows I have officially decided to r..

After nine years and 24 shows I have officially decided to retire from competitive bodybuilding. I have gratefully been able to walk away with 23 awards, titles and placements including Overalls, Best in Shows, and Best Performance (therefore sometimes walking away with multiple placements in some competitions). Five out of those 23 shows I did not place. Both shows this year being two of those five. 2020 I needed to be in the top three at Chicago Pro and I came in 4th. Sports Legion I needed to be in 1st and I came in 2nd. I had every intention of qualifying for the Olympia 2022 this season, especially coming in incredibly stronger, more conditioned and with solid routines. Considering I just missed it twice last year I thought I was right there. However, it couldn't have panned out worse and looking back I am eternally grateful it had not. Yes, it has been incredibly disheartening, but depending how long you have been following me, I have transitioned into a self brand now and though weight training and performing will always be part of that, to me there are much better and brighter stages than that of which the IFBB holds. Looking back over the years of competing I have zero regrets. Competitive bodybuilding has given me a great foundation to where I am headed. I've developed a tremendous amount of work ethic, healing self love, and confidence because of it. However, at this stage, I have gained that of what I needed from it and it's time I take those tools and put that energy into some bigger and brighter things. Being grateful is an understatement. Being proud is an understatement. I have zero regrets because I know in my heart I gave it literally everything I had in me, which is an empowering feeling I get to keep. I would never discourage anyone from competing, however. I think it's a great opportunity to work and evolve yourself as long as the right approach is taken that he or she is in fact doing it for themselves first and not so much for other people. This was not a difficult decision to make either. The judges don't want to place me and no one wants to have me sign a contract with them? That's fine. Remember, not everyone like every flavor of ice cream ;-) But there are plenty of other audiences and people out there that will. Like I always say.. when one pair of legs closes another one opens. This is not the end, not a beginning, but a gentle shift. Transformation is not about change. It's about becoming the person you are meant to be. It's evolution that counts. Not a placement. Much is in the works and I will be announcing as it comes. In the meantime - let's do good, let's do good, let's be good let's do good. Stay amazing my friends, Layla