FIGHT YOUR FEARS

It’s funny how fear can paralyze us.  Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.  We have to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zone to make progress.  We cannot remain stagnant and expect great things.  Although I recognize that fear is the mind making up scenarios that have not and most likely will not happen, it is still tough trying to push yourself into unknown territory.  

Today, I finally purchased my competition suit.  Week after week I made excuses as to why I had not purchased the suit.   The main excuse:  money.  A few days ago I noticed that one designer is having a Black Friday sale offering 50% off his suits.  I was ecstatic!  I studied the designer’s website carefully trying to determine which suit I wanted.  Then I began to talk myself out of purchasing a suit.  “What if I want to go with a different designer?”  “What if I need this money for something else?”  “Oh, I just cannot decide on a design.”  Then I realized that I was just making excuses again.  You see, purchasing the suit makes this competition thing all too real in my mind.  If I buy a suit, it’s on.  No backing out.  And I have a level of fear of stepping on that stage, with the lights blaring down on my nearly naked body, being judged by not only the judges, but by all the people in the audience.  And that plain freaks me out!  But, once I chose the suit I wanted and hit the order confirmation button, I felt so relaxed and relieved.  I am a step closer to my goal.    

 

I'm Featured! Bodybuilding.com - We 'Mirin Vol. 43: Hardbody Heaven

My picture was chosen as one of this week's "We 'Mirin" on Bodybuilding.com!  I am super excited and honored!  Hard work does pay off! Check out my picture on Bodybuilding.com.  I'm #13!  The photo was taken in early October by photographer Alex D. Rogers. Hair and make up by Robert Rooks.  

ROSEHIP SEED OIL: NATURE'S MIRACLE FOR SKIN

Have you heard of Rosehip Oil?  Until a couple of weeks ago, I had not.  I had been in search of something to clear up the scars on my daughter’s legs from the numerous mosquito bites she suffered over the summer.  During my internet search, I stumbled across Rosehip oil which, among other benefits, is helpful in clearing up dark marks or hyper-pigmentation.  As I began to read up on this oil, I realized that not only could it help my daughter, but it may be beneficial to me as well. 

In my search for information about Rosehip Oil, I found a great blog called Real Food Lover, where Heather, the blog’s writer gives the following history of Rosehip Oil:

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of a native rose plant which grows wild in Chile.  The oil has been used by native people in Chile for centuries, and has only been validated by scientists fairly recently.  The first major confirmation of its capabilities came in 1983, when the University of Santiago conducted research on 180 individuals.  These tests studied people with extensive facial scarring, acne scarring, deep wrinkles, UV damage, radiation damage, burn scars, surgical scars, premature aging, dermatitis, and other skin related problems.  In these tests, rosehip seed oil regenerated the skin, reduced scars and wrinkles, prevented the advancement of wrinkles and aging, and helped skin to regain its natural color and tone.  Since this time, other universities and labs have also completed studies, also yielding positive results.  Another well-known study in 1988 was conducted on twenty women between the ages of 25-35 with extensive premature aging to their skin.  Their skin was wrinkled, and had sun spots from overexposure to the sun.  After four months of applying rosehip seed oil daily, their wrinkles and sun spots had almost completely disappeared, and the skin had a fresher and healthier look.  Today, rosehip seed oil is exported around the world, and is used by the medical community, as well as in fine facial and cosmetic care products.

Rosehip seed oil, is believed to delay the effects of skin aging due to its concentration of Vitamin A which assists with cell regeneration, and promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase.   Now, once I learned this, a light bulb went off in my head and I immediately began to think of Retin A or retinol.   I have used Retin A on and off for years and it is beneficial due to its concentration of Vitamin A.    It has been said that Rose Hip Oil produces the benefits of retinol, but without secondary side effects.   Use of Rosehip oil results in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin with greater elasticity. 

Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, which further promotes healthy skin.  In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, which are important skin nutrients. 

Rosehip seed oil has been used successfully to treat the following skin problems:

• Stretch marks
• UV damage from overexposure to the sun
• Scars from surgery, burns, and acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Wrinkles and premature skin aging
• Hyper-pigmentation
• Dermatitis
• Burns, including those from radiation and sunburns
• Age spots
• Brittle nails
• Dry and damaged hair

I just ordered my first bottle of organic Rosehip Seed Oil and I am excited to try it on myself and my daughter.  Hopefully, in a few weeks I will have some positive things to report about it!