Meet Lift for Life.com
Figure Model of the Month, Mary P. Bell, an
athlete who knows that the best way to deal with adversity is to plough
right through it.
Mary's tenacious attitude first expressed
itself as rebelliousness as the early days of her troubled youth found
her dropping out of school in the seventh grade.
These were difficult days in which Mary "just
hung out on the streets". She was out of control!
If plan A doesn't
work, don't repeat plan A
It didn't take Mary long to realize that a seventh grade education
wasn't going to get her far, and so at the age of 16, she decided to
make up for lost time. Mary pursued a career as a manicurist, returned
to school, and at the age of 19 bought her first house, received her
high school diploma, and enrolled in a University where she eventually
earned her Masters degree in Social Work.
Reward is not without sacrifice however, and the stress of Mary's
ambitious goals soon began to compromise her health, relationships, and
self confidence. Breakfast often consisted of root beer and a Snickers
bar as Mary tried to maintain her tight schedule. Rather than yield to
the downward emotional spiral, Mary joined a local gym, determined that
she would make time for fitness.
Shortly after graduation, Mary became employed as a child abuse
investigator. Though she found the position to be rewarding, it was an
emotional drain, as she confronted child abuse on a daily basis.
"You just feel helpless a lot of the time"
Mary's
workouts began to pick up in frequency and intensity as she sought a
physical means to relieve her mental stress. Each new curve, every new
line of separation, each new hint of muscular definition became the
evidence of a mental scar that could not defeat her. She still had
stress, she still had emotional conflict, but she also had her resolve
to be in control of her life.
We are, to a large degree, the
architects of our own environments, and it is within our abilities to
become the hero, victim, villain or conqueror in the building of our
lives.
What
role have you chosen?
Mary's first
Figure Competition began with a dare three weeks prior to
the event. With no experience in dieting, contest preparation or posing,
Mary found herself immersed in the quick version of Contest Preparation
101. She learned quarter turns (the corner stone of all
bodybuilding,
figure and fitness poses) while backstage, five minuets prior to the
competition. Through it all she kept her composure, through it all she
maintained her confidence, through it all she kept true to herself.
"I respect and admire all athletes, from first timers to seasoned
competitors. I know the dedication and time it take to compete. I truly
respect a competitor that has humility and a willingness to help
others."
From this abrupt and humble beginning, Mary went on to become a
successful figure competitor in the WNBF, USBF and NGA sanctioning
organizations, eventually winning Pro titles and National Championships.
As in all of her achievements, Mary likes to say that she wins
championships the old fashion way, "she earns them"!
Adding to her busy schedule, Mary is the owner of
Center
Stage Figures.com where she gives guidance and personal training to
hopeful aspirants. Because of her drive to not only excel, but to help
others in the process, Lift for Life is proud to feature Mary P. Bell as
a Lift for Life.com
Figure Model of the Month.
