There is a unique quality in life that allows some people to spin straw into gold, transform tragedy into triumph and to find hope where others find only hopelessness. Call it character, call it attitude, call it what you will, but Lift for Life Model of the Month Neshia Bridges calls it Faith.

Born to a young mother who could not yet care for her, Neshia soon found herself in the home of her Grandmother who was also caring for Neshia's oldest cousin. Never short of encouraging words, Neshia still recalls her Grandmother saying, "Neshia, you will go far if you just listen, learn and pay attention". Life became an object lesson from that point on, the good, the bad, the hardships and the victories all became equal tutors as Neshia learned to transform adversity into success. Speaking of her grandmother, Neshia states,

"She taught me the rules of the game, the lessons of life and how to deal with the people you love and the one's that dislike you.  She is my best friend."

Shy and insecure in her youth, Neshia has since been told that she "speaks too quickly". Perhaps this is true, but it is her passion for life, her intolerance of excuses and her deep rooted faith that slips past her tongue like a lion that will not be contained.

"I am a realist. I can't stand people who are phony and jealous. I believe in GOD and I believe he has the power to fulfill my destiny."

Neshia is passionate about fitness also. Though by her own admission she was a late comer to figure competition, she is the first to admit that it is never too late to start.

"I just wish I would have thought about it a long time ago.  But, does age have to stop you from pursuing what you feel in your heart you can achieve?"

Few things can alter one's perspective on life as the loss of a loved one. It was with the ringing of the phone one afternoon that Neshia learned that her younger brother Will had been shot, and as his life faded, she felt as if she had lost her own also. Immobilized by doubt and the darkness of depression, Neshia took a leave of absence from work to allow herself time to grieve. It was a slow process and though at last she came to peace with his absence, she was determined that his loss not be in vain. As Will was laid to rest, so also were planted the seeds of what would become the WCB Foundation, an acronym that represents William Charleton Bridges, and stands for "Willing to Change Barriers in Society". The focus of this charity is to offer scholarships and foster community involvement through programs that foster self discipline, faith and morality.

You can learn more about the WCB Foundation by clicking here.

"My love of GOD is the main reason why I have been so strong.  GOD is the reason why, within the last two years, I have been able to accomplish my figure and fitness career, start my own business, Aspire Uniqueness, LLC, establish the WCB Foundation, Inc. that will provide funds to two scholarship endowments we have set up in my brother Will's name..."

Neshia's personal thoughts and reflections on life can be found in her soon to be self published book titled "Misery Loves Company". To learn more about Neshia, check out her website at Aspire Uniqueness LLC

Because of her dedication to natural fitness, and her unwavering commitment to help others, Lift for Life.com is honored to name Neshia Bridges as Model of the Month.

Lift for Lift Model of the Month

Neshia Bridges

Aspire Uniqueness LLC

Photo Credits

 T.R. McClellan Photography

www.trmphoto.com

Tim Dalek

http://www.myspace.com/tdalek

Natural Bodybuilding at its Finest - Lift for Life.com