The road to leading a healthy lifestyle began with my own struggle of gaining weight after my transition to civilian life from the military. I was able to recognize the significance of making better choices to contribute to my overall fitness and health.
While in the military, I was confronted with many challenges. After being deployed to Iraq, I dealt with underlying wounds and found myself falling apart, mentally giving up on myself with constant self-pity. Physically, I ended up gaining 35 pounds. After the military and graduating college, I was not able to find a job and became nearly homeless, sofa surfing at a friend’s house. My diet consisted of consuming a box of oreos daily, just to make myself feel better. It wasn’t until my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and high blood pressure where I truly considered the repercussions of my lifestyle. I also examined my father’s history, as he always lived a sedentary life style and abused alcohol.
I was determined to avoid following in their footsteps and instead create my own journey that would heal my internal wounds and help me gain my confidence back. I needed a change, not only physically, but I needed to change my attitude and just believe in myself!
Exercise has become my way of self-medicating and achieving internal peace. I have no control over what happens to me, but I can control how I respond to situations. Instead of dealing with life’s disappointments in a bottle, I turned to the gym. Working out causes me to feel empowered and strong. However, there was still something missing… something that I needed to feel complete. Then I heard of Cathy Savage, but initially could not help feeling discouraged and intimidated.
While in the military, I was constantly endeavoring to fit in. During my deployment in Iraq, I was the only female on my squad and was never considered equal or part of the team. The same fears sprung upon joining Cathy Savage. I was not sure if I would be accepted or even good enough. I had lost a little weight, but did not have the body and abs like the many beautiful women on their website and magazines. Finally, one of my friends from work, Destiny Biron (a member of Cathy Savage) convinced me that there were no “catty girls” in Cathy Savage and people would not only accept me, but would welcome me in with open arms!!! It sounded too good to be true…
She was absolutely right and it was very much real!!! This team full of beautiful inspiring women, gave me love and support… I am part of the most magnificent group of women. Sometimes it is hard to believe that we are competing against each other. The coaches go out their way to ensure that we have the best experience!! They are always there for us and I appreciate them so much!
My first show Fitness America (FAP) New England, I won third in bikini and third in model. My second show Fitness Universe Weekend Miami, I placed fifth in bikini. That was a huge surprise to me. Every show I do not anticipate winning a trophy or even placing in the top ten. I am truly there for the experience and to celebrate having my health. I cannot even express how surprised I am. I never envisioned myself as one of those beautiful women that I admire so much. My only hope is that I can be a role model for someone else and to have a positive impact on one’s life.
Someone asked me how come you compete, if it’s not about winning the trophy. I received so many emails of people telling me that I am their inspiration!! I mean to influence someone’s life and journey towards being healthy… To give someone that hope and reality that with hard work they can achieve ANYTHING they put their minds to…. and to be able to share my experience and is unimaginable. No score or judge can ever measure what we do for other people.
My experience with my team, and the shows, has always made me feel like I am winning. I am truly blessed! The many friendships that have formed backstage, makes me realize how grateful I am to have this opportunity. I never felt so appreciated and accepted in my life. This is not only a team, but my family. The experience has been worth more than what words can express!! I love Cathy Savage and the impressions in my heart that the many women left!!! The empty void that was once there is now filled with love and I hope to always offer that same love and support to anyone else!! I love you all ladies and you have always inspired me.
I love you Nora!!! You are such an awesome woman and I admire you!!!! XOXOXO
I love you too Julianne and admire you as well oxoxoxoxox
so happy to see this story here. just today I was thinking about how I wanted to “nominate” Nora for a member spotlight – not even kidding. She has truly been a shining star and come into her own over the past few months. She has gone so far out of her way to help and encourage her teammates, and is not only a shining example of how to transform negative life experiences into something positive, she is the embodiment of what is means to be part of this sisterhood, and is a friend to everyone – such a beautiful person with an even more beautiful heart. Love you Nora!
Your so sweet Julie!! I am so happy to have a positive impact on your life.. Your kind words mean a lot and you can always count on me whenever you need a friend
Thank you Julie oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxo
Nora, thanks for sharing your story! I have loved having your energetic self backstage with me at two events this year. XOXO!
Thank you Sarah!!! You can always find me cheerful and looney backstage… Helps my nerves, because it is about having fun!!!
You are super sweet all the time and I admire all of our beautiful teammates including you!!!! oxoxoxoxxo
My sweet little Nora!! What a joy to have you and Steph as roommates!!!!! Just saw the article and congrats…..You spoke from your heart well!! Hope to see you in Atlantic city…..is that a possibility??? Love you….Anne xo
Anne!!! <3 sharing a room with both you and Steph!! Had so much fun!!!You are so awesome Ann, love you!!! I won't be competing in Atlantic City… Next show is figure, but I am sure we will do more shows together and be roomies
I can always count on you for the jan tana hahahahaha… xoxoxoxox
Nora,
Even though I only met you once, You definately inspired me! You were so encouraging and welcoming. Thank you for sharing your story-you truly are an amazing individual!
Thank you so much for your kind words Chantal!! You are so beautiful inside and out!!! I love just having fun
I appreciate having the experience and opportunity in meeting all of you beautiful inspirational women. I am so happy to be part of this team 
Girl, you are SO sweet! The world needs so much more of you! You are a refreshing person to be around and I am proud to call you my friend! I’m so glad we met and also ecstatic that you found your place with CSF!! Keep your journey going hun, this is just the beginning!
-Destiny
Your the BEST Destiny!!! We have so much fun posing and just being back stage. I kind of liked the unexpected adversity lol.. It kept me on my toes and laughing about it… Those “oh sh*t moments” when the letters start missing hahahahaha… So funny!!! Still laughing. I am so grateful to have you as my friend Destiny!!! You helped me out a lot, I could have never done it without you! xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Nora,
I was so excited to see you in the website spotlight. You go girl. Being in law enforcement I can totally relate to you. I can also relate to the fact that I too was afraid to join CSF at first because I thought it would be a bunch a “caddy girl” which is NOT the case. I still fear the day I compete because I have been around some cut throat people in other areas of my life but I am figuring my fears will diminish once I am at the level because of “friends” like you.
Michele
Hello!!!!
I am so happy we share mutual feelings and experiences. I can relate to the fear, I can tell you that it isn’t as bad as you make it out to be in your mind… lol.. I know I thought about the what ifs before the show. When I got there it was definitely very different.. All of the what if’s did not even cross my mind.. I had so much fun!!! That’s what it is about. Michele, you are working so hard, eating healthy and doing extreme workouts
a show is a celebration! Forget about what the judges think or anyone else; like mama Savage always tells us it’s about the journey! We are all going home with trophy bodies!!! I hope I can be backstage with you on your first show 
oxoxoxoxoxoxo
amazing story. true inspiration. glad to have met you!! Love this line, “I have no control over what happens to me, but I can control how I respond to situations.” well said girly.. xoxoxoxoxo