So here it is. . . my amazingly supportive husband and I have decided it’s officially time to take Girls Who Powerlift on full time.
Some of you may know, I was working a full-time job when the GWPL Instagram page was created. At the time, it was a hobby within my hobby of powerlifting. When the shirts were conceived and received with overwhelming support the idea of doing both was a constant struggle. My degree and my daytime job is something that I worked incredibly hard for to the point of receiving 4 promotions in 5 years at the same firm. However, the job was incredibly stressful but more than anything it was thankless and not what I expected. It was days full of tears, being belittled and disrespected. There were perks but not enough to make me happy and satisfied with where my life was headed and it started affecting my health.
Being passionate about something has always been something I craved. I’m a huge Dana Linn Bailey fan and even more so a Rob Bailey and the Hustle Standard. A while ago they put out a video of DLB doing a shoulder workout and in the background was this song. I found it and downloaded it and in the beginning of the song the wrestler, Warrior, is speaking and he says, “People always ask me, ‘what are you passionate about’. And it finally hit me. I’m passionate about (expletive) passion”. And every time I hear that song I think about that line and I say it over and over again. It pumps me up but why??
I thought about this a lot over the last several months. I never considered myself an athlete. I never did a lot of extracurricular activities as a kid. I’m creative but I wouldn’t call myself an artist so I was never really passionate about anything until I started powerlifting. I tend to shove the thought of being a "powerlifter" down sometimes because I don’t have incredible numbers or bulging muscles, although I’m very proud of my traps LOL. I don’t hold a record of any kind and my training can be sporadic because… well… life! But when I'm training I’m fully immersed. I feel unstoppable and stronger than life and all my goals are geared towards becoming a better powerlifter. Powerlifting has changed my life!
More to the point is the idea of being passionate. What’s the point of living if you aren’t passionate about something? And just because you powerlift as a hobby doesn’t mean that has to be your passion. Your passion might be your job. It might be a cause or a charity. It might be a different type of “hobby”. Like makeup or painting. It might be your faith. But merely existing should never be an option.
I realized that I was merely existing until you all made me realize that the GWPL community in addition to powerlifting IS my passion. I am so honored to be the mouthpiece for women everywhere who may not feel like they are athletes but squat, bench and deadlift for the love of strength.
Honestly, I'm SCARED AS HECK! This isn't the most ideal time for me to take this leap but I’m excited as to see where this adventure takes me and I’m so happy to have my band of iron sisters by my side because frankly I will need your support and encouragement to continue on my mission of helping women around the world realize that Strength Is Beautiful! #UpliftAndLiftHeavy
Love this. Words straight from the heart. Life is all about Passion, once you find what it is that makes you tick, things start to make sense. Lifting changed me in so many ways, the stronger I become physically, the stronger I become mentally. Its therapy, its an outlet, its my passion. Will continue to follow all you girls on here, lots of love from Edinburgh x Kim
I am a 33 yrs old. I’m a lady boss in Corporate America, a wife, a mother of 2 teens and a set of 10 month old twins. As you can imagine, it’s a daily struggle. After the twins I weighed in at 260lbs. I am 5ft 7i- The heaviest I have ever weighed in my life! I have been lifting for a little of 4 months and it has changed my life. I don’t exactly have the moral or emotional support as some do but when I read your post and articles, it gives me the hope and the encouragment I need to keep going. Keep doing what your doing. You have helped to make my life so much brighter and better. Thank you!
Congrats on taking such a brave leap! Something tells me you won’t regret your decision. Your passion is infectious and it’s inspiring women across the nation!
Yes, yes, yes!!!!!! THIS just made me so happy! I want to follow my passion so badly, and reading this…well I take it as a sign to just do it! You are giving me so much inspiration not to be afraid to take risks. We are effing powerlifters after all, we aint scared of anything life throws at us. We pick up those heavy obstacles out of the way and just keep on moving! #lightweight! I support you and I love you and the GWPL nation :)
So proud of you. I discovered lifting later in life and it is my passion as well. I don’t have huge numbers, I don’t have big muscles but I’m damn proud of my quads. I do it because I love it. I blog about it and post my stuff all over my Fb page because I love it even tho none of my friends are lifters and they don’t get it. It’s my therapy and my refuge. I totally get it and so happy GWPL is out there. You’re gonna rock it girl! Can’t wait to see where you take it! Congrats!
I can’t believe how parallel your words are to my experience with the sport! #powerliftingsavedmylife has been my hashtag. The sport has helped me realize my true potential and worth. I am so very excited for your new adventure and wish you the best of luck! Keep killing it and making others like me feel like they have a purpose and place in the world of power lifting!
Get it!! I’ve only been powerlifting a few months but this has been a huge source of inspiration and motivation for me! Thank you!! ????
I’m so happy that you are able to transition to GWPL full time! How exciting! I can’t wait to see what your focused attention will bring to GWPL. I also can’t wait to see what shirts come next!! I could blow whole paychecks on the clothing you’ve designed! Loving my LIFT Everything Shirt.
Thank you so much for everything. I am 48 years old and just found powerlifting a couple of months ago and I am all in. I want to be in the gym all the time. I love to follow GWPL and see everyone do so well. I feel part of something bigger than myself and I thank you for all of that. We are all behind you!!!
You are amazing. It takes serious balls to follow your dreams. Lots of people say it, very few actually DO IT! Rock on!