Trying to detach from traditions seldom causes a big deal of pain and struggles to go through. However, the price of managing to detach yourself from pre-set norms is much much smaller than the price you would eventually have to pay if you just conform to what you are told to, for it is the price of your own happiness.
The freedom of our heart is what makes us unique and authentic therefore the way we express our creativity in projecting our dreams into reality, following our passions and calls, this is what makes us happy human beings.

I was 18 yo when I ran away from home. I loved my parents to death but they were trying to raise me in a very strict environment. I don't blame them, they were doing what they thought should be done and best for me, the traditional way back in a barely out of communism Romania. But what I was dreaming of was big: a little bit more of freedom at home was just the beginning, I was dreaming of places and people I only read in books about, I was dreaming of going through life without having to give an account for what i do to anyone but myself and God. ...... I was away 2-3 days, just enough to make it a protest and show them I needed my freedom. And when I got back home, what followed was a long painful serious conversation, but I got my freedom. As I imagined, it was just the beginning.
It all starts in our imagination, a sparkle, an idea, a vision, then an emotional response follows, usually pleasure/joy at the idea of reaching that image. All we need is one step: the first step towards reaching that goal, no matter how crazy it might sound.

I LOVE BODYBUILDING, it taught me how to fight, how to stay strong against the odds and even society's tendency and praysal for conformism, it eventually made me a better human being. I do believe that overcoming obstacles in trying to reach my dreams made me more self-confident and stronger. I know I can achieve whatever I want as long as my goal is true to my nature and comes from that warm place inside me that's filled with love and passion.
My goals don't stop in bbing, this was just the beginning, the difficult and painful starter that showed me that if I can do this, I could do anything. I will follow my call in trying to reach out to as many people as possible and help them by motivating them towards their goal or showing some of my fitness life experience . I will follow my goal of reaching prosperity  involving as many people as possible along the road, to share and benefit together from a  gift that can be abundant, given the right approach.
Nothing can stop you on your way to freedom, all you need is a bit of courage.
DREAM BIG!

This time I want to share with you the beginning of my bodybuilding journey from the family acceptance perspective. How many of you ladies haven't been discouraged and criticized  by your family members in the beginning of your fitness journey? How many encouraged? How many didn't give up no matter what and kept on pushing their limits?
Living in Eastern Europe in a traditional working-class family was not an easy starting point for me as a bodybuilder. Though I was already in college and out of town, I was still close enough to my parents to come see them every weekend. I love my parents dearly but at that time when I started to prep for my first show and my muscles exploded, the relationship was quite tensed. My mom and dad were completely against the sport criticizing it as not feminine and not adequate for a woman.
My parents never came to see any of my shows for many years. When they finally accepted that I AM A BODYBUILDER at heart and no matter what I won't stop, I was already competing abroad so they still never made it to see me competing live. But these days they are proud of my athletic achievements. My mom still holds on to some of my trophies and medals and they watch each of the internet broadcasted shows I compete in.
To me, besides being a sign of love that eventually accepts the loved person the way she/he is, this is a triumph of self-confidence, determination, drive and persistence  in following your vision. If you hold on to your dreams and don't give up, just follow your path and call, your efforts will be recognized and appreciated.
I am sure many of the girls out there who want to get strong and muscular are all the time discouraged by family, friends or acquaintances. Society nowadays does not like individuals who dare to step up and get out of the cliche. I just want to BEG you ladies, NEVER GIVE UP. This is a very unique passion for a woman and there will be very few of the ordinary looking people who will understand it ('why do you want to be muscular, you are a woman, muscles are for men', 'why do you torture yourself with those strict diets, come eat our fattening family dinners and enjoy life',' why don't you come with us party, you are no fun' and so on). If you find the beauty of exercising and healthy life style in your heart, just follow it and expand your given potential to the point YOU AND ONLY YOU find adequate. Stay strong in your position and work hard for your vision and in the end you and the results of your wise and beautiful work will be accepted.

After the 2012 Olympia

It just crossed my mind that I did not have the chance to thank everybody for your support at the Olympia. I have been kind of quiet during my prep this summer. It was a hard prep that took a lot of my focus and energy (well, doesn't it always?)
Anyway I was reading a forum the other day and someone was asking if I had any idea while on the stage how many people are rooting for me. The answer is yes, I heard you all out there supporting me and I want to thank for each and every positive email, each and every good word I heard from you all. As I was announced on the 4th place, there was a big disappointment/disapproval reaction coming from the crowd. That was an awesome moment, to stay there on the stage and realize so many people are watching and getting involved and rooting for me; I got goose bumps and I felt   grateful for having you all by my side. It offers me more motivation for the next year's competition.

Ready!

Finally the last week is here. I can hardly wait to be in Columbus on Wednesday and on that awesome stage on Friday. My prep has been better than ever and I am so thankful to Dylan and all the people in Armbrust Pro Gym for their support.

Gonna be fun to meet all the girls again and have some fun while we are at it. Today I shopped for my food I need there and of course the after-show food (lots of chocolaty things that I am craving lol) and I am more ready than ever.

Here's a few pics I took a couple of weeks ago with Brett Seeley which is an awesome photographer.

Thanks a lot to all of you for the warm support I got.

on the track, 5 weeks out of Ms I

Everybody, thanks a lot for all your nice positive emails. I am doing great.

This has been the best preparation I have ever had. I am on the track, extremely motivated and most of the times in a good mood. I can hardly wait to be on that stage.

The Armbrust collaboration changed my life: I learned so many new things from Dylan and the way he pays attention to all the details his professionalism are so motivating. I really love the general atmosphere in Armbrust gym, the people are so supportive, accepting and friendly, I really feel like I found a new home.

Thanks to you all out there. 5 more weeks and the results of all the hard work will be put at work:) What an honor to compete with all those 15 terrific girls in Columbus.

A pic from my leg workout yesterday.

Have a great weekend everybody

Alina