Lift for Life Model of the Month, Josephine Dalton 

People are a lot like jigsaw puzzles, some more complex than others but each the collective sum of their parts. If you look at Lift for Life Model of the Month Josephine Dalton on the surface only, you will miss all the complexity that lies within.

Natural beauty is in and of itself a gift, but it is also a burden that carries with it the weight of assumptions that society places on attractive women. When an average woman and an attractive woman achieve similar degrees of success, the more attractive of the two will often be accused of having "slept her way there". Regardless of her ability, effort and dedication, the assumption will be that her looks gave her the advantage.

But beauty is also a thing to be cultivated and even natural beauty can use a little help. As such, Josephine began weight training in 1987 and quickly became addicted to the way her body responded. She learned that she could not only change her physique, but her life as well. Josephine joined the US Navy in 1992 serving until 1997 after which she attended Iowa State University for Pre-medicine and Exercise Science. In 2003 she became a personal trainer and has been competing since 2005.

Life is not without difficulty and perhaps it is not only how we cope with challenges that define who we are, but how we overcome them. Josephine experienced a period of prolonged depression beginning in the summer of 2001 which ultimately led to an attempted suicide while under the influence of prescription medication and alcohol. Grateful to have survived, Josephine is quick to state,

"The very fact that I survived my suicide attempt (and just so you know, it was not intentional.... chemically based. I had no clue at the time) is the #1 reason why I stay motivated. I thank God every day for my 2nd chance, and I strive to not take anything for granted anymore"

Though tragedy has the potential to break a person, it also holds within it the seeds of change. So it was that Josephine emerged from her own tragedy with an renewed appreciation of life

"To this very day, I can only thank God for his miraculous intervention and allowing me a second chance at life"

Within two weeks of her recovery, Josephine found the inner strength to walk away from an abusive relationship. Though both her nose and ankle had been broken in the exchange, her spirit was strangely renewed as she became awakened to the potential that lie within her. She was determined to regain her self esteem, she was determined to rebuild her life, and nothing, not even the lingering pain in her own body was going to stop her.

"2 months later (after an intense diet & exercise program that did not include cardio), I competed in Clark Bartram's very first show, the 2006 Golden State Championships (FAME at the time) and hobbled away with the Female fitness model Champion title. Granted, I was not in the best shape of my life or of the other competitors, but one thing is for sure, I was more happy to have been alive to make it there than to have won in the end."

Josephine continues to train, compete, model and inspire others. Though she claims to be too flawed to be anyone's role model, she does state

"everyone and anyone can identify with me in terms of overcoming one's own obstacles, hitting rock bottom then skyrocketing back up, embracing self love and a healthy & realistic relationship with one's health" Josephine Dalton

Personal note: If you are involved in an abusive relationship, don't wait for the other person to change, do what Josephine Dalton did and get out now. Many communities have shelters that can offer advice and assistance that can get you back on the path to independence. Never stop believing in yourself!