Meeting Your Idol

I was scrolling through the gram one evening and came across the post. Saturday April 22nd from 2-5PM meet and greet at a NYC GNC. I kept on scrolling, then decided to go back. I stared at the post for a few seconds before changing to my messages app to find someone to join me. No one better then your best friend and boyfriend to tag along. As I got ready that Saturday morning I thought over all the possible things I could say. This wasn't the first time I was meeting someone famous and I know it's usually a quick process after a long line of waiting around. I wanted to be special, maybe even stand out to her. I changed my outfit and hair style over 50 times trying to look just right. I don't think I put this much effort in on my first date with my boyfriend! 

The train finally pulled up to the station and we were off to our destination. I was a little jittery and excited, but mostly nervous. No one could understand the feeling because they were just accompanying me. As we approached the somewhat short line I could see her from the distance. Her perfectly tanned LA skin with her blonde hair and muscles. I had somewhat of a girl crush, I think. 

We waited around for a couple of hours until it was our time to meet her. Me being me, my anxiety took over and that's all I could remember. I figured a quick picture, a signature and we'd be off to happy hour. Paige stood in front of the GNC banner and welcomed me with a hug. Instead it was a ten minute conversation. How cool! She was actually (or acted) like she cared and was interested in her fans. My anxiety completely left my body. Now I was just happy. For once in my life I overcame a panic and fear that usually makes me forget my own name. We got the pictures and the autographs, but most of all got in some laughs. 

That night I laid in bed posting my typical "I just met my favorite fitness model" picture on all my social media. Paige surprisingly liked it. Regardless if it was her assistant or actually her, to me it was still pretty cool to be recognized. The whole thing felt surreal, but the best part was that it was real. She was so down to earth, it was like catching up with an old friend. There is nothing more inspiring then meeting someone you love and they're a good person! The coolest part though, she signed my bicep :D 

Paige Hathaway has been one of my favorite fitness guru's for awhile now. When I first started to get involved in working out and taking care of my body, she became my inspiration. She was someone who came from a similar background as myself and made it to LA to do big things in the fitness industry. Her physique alone was inspiring but her training techniques taught you from beginning to pro level. When I began to learn more in depth about supplements Shredz is where I turned to because I trusted her judgement. In life, I find that we need those certain people to help us make a difference and better ourselves. Whether its a celebrity or a friend, a helping hand can come in many forms. Through our journey in life I feel like it's so important to not only thank our idols for being exactly that, but to pass the baton. What would we be in this world without inspiring each other and motivating? My favorite part about meeting Paige in person is that I now know that if she can inspire me, I can help inspire others. At the end of the day, we are all looking for those special connections to help elevate our lives. So my question to you is, who are you helping today? 

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