“When life leads you to a path that is higher than a hill; stop, acknowledge, and offer thanks to the ones that remained and assisted you in your ascent to the summit.” ~Jonna Ocampo
Jonna Ocampo’s story is one of perseverance. She began training and competing as a figure competitor; going on to become Ms. Figure America twice. She competed for the United States in England and Germany and earned the right to be considered one of the best 18 bodies in the world. Competition continued in the sport of powerlifting, winning gold medals internationally for the United States, and learning the deep pride that is felt when you hear your national anthem being played while standing on the podium.
Her resilience and determination have been tested on the world stage. She has competed in 3 World Championships, proudly representing the USA National Team on the first-ever Gold-Winning Female Team in U.S. history. Her journey led her to the Czech Republic, where she became the 3rd strongest woman in the world in the 48 kg. class, a testament to her unwavering spirit.
Words of Inspiration: A tree does not grow tall overnight. During its growth, it is exposed to the wind, the overall environment of its biome, parasites, and predators. Plants may live in a commensalism symbiosis, such as a lilikoi vine climbing the branches of a fruit tree. This interaction is positive for the vine and has no effect on the tree (a direct reference to “On My Way to the Lilikoi Tree”).
This tree learned to adapt to its environment. Its branches bent in the direction the wind blew, shaping its growth. Life sometimes throws us several winds, some gentle and some hurricane-force.
When you experience these winds in your life, stop for a moment, emotionally acknowledge it, experience it and feel it. In dealing with the feelings of a setback or defeat, this experience provides you the opportunity to prove your resilience. Again, acknowledge the emotion, overcome the problem by finding a solution, reset, and move forward. Realize, when you become focused on a goal or have a new mission in life, these setbacks and uncomfortable winds will become less memorable. Don’t allow unpleasant winds stop you from personal growth, happiness and reaching your full potential.
Find the path to your Lilikoi Tree.
“On My Way to the Lilikoi Tree” by Jonna Ocampo available on Amazon
“Henry the Astronaut” by Jonna Ocampo available on Amazon
Questions? in**@jo*********.com