Ahéhee'. Welcome to Strong Diné Asdzání, that is who I am, that is who you are, that is who we are. A fitness journey comes hand in hand with self discovery and Healthy Mind, Healthy Body as a Strong Diné Asdzání, Asdzáán, or Asdzáá.
Ta'neeszahnii (Tangle Clan) is who I am, Naaneesht'ézhi Tábąąhá (Water Edge Clan) is who I am born for, Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan) is my maternal grandfather, and my paternal grandfather is Naakai dine'é (The Mexican clan.) I am from Page, Arizona right off the Navajo Reservation. My grandparents are Viola Redshirt and David Slim, they are from LeChee, Arizona, and Bittersprings, AZ. I was raised as an atʼééd in Cameron, Arizona in a white trailer that received electricity from an extension cord near my fathers bimásání's bighaan (maternal grandmother home.) We also didn't have access to running water, so we'd haul jugs of water every week and used the wood stove to boil water. At an early age shimá(my mother) raised me to take care of my three little brothers, while my dad Rick worked "on the road" as a Construction Worker. I never knew I lived in society's terms of "poverty," but I believe I lived in a normal household. My family is traditional, so that meant we were always having get-togethers with cousins of cousins all relating to grandmothers and grandfathers. I was privileged and blessed to have had my parents encourage us into ceremonies at a young age. Now that I am older, I understand the importance of participating in Native American Church(NAC) and being careful with how you carry yourself. Especially as a Diné (Navajo People.)
As an atʼééd (little girl) I ran cross country and played basketball for Dzil Libei Elementary up to Page High School. I was never as good as anyone else who showed up to run in the AZ heat nor was I successful at playing "Rez Ball" all through the Navajo Nation, but I tried. I struggled with trying to be at the top, yet I still made the team, and showed up. It wasn't until after I graduated in 2018, my older brother opened the door to a world of weight lifting, he's taught me everything I need to know, and for that, I am thankful. We spent hours together critiquing my form and I felt this confidence within me spark.
I've found that I have inspired and helped many young women that needed support. I hope to continue to help others feel better about themselves by creating a safe environment for people to grow. That being said, I'll need to share my experiences on how I practice living a better life.
I grew up with a supportive mom and her two older sisters, so I was always watching and mimicking their behaviors. All three of them are very generous and willing to do anything for our family. Since I'm the oldest granddaughter on both my parents side, I've always had younger cousins and a sister following my every move growing up. It comes naturally to be someone that wants to be there for friends, especially if I see them struggling.
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