I would be amiss if I didn't share these last 8 months of this
unexpected adventure with you. The easiest way I can manage to express
myself would be through the acronym using the word PAGEANTRY. But first,
let me tell you how all this came to be. I met Kim, the current Mrs.
United States All World Beauties, last July at one of my Mystery Hostess
Shows that I held. Kim is the mother of my youngest son's best friend.
Learning of her title, I was awed to be so close to a title holder of
such stature. She and I began having conversation about this pageant
system, and I found myself being encouraged by her, hearing her say,
"give it a try". I kind of chuckled and went on my way. I couldn't stop
thinking about the "what if's". Then the "whys" came, then I found
myself answering back. September I found myself filling out the
application to enter into a world I knew nothing about. But something I
did know? I want to teach and inspire women of all ages and all walks of
life, that they too can be and do ANYTHING they want using all
opportunities and resources to do so. And how can I continue to teach
it, unless I continue to take risks such as this!! So I began my journey
into pageantry.
Prayer~Hands down, this
entry into pageantry would not have occurred without prayer. My deepest
thoughts and desires are shared with God daily and I do not go into
anything without going to Him first. I felt His prodding through my
prayers to Him. I asked Him how this would glorify Him? I asked Him if
other women could be inspired through my experience? And I asked Him if
this was His will? I heard that quiet, gentle voice that said yes.
Attitude~A
person with a good attitude looks at everything in a positive way,
giving everyone the benefit of a doubt, always in a good mood, that
smiles a lot. They are a joy to be around. A bad attitude usually means
the person is negative, a downer, everything's bad, nothing is going
to turn out good, someone you do not want to be around. Attitude can
make you or break you. It's up to you, or me as in this case. I always
look at the glass as "half full" and my favorite word in the English
language is NEXT. No use sulking about it. Just keep moving on!
Giving~If
you know me, you know that I am a giver. In fact, I am a cheerful
giver. I love to give of my time, my resources, and even my things. Of
all that I give, giving of my time is the most rewarding. Whether it's
to walk/run a5k for a worthy cause, or to volunteer behind a table, or
to judge a Halloween event's costumes, or to feed the homeless, there is
great blessing when we are blessing others. But there is a time that I
cherish the most and that is giving of time having coffee with friends,
one on one. I love to hear what's going on in their worlds, their
successes, their problems, and just listen and share in thoughts. I have
no idea how God will work in those times, but I know He does. And I am
ever grateful that He's using me to help another!
Encouragement~Blessed
to be a Blessing, by a word of praise, a touch of support or a
handwritten note. All of these and more help others to feel significant
and worthy. The gift of encouragement has been bestowed upon me from my
creator and I would be a fool not to open it up and use. There's no
greater joy than to see that an act of encouragement can bring another
person hope, acceptance, and life. New life. As if I could see that
life
come alive in others as a result of saying, "I knew you could do it",
or "Atta girl". It's just as wonderful receiving encouragement. I have
been so encouraged through this process. Others continued to believe in
me when sometimes it was difficult to believe in myself. My husband and
our 3 children have been so encouraging. When self-doubt would creep
in, I would always hear the words, "Mom, you can do this". I am ever
grateful for all who continue to encourage me through prayer, notes,
gentle words, a hug, or just a simple smile. Thank you!
Appearances~One
of the key factors in holding a title is making appearances. This not
only promoted my charities of choice and my platform, but also exposed
this pageant system, All World Beauties, a fairly new system in the
world of pageantry. Appearances are so much fun!!!! To be included and
involved in such wonderful events allows you to see the "Bigger Picture"
in the world. Through my appearances I have been priveleged to meet
some outstanding organizations and people. Such as; Dress for Success,
Grace Med, Cash Mob, Rick Santorum, American Heart Association, Susan G.
Komen, John Whitmer, Children's Miracle Network, the Mayor of
Wichita-Carl Brewer, School of Rock, Wichita Choral Society, and KAKE
TV. I absolutely love giving to my community with my resources and
time. It is so true that we are blessed to be a blessing.
Nourished~There
is no doubt that my soul has been nourished through this experience.
Because I pray a lot, this experience has strengthened my faith and
gotten me in the Word even more. I am ever grateful for the faith I
have. Had it not been for this faith, I would not have had the courage
to step out of my comfort zone. This experience not only makes me
vulnerable to others, but also to myself. And when we're vulnerable,
those glaring defects seem to rise to the surface and need to be
addressed immediately. We all have them. No getting away from that fact.
It's what we do with those defects when we see them that matters. We
have a choice to ignore them or to face them head on making the
necessary changes. I will never graduate from life! But I can strive to
continue to be better every day.
Tiaras~The
tiaras and crowns are beautiful. Wearing them, are fun. I believe, that
in every girl, young and old, there is a "princess" inside of us. Some
will deny it, others will embrace it. Why did we play "dress-up" when we
were little girls? We still do!!!! Going shopping and trying on
clothes, trying on the latest fashion accessories, (which should be
Premier Designs!!!), and looking in the mirror. It's fun!!!! It's
joyful!!! And it's affirming of that little girl within us. Having said
all of this, I must say that for me personally, this experience is NOT
about the crown. The crown is a representation of the distinguished
title that is held. It is symbolic of the responsibilities that come
with holding a title. It is meant to be worn with integrity and respect.
And meant to be worn with humility, honor and pride. It is an honor I
hold in high esteem and that I take very seriously,.
Risk~"Being
willing to take a risk is an ESSENTIAL element to innovation,
creativity and entrepreneurship. Risk requires guts, passion, and the
willingness to fail and try again." I had no idea how this risk would
and will turn out when I said yes to this opportunity. Because of my
passion for life, I was willing to take this risk to learn, to grow, to
experience. I absolutely love life, and I'm willing to get out of my box
and take risks such as, compete in a pageant. My attitude is, "I'm
already a winner" BECAUSE I did take this risk. With the support and
acceptance of my family, I have been able to continue to move forward.
The excitement and enthusiasm overrides any fear to risk!
Yourself~BE
YOURSELF!!! Well it's a good thing I don't know how to be anyone else!!
As women, many times we tend to compare our insides with others
outsides. Comparing how we feel with how they look. Feelings of
inadequacy would surface, feelings of insecurities would grow, and then
we become emotional wrecks, doubting ourselves. And then we'd quit. My
lessons have brought me to the place of self acceptance as I am today.
To accept ALL of me, where I am now, has enabled me to encourage
genuinely, sincerely, and get excited for others, without any threat of
self-doubt. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, my passion is to
teach and inspire women to be all that they can be, learning to accept
themselves as they are, believing that they too have self-worth with a
purpose!
I have had such an amazing experience as Mrs.
Wichita, then Mrs. Kansas. I don't know how the National Pageant will
turn out, and quite frankly, my focus is on the journey itself, not the
destination. What I do know is when I step out on that stage, I am
representing the wonderful state of Kansas and all those that believe in
me. Everything that I have done to prepare me for this event have been
life changing. Pageantry is certainly the best "text" book in any
classroom that I have studied.
Thank you to Gary, my
husband who has stood with me through this adventure that neither one of
us imagined. My kids, Michael, Christopher and Alicia. Your belief in
me has kept me going when I wasn't sure I could do it. My sponsors have
been incredibly generous: Top Master Inc., Dress Barn, Platinum Hair
Salon, Sunny Lane Cleaning Service, Iseman Photography, Shotwell
Photography, Foggy Bottom, Beyond the Window, Realty World, Wichita
State University's costume shop, Fred Shanks, Jan Utter, Deb Reinink,
and many more, Thank you!
Posts
my wings and senior pin
the BEST airline EVER!!
in action!
