It was March of 2011 and I was in Austin, Texas with my family on spring break. We were traveling and I received a phone call from Sherri Litton. She had said "So many people have recommended that you to enter this pageant, will you join us?" as I sat in silence I looked over at my husband and I could read his face. I knew exactly what he was thinking. "How in the world would I fit one more thing into my schedule?" For some reason something was pulling at me to say "YES!"...so I did! I said yes and I never looked back.
What is important to note here is that I had been contemplating this decision for a few years. In 1993 I was Miss Kansas Teen USA. I tied for 13th place at Miss Teen USA and then that was the last of my pageant days accept for running once for Miss Kansas. I did not judge a pageant or even go to one after that. I was so far removed from this world that I wasn't sure if I would know what to do.
I decided to enter for many reasons that I am willing to share with all of you. In 1993 after winning Miss. Kansas Teen USA, no one knew how that moment completely altered my life forever. I lived in a very small town in Kansas and I was seeking more. I was a dreamer. I had to be. I lived in a car with my mom off and on as a kid and even after winning Miss. Kansas TEEN no one knew that mom, my sisters and I were living in government housing. merely surviving off of $350 a month. I pretended we had it all together. Often times never facing who I "really" was. I would mold myself into being what I thought the world wanted me to be. I dreamed of one day having a peaceful and harmonious life. I believed that if any one knew of my pain, I would not be accepted and therefore not loved.
We all know that this is far from the truth. But I did have a false perception of what I believed my reality should be. Competing in Mrs. Kansas gave me an opportunity to come back and be my truest most authentic self. No rehearsed answers. No stage performance. I wanted to express my inner beauty and by the selection of my wardrobe I hope that it best represented who I was on this inside too. That was my goal. To have fun, meet some wonderful women and if given the opportunity, change one of their lives. I was not emotionally attached to the outcome. I believed whatever was suppose to happen would and it did...
After modeling and acting in California I settled down with the love of my life in Kansas. Fourteen hard earned years later we are going strong with three amazing boys. I run a multi-million dollar international sales team, produce movies, write books and speak alot. My goal is to touch as many lives as I can through as many vehicles as I can. God did not give me the adversity he did to not enlighten others to overcome their own weaknesses to become something greater.
Competing for Mrs. United States is a door for me to touch more lives. To give more of myself and my story to millions of others. I do not seek a title or the recognition. However, I do realize that in today's society titles have become a way of life. It's important that I express to all of of my followers here on this blog that if you wish to gain more happiness, it mustn't be gained with more money, more recognition or more material accumulations. True joy is found by the how we leave other people feeling when we leave a room. True happiness is felt by the time you spent with the one you loves the most. True happiness is felt by sharing a smile with a stranger and anonymously giving from your heart because that is just who you are..
I encourage every woman to enter a pageant. Why? Because had I not entered 17 years ago, I would not be the woman I am today. Being in the pageant helped me to gain confidence and believe that I can do anything in this world that I set my mind to. If you are feeling lost, scared, confused...please do yourself a favor and start having fun, set a goal to enter a pageant and make your goal to win but don't let it be your everything. By entering you are already a winner. By entering you get to work towards a goal that will take you to eve greater heights that maybe you never would have climbed before.
I believe in you and I send you an immense amount of love, energy and encouragement. When in doubt or when worried, count your blessings and pay gratitude. Today can be the day that you decide to live your very best life.
Carpe Diem
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