Now, I don't know about you all but I don't necessarily hear a lot about pageants. Most people were incredibly supportive of my first pageant. Turns out they were supportive me going after my goals and dreams and not necessarily doing a pageant. After Miss Washington USA 2015, any mention of another pageant has put most of those I keep company with on edge. They don't necessarily say anything but the looks, those side glances, the slightly dropped jaw, all of it; all of it sets me on edge. What do people hate or feel negatively about pageants? I honestly don't know them all. What I want to discuss is why I'm choosing to do another.
I had a lot of post-pageant turbulence in terms of my emotions. After not making finals, I wasn't sure pageants were for me. After the pageant and being dead on my feet and having quite a few disappointments, I didn't think pageants were for me. Within about 2 days, I couldn't stop thinking about it! I had met so many wonderful women and experienced so many things, how can I describe it all?? So how about a nifty little chart to get us going?
I had a lot of post-pageant turbulence in terms of my emotions. After not making finals, I wasn't sure pageants were for me. After the pageant and being dead on my feet and having quite a few disappointments, I didn't think pageants were for me. Within about 2 days, I couldn't stop thinking about it! I had met so many wonderful women and experienced so many things, how can I describe it all?? So how about a nifty little chart to get us going?
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To put it simply, participating in Miss Washington USA was one of the most reaffirming things I've ever done for my worth. I didn't win anything so don't think that I'm putting my worth in the hands of others. By going on stage, dancing, speaking, strutting in a bikini, and hearing my special facts all at one time reaffirmed how awesome I truly was. I had done something crazy and amazing. I am not always confident. I am not always body positive. The environment the pageant directors had created made it so all of that was possible! There were so many girls providing help and words of encouragement you couldn't but help feel yourself rise to the occasion. We all need that. Women and girls are constantly being belittled about their appearance and worth because of their actions but here is an event where we go to get judged and those that win nothing still leave with more confidence and self-worth than they came! Why isn't that positive?
I am proud of who I am. I am proud of how far I've come. I celebrate my worth by doing what makes me feel confident and strutting in a bikini while Miss Washington USA reads my "fun fact" makes me feel like a goddess. Trust me though, my body is not that of the average bikini model and that's what makes it wonderful.
I am proud of who I am. I am proud of how far I've come. I celebrate my worth by doing what makes me feel confident and strutting in a bikini while Miss Washington USA reads my "fun fact" makes me feel like a goddess. Trust me though, my body is not that of the average bikini model and that's what makes it wonderful.
I've applied for another pageant (another post) and I have learned so much about myself and what I want to make me feel like another pageant will continue to help me mentally, physically, and professionally. I am doing another one for me; and no one has the right to take that away from me. I won't let anyone "steal my thunder".