Selecting Your Platform

As the 2011 state pageants are quickly approaching, I have been asked by many contestants as to how they should select their platform. Many contestants, such as myself, have had their platforms select them - but in the event that God has blessed you with many opportunities in which to spread your message, there are some important factors to consider...

Most importantly, your platform should represent you and what you believe in. Never select a platform because you feel it will assist you in winning the title or because it seems like the popular platform to choose. You need to do some soul searching because, as I tell my queen's, if you win your title you will be speaking on this issue for 365 days. It needs to be something that you are passionate about and that you can sit down and talk to a complete stranger about with the knowledge and conviction that you can help them in some manner. In other words.. come from a place of contribution. This is important with anything you do in life!

When I decided to compete for Mrs. International 2006, my biggest fear was that I would have to speak about something that nearly destroyed me which was the death of my mom from breast cancer. She fought a long and hard battle and still "lost" but I was determined that her death would not be in vain. Because of this, I had to muster the strength to look complete strangers in the eyes and educate them about the importance of breast cancer awareness and how to detect it early. I knew that this message would be the hardest thing I would ever do, so I spent my reign as Mrs. International 2006 using my pain, fear, and pride in my mom's battle to help me spread this message. The more I spoke about it, the easier it became - until I visited the cancer treatment centers and looked into the eyes of children, men and women fighting for their lives against the face of cancer. If you would have asked me in 2004 when my mom lost her battle if I would be speaking to people about this disease, I would have told you that you were crazy - there was no possible way I could speak about something so personal. In 2006, my platform pulled me out of my depression and took me on a journey that to this day is still having me speak to women about the importance of breast health and early detection.

My mom loved pageants and even competed in them herself. I think she would have been proud in the arena in which I chose to spread her message of hope. So, when you think about your platform now... ask yourself... "If I could change the world one person at a time, what would I do" and from there - your platform will choose you. Good luck and keep reaching for your dreams!

The Positive Side of Mental Preparation!

In the two years that I have been blessed to be a Pageant Coach, I feel the most important thing I can teach my Queen's is to honor their instinct and their hearts. What does this mean? When I first do my consultations, I explain to them that they each need to focus on the positive energy and refrain from the negative energy. This negative energy can completely negate any of the positive we have been working on. I try to teach my Queens' the importance of gratitude and doing exercises first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to sleep. These exercises will help you focus on the wonderful things in your life to be grateful for; and gratitude breeds more things to be grateful for so the positive energy in your life expands - replacing the negative.

Every night before I go to sleep and every morning when I awake, I thank God for my blessings. I FEEL the gratitude while thanking for all the love, dreams, and miracles in my life. Every morning, before I even step out of my bed, again I begin my day with an attitude of gratitude and FEEL the love and energy before I step out of bed. I feel this helps bring more positive energy into my life, while I am truly giving thanks for all that I am feeling blessed for.

People laugh that I am too positive and don't pay much attention to the negative. As contestants, you need to focus on that which brings you joy and happiness because the pageant world can be filled with negative energy from individuals who have not yet learned to focus on the good in their life. Stay focused on your dreams and goals, and only associate with those who share your outlook in life. Refrain from any negative people, message boards, and organizations, and you will see your life transform to where you will find more and more things to be grateful for!

Keep reaching for your dreams and don't ever let anyone tell you what you cannot do! You are in control of your life and the only way someone can take a dream away from you is if you hand it to them. Cherish your dreams and if a group of judges say "no" to your dream, then find another group who will say "yes."

Suzy Bootz Clients - Mrs. International 2010 Pageant!