I believe that we each make a difference one person at a time, and I think all too often we as individuals underestimate our power to change the course of a person's goals just by how we approach everyone we come into contact with on a daily basis. How many people have you been approached by throughout your journey towards pageantry, career, or goals in general who have either said or done something that has enhanced your belief in your own ability, or negated it through their words or reaction to you? The human spirit is so incredibly frail and so powerful in the same right. Because I was born an eternal optimist, my response to everyone's dreams has been "why not?" Why would you not be able to achieve that promotion? Why wouldn't you get into the school that you want, and why would you not be able to achieve the title that you are working so hard to attain?
These past few weeks has been such a blessing and a time of learning about myself, and as I work with my beautiful state and national contestants preparing them to achieve their dreams I realize that they believe in me as much as I believe in them. I have a beautiful friend who I met when we were auditioning for a modeling competition. Although she has only spent minimal time with me, we were able to grow our friendship into something I truly cherish. Several weeks ago, she called me and asked me to be a part of a Celebrity Gifting Suite at the Superbowl because she believed in me and my jewelry line so much that she wanted to help me grow my business. Her belief in me has opened so many doors of opportunity since the Superbowl that I have to ask myself if I am dreaming! Because one person believed in the power of my dreams enough, many more of my dreams are coming true!
As so many state pageants are coming upon us in just a few short weeks, it is important to ask yourself what you ultimate dream is and see the end from the beginning. There are so many people who will not understand your ultimate goal, and it is my belief that you never need to justify your dreams to another person -just realize that you have everything you need within yourself to make your own dreams come true. You don't need their permission or approval - just belief in yourself. When you're sitting in front of these judges and your hands begin to sweat, your heart begins to race, and your feet just want to run as fast as possible out of that interview room and stage - stop and ask yourself, "what is my dream?" Look out into the audience filled with the beautiful faces who all believe in you and realize that the one person looking back at you from your group of supporters, believes in you enough to be there, and the doors of opportunity are going to swing wide open. Realize that the one judge, contestant, or child in the elevator that you encounter may just be the butterfly that you will send fluttering across the world, and that you have the power to change the world - one person at a time. Here's to making all of your dreams come true!
