"But life inevitably throws us curve balls, unexpected circumstances that remind us to expect the unexpected. I've come to understand these curve balls are the beautiful unfolding of both karma and current."
Where do I even begin? I haven't blogged in awhile. This is a time of my life where I should be blogging constantly to remember the adventure that I have just begun. So let's just say I'm turning over a new leaf and beginning not only my life as Miss Georgia, but my life as a blogger.
As many of you know, I was crowned Miss Georgia this June. The day I was crowned was when my life changed forever. If I remember correctly, I slept all of about 30 minutes that night. But let's be real, who could sleep after something like that? Thankfully the next day I was able to take an hour nap after interviews in Columbus. It's hard to remember everything that happened the final night of Miss Georgia. I was extremely calm. That's when I knew everything was going to be ok. I knew I would be ok if I went home as Miss Georgia or remain Miss Atlanta. I knew that I had done everything in my power to become Miss Georgia. The rest was left up to God. It was by no means an easy journey this year as Miss Atlanta. I had to go through the dreaded time of not knowing what happens after college. The unknown is a scary thing. But like I said, that's when you leave it up to God. Graduating from college mixed with pressure that I put on myself to do well at Miss Georgia almost ruined my chance. I wanted to be perfect so bad that I was not allowing myself to be... well, myself. I felt defeated after almost every mock interview and could not figure out why I wasn't connecting with the judges. I recently had a conversation with a very special person about how my experience can be compared to the psychological aspect of sports. You can't physically perform to the best of your ability if you don't have the right mindset. Once I let go of all the negativity and all the pressure I had put on myself, I knew everything would fall into place. I thought to myself, "Why am I worried? God has already worked everything out. It's already decided." That was my comfort throughout the entire week of Miss Georgia. Why should I be worried about something that has already been decided?
And so it happened... I am so humbled and honored. There are really no other words to describe how I feel. I have the opportunity to share my story and passions with so many people across the state and country. It's hard to believe the overweight 12 year old girl I once was is about to compete for the title of Miss America. I wouldn't change what I've been through. I wouldn't change the fact I was overweight and bullied. I wouldn't change any rough time in my life. It made me who I am today. It also has given me the opportunity to be an example to other people who may be going through the same thing. You can get through it, you will get through it, and you will accomplish what you set your mind to. Life isn't easy, but that's what makes it so rewarding. I am thrilled about my year to come as Miss Georgia. September will be here before we know it. On September 15th I will become Miss America or I will come home the next day as Miss Georgia. Either one is ok with me. God already has that one decided, too. His plan is great and I can't wait to see what it is.
Before I end my first blog post I want to thank some people who have already impacted my life as Miss Georgia...
- W.C. Webb at the Parlor Boutique in Albany
- John Siggers for taming this hair of mine and always making sure I look my best
- Keith Pittman at Lating Impressions for the incredible wardrobe that I have already been blessed to wear. I have felt like a rockstar.
- Scott Marchbanks at Frills and Fancies... Where do I even begin? You have already spoiled me and I can't wait to make the trip to Statesboro to visit your amazing shop
- Matt and Meredith Boyd for my incredible head shots! You two are absolutely amazing. They turned out better than I could have ever imagined!
- Stephen Smith with Viva Fitness. You are more than a trainer... you are an incredible friend and thank you for pushing me to always be the best I can be.
- Thomas Barnette... you are part of the reason I am who I am today. Thank you for always believing in me.
- Kirsten White... thank you for making me feel fabulous. I can't wait to spend even more time together at Miss America!
- Randall Smith for my alterations and my fabulous outfit that I will be wearing on the boardwalk at Miss America!
- Kia and Mr. Braun... I have already put over 2,000 miles on my car. Your support of the MGO is appreciated more than you will ever know! I love my car!
- The entire Miss Georgia Board... thank you for already being so supportive and there for me whenever I need anything. I have already had the pleasure of spending time with most of you but I can't wait to spend time with those I haven't quite gotten to know.
- My friends and family... there are too many to name but your support has meant more than you will ever know. I pray that I show you the exact same love. Thank you a million!
- Leighton Jordan, thank you for being an incredible role model to me. I know I have huge shoes to fill. You have blessed my life in so many ways and I am so thankful that we were able to become close this year. You were an amazing, amazing, amazing Miss Georgia and touched the lives of so many people... including mine.
- I'm sure I have forgotten someone. There are so many people who have touched my life this year before and after Miss Georgia. Please know that I am forever grateful and that I never get much sleep. I promise I'll be well rested by September ;)
I have already experienced so many great things in the past three weeks. I attended the Miss Florida pageant, have already started extensive work with my platform of Heart Health and Heart Safety, have had countless interviews, sang the National Anthem at the Braves game (whatttt!!!! dream come true)... while meeting incredible people along the way... I can't wait to see what's next! I have so much more that I want to write about but I'll let this be my first post. Until next time... Jeremiah 29:11
