Her Boots

How many of you had ever made an assumption based on what you see on social media or by first impressions? I feel that sometimes it’s as though God puts someone in your life to make you reconsider and change all of those assumptions. They say it all the time, never judge a book by the cover, yet constantly first impressions are often what dominates our thoughts, perception, and future interactions in any moment. Now with the increased use of social media we keep becoming presented with perfection, schmooze, or any ideal that has been created by social media.

This past weekend I had the honor of spending time with some incredible women – many of whom, initially I had misjudged. I competed in my first pageant last year and now this being my second time, I would think I have the hang of it – but I am still trying to wrap my head around everything. I have always wanted a voice – and one to be heard. I researched many pageants and found my home in the Pennsylvania International Pageant system to find a family of Directors, women, and their families.

When I started to look at the women competing, before even meeting them, I was blown away by all of the amazing work they were doing and am still inspired to be like them. I will say intimidate but also hesitant to know if they were real or just being fake with their kindness and generosity. I, at times, have a very hard time trusting people and their true intentions – blame it on my past, societal norm, what have you – I know it shouldn’t be there, but I think many of us walk around with a wall to protect our own vulnerabilities. It’s hard letting people in.

2020 was my first pageant – when meeting the other contestants I only really allowed myself to open up to a select few. Although it was a small circle, they made me realize pageants aren’t all just pomp and ceremony. These pageants are a masterpiece of art; showcasing the hard work, determination, and generosity of the women who enter. I will attest to the big pageant hair, makeup, dresses, and wardrobe changes – but what woman doesn’t love to feel beautiful or get pampered?

Let me tell you, many people still have this perception of pageant women and them being one secular type – all about big hair and the latest fashion trend. Let me break that now – these women are full-time career driven women, with families, members of local boards or committees, helping pass bills in Congress. These women ARE the type of women we should be idolizing – they have beauty, grace, are intelligent, kind, and for lack of better words… are bad ass!

This year, I pride myself that I honed in on “my craft” and I worked very hard to showcase the change I would like to see in the world. I went into this past weekend with some reservations (again – you would think I would learn) and was completely blown away. One woman in particular has sincerely and utterly changed me. She is a true testament to what women should idolize. Not only is she absolutely gorgeous inside and out, she has the kindest heart and does so many things for others – I really don’t know where she finds the time in the day.

Having an ileostomy didn’t prevent her from going out there and killing it. She walked out onto that stage colostomy bag accessorized and shined like a star. We need more women like her.

Now I am only referring to my own insecurities, as I really worry about what others think of me all too often; but the courage she has to really expose every ounce of who she is and champion for others – there is no touching that. Not to mention she was literally in the hospital for three days before the pageant, walked out like a boss, and drove on with her life. I want to share my own life lesson from her because I think there is something to be said for a woman to look something she perceives, or society rather, in the eye, and give it a big “F” you – carry on, and still be ever so demure, classy, and humble. She is the face of what a pageant queen is. She is the face of what I hope to become; a proud, humble, and generous warrior that gives back to others and asks for nothing in return.

The message here to you my friends and one I will have, now and forever, don’t let societal images, nah-sayers, or old ideologies deter you from achieving your greatness. You’re beautiful no matter what God blesses you with – he has given us and tested us so that we can rise above and champion for others.

~ Amanda ~

#mrsstatecollegeinternational #herstory #womensupportingwomen