Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Losing to Gain

As I am coming out of my Miss Texas, Pageant "Coma" I am still on cloud nine from how much fun I have had the past week competing for the title of Miss Texas.
While sequestered in a hotel in Richardson Texas, I took time to reflect on my pageant career and I realized just how much this organization has truly changed my life. I am not the girl I was when I first started this journey. I have pushed myself harder, set higher goals, and been places I never thought possible all because of a crown,sash, and a story.
While winning the crown is nice, it is not everything. I believe that it is what you become on the journey that truly defines who you are and not simply a end result of winning or losing. Every strenuous workout, every life altering appearance, every win, every loss, and everything in between has brought me closer to the person I am today and the person I am destined to be.

I have had the BEST organization (Miss South Texas Org) and team this year getting me prepared for Miss Texas and through them I never felt like anything was impossible. Even now those same people are all reaching out to me to build me up and give their much needed advice and wisdom.

Leslie- You are the definition of what a director should be. You encourage me, you make me laugh, you give me tough love when needed, and let me come running with any problem that comes my way. You have changed my life FOR GOOD. I love you Elphaba!

Dolores- I can't begin to express my gratitude for your love, pep talks, and support. You took my voice places I never thought possible and created the most AMAZING track ever that I am still obsessed with. Our famous pep talks and long practices trying to channel our "Judy Attitudey" is one of the highlights of my year as Miss South Texas. You are the best Mama Parks and you always have a fan and friend in me.

Mom- I could write a whole novel on just thanking you for everything you have done for me but I will keep it short and sweet: No one believes in me like you do and I could not have been blessed with a more perfect mother for my crazy life. You go out of your way to make sure I am given every opportunity and I could never repay you for all of YOUR hard work for my dreams to come true. I love you beyond measure.

Family- I have a huge family so to name each of you would take days but to my brothers, sister, aunts, cousins, and anyone else who has come to Thanksgiving dinner... Your unconditional love and support is the biggest blessing in my life. You always build me up and make me feel like your Miss America. I love each of you so much and could not begin to express how incredible it is to be in this family.

Friends- Thank you for your support this past week every post, message, card, flower, text, and phone call was needed and meant so much to me. You are what gets me through and encourage me to pursue my dreams. Thank you!!!

Christine- You are truly one of my best friends. I think I speak on behalf of us all when I say that you have taught us all a lesson in being gracious, humble, and how to be beautiful from the inside out. You are so worthy of the Miss America title. I have learned so much from you and our friendship is one of my most treasured gifts. I love you Miss America!

More exciting things happening in my life so stay tuned!
with love and gratitude,
Keli K.

"We all have something to lose in order to gain the life we were created for."-Keli Kryfko