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

The Invisible Viewer...

My life has been an amazing blessing of a whirlwind this past week. I really can not describe my gratitude for the love and support shown by so many. But I did not want to write a post simply to tell you about my life and adventures but rather I wanted to write a message to the invisible viewer.

I have been humbled with the opportunity to have so many people share their own personal life stories and struggles. Many people have had health and fitness questions (which I am eager to address in future blogs) and yet I have also had an overwhelming amount of people share their stories of being bullied, fighting to lose weight, and so many people have shared that they have gone through life feeling "invisible".

As I read every email, tweet, and Facebook message... my heart broke. I realized that there are so many people going through life feeling invisable and I wanted to take time to encourage you. Each of us has a purpose and although not everyday is easy take comfort in knowing that it will get better.

It is said in the pageant community that "The crown gives us an opportunity to share our voice". I would like to dedicate the rest of my year as Miss South Texas to those who feel invisable and just know that my crown will represent YOUR voice.  Your stories have inspired me in more ways than you can imagine and I am forever changed for the better by what you all have shared with me. I look forward to continuing this journey with you. 

With all my love, 

KK 

      

How to make cardio not so miserable:

2 minutes and 27 seconds into cardio I get bored here are my top 5 ways to make the time fly: 

1. Bring a friend- having someone else to talk to can make the time fly by. This also gives you the opportunity to not only get caught up with your cardio buddy but someone to hold you accountable to finishing. 

2. YouTube- I love YouTube. One of my favorite things to do is look up inspirational speeches, sermons, or songs to keep me going

3. Playlist- an awesome playlist can make your workout much more enjoyable. Find one that channels your current mood and get after it! 

4. Audio book- I love listening to books on tape. Listen to one that makes you want to hear more this will give you something to look forward to when you hit the gym. 

5. TV Show- do you have a show you watch weekly? Try watching it at the gym. That kills two birds with one stone and you will find yourself finished with that elliptical in no time! 

I hope these tips help your cardio session and your one step closer to your fitness goals! 

6 steps to a smile

First of all I am fully aware and sorry I have been so behind on my blog. I have so much I have learned over the past few months that I can't wait to share! I have Ben devoting most my writing energy my book that will be out in a few months but I am committing to sharing with you what's been going on in my life and things that I have been learning... Ok let's dive in shall we?

Life can be hard. I have learned that as I steps into the "real world" I am faced with less "dream big" attitudes and more "get back to work" attitudes. This got me down. I started thinking that there had to be more to life than just a paycheck? I lost sight of some goals, dreams, and some of my spark and for a moment I think the pressure of a new job mixed with the unfamiliar feeling of a new city made me forget how to smile. I started thinking and I realized I am where I am for a reason and so are you! Since my lull I came up with 7 ways or being back your smile:

1) Believe in the impossible. 

When we expect the worse, we usually get the worst. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. We get exactly what we expect to get–good or bad. Being open to possibilities  allows us to be open to new opportunities, experiences and ultimately successes. But, it starts with getting out of our comfort zone, taking a risk and opening ourselves up to the possibility that we might fail. But the rewards are much greater.

2) Kind is the new cool.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." 

Proverbs 31:30 

A fit body is certainly something to be admired. But it’s the heart of the person with it that matters most. Kindness will take you way further than 6-pack abs ever could in terms of business, interpersonal relationships, trust and respect. A snob with a bangin’ body is still a snob.

3) Be aware of worst-case scenario, but don’t expect it.

There’s a difference between understanding what could go wrong and simply assuming it’ll go wrong. It’s important to mentally put yourself in the worst-case scenario simply to see that you can, indeed, handle it. It’s never fun of course, but it’s doable. Once you understand that, it gives you permission to put yourself out there. 

4) Take responsibility 

For everything–good and bad–that happens. When we don’t take responsibility, we are stuck with no actionable steps to take, because we are waiting on someone else to step up. Stop waiting on others or for circumstances to be just right, and do something now. Anything. Solutions are yours to be acted upon.I was once told that if you are siting there thinking "someone should do something about...(fill in the blank)" then that someone is YOU! 

5) pick confidence.

Yes, it’s a choice. And it takes practice to develop, but you need to start somewhere. Try something. Get better at it and build confidence. Ask, “Why not me?” and go for it. Yes, there is always risk in putting yourself out there. But the risk of not trying is greater. “When you have confidence you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things” –Joe Namath

6) If you hate it, then it's not for you

I hear all the time people complaining about how they hate what is going on in their life. While life can't be sunshine and rainbows everyday, it can be a good life everyday. We spend so much time doing things we dislike we loose sight of our dreams, goals, and what we truly desire. Each of us has a unique purpose all our own. Your calling was created for you and will be something that may not always be easy but it WILL be worth it. 

3 ways to be FIT and Fashionable at the gym

While most people may laugh at the thought of focusing on fashion in the gym, I embrace it! Now yes I am very girly but it goes deeper than the glitter in my veins. A few years ago when I was at the gym I noticed if I liked what I was wearing and felt good about myself then I would workout longer and give more effort. The same is true to this day, when I like what I'm wearing I tend to push myself more and stick it out rather than try and get it over with quickly to avoid anyone seeing my oversized church camp tshirt with stains from 1998. Here are 3 ways you can be on trend and help get the most out of your workout:

1. Leggings with sizzle: leggings are still hot in fashion and great in the gym. Finding a patterned,textured, or bright colored legging will give your gym look an extra punch. I also love leggings because they are snug but still comfortable. If I am wearing baggy pants I can sometimes use that as an excuse to not work as hard because they keep sliding down. With the right leggings you not only look fabulous but have one less excuse to work hard! 

Budget Tip: look in the juniors section at places like TJ Maxx and Marshall's for your unique leggings. I have found everything from cheetah to sequins leggings that were under 10 bucks and I always get compliments on them! 

2. Headbands: I hate having my hair fall in front of my face while trying to workout! Throw on a cute head band to keep those loose hairs back and give your hairstyle a little personality. 

Budget tip: go to places like Sam Moon where you can get a whole bag of multicolor headbands  for around 9 bucks. 

3. Get the right kicks: the right pair of athletic shoes is vital for your workout. It's important for not only style but safety as well. You can add a statement with a colorful pair of tennis shoes and keep those feet in perfect condition! 

Budget Tip: Can't afford new running shoes? No worries! Head to your local wal mart and even some Dollar Tree stores to find neon and multicolor shoelaces to revamp your tennis shoe look! 

Hope this keeps you fashion forward and fabulous!! 

Love, 

Keli K. 

HOUSTON we have a... new RESIDENT?

As some of you may know, I have been interviewing with a company called Cintas for serval months now. I started the interview process before I even graduated and I ad a good feeling about it. The job is basically dressing luxury hotel employees from the front of the house to the back. I love the hospitality field, fashion, and communications so this really seemed like the perfect opportunity but there was one pressing issue... Houston... Now nothing against my Houston friends but I have always been a Dallas girl plus I know nothing about Houston PLUS I know maybe five people who live there. This made it extremely difficult to decide on what to do. However, in the back of my mind I thought "this is too big girl for me, they want experience." Well thank you Miss America Organization for developing my interview skills! During the process I realized that because of pageants I was not only able tointerview well   but be confident enough in myself to know that I could do this job and do it well!  After receiving the  offer it has been days full of emotional roller coasters. One part of me would be exited at the thought of a new challenge and that thrill of the unknown of what could be but the other part of me has been terrified... How am I going to meet people? What church will I go to? How am I going to leave my family? Who will be my friends? My mom suggested I reach out to the The Little Couple from the TLC show or Beth Moore cause the seem like nice people... thanks mom... The other part of the fear was is this job really what God had for me? I have always had that urgency to use the talents God had given me and not settle for anything less. This was not on my radar at all. I have realized though that first, this is a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity and secondly that when I take a step back it is clear that I am fully equipped to do this "big girl" job. It utilizes the talents that The Lord has given me and for that I am extremely comforted in knowing that it is right. Scared doesn't even begin to express my feelings going into this journey. Generations and growing up have been on my mind lately as I enter this next chapter in my life. I see how quickly generations come and go and am reminded of when the Bible talks about David. It says in Acts 13:36 "Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation,  he fell asleep..." Each of use has a purpose in this generation that God instructs and organizes. Sometimes it may seem unclear or not what you had planned but thats where our faith steps in. Observe what is in front of you and ask yourself "did God equip me with what I need to be victorious in the end?" "does this utilize the talents He has given me?" if the answer is yes... Get ready, take a step forward, and Houston here we come!  

love always, 

Keli K.

Attitude Check!

I have been thinking on attitude and the impressions we make on others lately. I have noticed that a bad attitude is like when you spill a container of powdered glitter, as soon as it hits the ground the whole room is somehow now covered in it! Your attitude directly influences those around you. I believe that a persons attitude is their logo, it is how they are recognized, identified, and a direct reflection of what you represent.
Now we have the choice to create or recreate our "logo". You determine your attitude based on the perspective you have of your surroundings. In relation to fitness I have noticed that the days I walk in to the gym and I am already telling myself that I am too tired or this is a waste or I just don't want to be here, then I have a bad workout every single time. The problem is usually not my actual physical capabilities of having a good workout but rather the the attitude I have has prepare me to have a great workout.
The same can be true of relationships in your life. You know that friend you have that when they walk in the room you want to run the other way cause you know what they have to say will be negative? I think that the problem is not just their attitude but how much they value themselves. While my life is not always glitter and lipstick and I too have my days where I just want to vent to the world but I value myself, my image, and those around me enough to have an optimistic approach to life.
How do we do this?
You start by knowing yourself and whatever it is that gives you a bad attitude then kick it to the curb! For me I need coffee and a quick quiet time in the morning to help me remember who I serve and who I am truly working for. Without the combo of caffeine and Jesus you might as well just avoid me like a bad haircut! I know this because I know me. Know yourself and give yourself the gift of having a great attitude!

love always,
Keli K.

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi