I’m taking a Year Break from Pageants?

I love pageants. Everyone who knows me should know that. But this year, I might actually sit out on it for two main reasons.

1. I’m working full-time. I have a full-time job and a part time where I work anywhere from 60-90 hours a week. I want to save up enough of my own money so one day I can own my own business and building. I want to be financially independent and I do not want to rely on my parents on everything I need to become an adult. Ideally, the goal is for me to have enough money to also be able to take care of them in the future (but right now we are taking baby steps!) I’m looking to compete in a pageant I can do on a weekend, that is fun, rewarding, and a great experience to help me get out in the community. If anyone knows of any in the Miami area, please let me know! I just don’t have the time right now to take 3 days or more for a pageant competition.
2. I need to take care of myself. Pageants aren’t as fun when you become fixated on the competition and worrying too much about what everyone thinks of you. I know I am the eco-friendly, event planning, volunteer service gal, but I want to confident competing in a pageant without my accolades and accomplishments defining me and who I am as a person. I know I am capable and deserving of a title, but I can’t be so hard on myself. I can’t crash diet all the healthy foods in two months, but ACTUALLY have to be someone who works out everyday. I can’t ask my mom to buy me new gowns, pay for coaching, and for the entry fees, I need to be able to pay for it myself as an investment for my own self growth. There is so much right now that I want to improve on before I feel ready for my next pageant. I’ve competed so long as a teenager, that I need to go in there as a strong, confident woman (who can pull off a model smirk).

But don’t worry, I love them too much not to quit cold turkey. I will return, I just want to when I’m stronger mentally and physically!

This post was originally from misselizabethtran.wordpress.com and transferred over to Lashes and Sashes