Why I Am a Proud Former

As I sat and watched Miss America Sunday night I was appalled by some talent, horrified by some dress choices, and confused by some on-stage questions, but I was ecstatic and that outpouring of love and congratulations when Miss NY was crowned. You see, that is what its all about.

Sure, you want to win and wear the ultimate crown and there can be some caddiness backstage, but at the end of the day only one woman walks away with the title, but the other 52 contestants walk away with a lifetime of memories and friendships that will endure. My watching partner Sunday turned to me and said, "are they really happy for her? I mean are yall really friends?"

I chuckled and instantly replied yes! Those women become your best friends, bridesmaids, godmothers, they are your sisters, not just for a week, but a lifetime. Yes, I competed for a change to walk across the Miss America stage, but I kept competing and continue to be involved because of jewels that are the women, former, present and future who will become a part of the sisterhood of pageantry. I competed and will always support the system because of this:

but more importantly because of this:

 

So call it what you like, beauty pageant, bunch of crap, but today, tomorrow, forever... pageants will always be a part of me and I would not change it for the world.

Once a Crownhead, Always a Crownhead

Miss USA Crown

I guess it should have shocked me more than when I looked at my mornings "news" aka my most followed blogs, it came as no surprise to see another former queen in the news. For those of you who have missed this gem, former Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih was allegedly arrested last night under Michigan's "super-drunk" law. This reminds me that once you  have worn the crown, regardless of which one, it stays proverbially on your head.

Let this be a gentle reminder that someone is always watching you. (Maybe not Santa Claus) Perhaps they will not catch you every moment when you are not acting in the most noble or ladylike fashion, but they see and hear. I could sit here and list a litany of beauty queens who behaved less than desirably, but what good would that do, except rehash their imperfections and not allow them to move one.

But this lesson expands to more than the pageant world. In fact, in every phase of life someone is there watching over you, making sure you are doing the right thing and making a good impression, building a good reputation for yourself. Each contact you make in life, each action you chose to take, reflects on the person you are, or who you chose to portray. For example, this morning one of my colleagues sent out an email asking about the reputation of three mediators. You would be amazed at the responses. Funny as they are to lawyers, the reputation of one of the mediators on this list is less than desirable. (Needless to say, this particular mediator will probably not be getting anymore work from out firm).

Remember the mantra your mother or father preached at your to mind your p's and q's? ( I mean what the heck are your p's and q's anyway?) Well, they were right. It's just a reminder to act how your want to be remembered. Leave the right impression. Yes, we all  have bad days and can say some spiteful things, but for the most part, the person who received that tongue-lashing probably did nothing to deserve. Just the same as teens and young adults all have the days where they are rebellious and experiment. I'm not telling you to be perfect, because no one can. What I am saying is that everyone wears a crown so to speak.

People will judge you in every profession, job, club, school, etc.. you get the point. So, always be the best representative of you, your family, your profession, etc... Walk around everyday like you have a crown on your head. Make every day count, and be remembered not for the mistakes you make, but for 1) how you handle them, 2) how you overcome them, and 3) how you avoid them. It does not matter which "crown" you wear, just remember how you want to be remember. ~The Illegal Blonde

Crown of Thorns



Miss America Crown