What a Year!

The new year is now upon us and that means it's crunch time! The 2012 Mrs. Maine America competition begins exactly one month from today. On February 4th, thirteen "beautiful, extraordinary, poised and articulate" married Maine women will come together to begin interviewing for the prestigious title of Mrs. Maine 2012. All of our hard work and dedication will be exposed and celebrated with a glamorou

s traditional pageant. Words simply can't express the growth this past year has brought to my life. Being so heavily exposed to the world of non-profit work has directly impacted my decision to pursue a career in the field, and I couldnt be more excited about it!! I know that by joining this competition last year and accepting the title of Mrs. Cumberland Maine America, I opened the door to my future. The friendships I've made throughout this experience and the broad range of strength and courage I've witnessed, have made my endeavors worth every second. I can't wait to step on stage with my new friends and represent Maine on February 5th. Only one of us will be crowned, but all will walk away with so much to be grateful for.

On a lighter note...

Participating in a competition to become the absolute best “you” possible, can be purely exhausting at times. It's no secret that it takes strategy, dedication and servitude to accomplish goals. Knowing that we're making even the slightest difference

in someone’s life is our inspiration. Sometimes in addition to the inner reward we receive from working so hard for something or someone, we need to award ourselves by simply letting it all go for a moment and letting our hair down.
That's why I was so excited when the girls, (the other Mrs. Maine 2012 candidates), accepted my invitation to join me for a "Ladies Night" at my place dedicated solely to relaxing and letting loose! And, that's exactly what we did. We laughed, we shared our stories, we talked "shop", of course, but kept it light and fun. The three hours we spent together felt like three minutes! It was definitely a "To be continued..." type of event, especially since not all of the girls could make it. I needed a night like this more than I can even explain.
When you're on such an intimate and personal journey with yourself, it can be really hard to explain to others how you feel. The excitement, the fear, the joy, and the anxiety...sometimes you just end up holding it all in and forgetting to breathe. So it was wonderful to share a leisurely night with the women who are experiencing precisely the same feelings as you are.
I'm so, so happy to be participating in this amazing opportunity, and to be involved with such inspiring, caring, and REAL women. Until next time ladies....

A competition within ourselves...

Although I don’t actively seek out competitions, I will say that I’ve been known to be competitive by nature (it simply runs in my family).  This side of me lies dormant until challenged.  When a goal is set before me, whether it be physical, personal or career oriented, my power button lights up and it’s “Game on.”  However, just because I’m able to accept and conquer most challenges, it does not mean I enjoy doing it.   Some people are driven by their need to compete and win; they find it thrilling and fulfilling.  I’ll compare my feelings toward competition with my experience in sales.  I can sell, but I could live without the pressure of closing.  Knowing this about myself, I still dove head first into the Mrs. Maine Competition. 

When I decided to go for it, I made up my mind that no matter what the outcome may be, I’ll remind myself that I entered to seek new purpose, gain new experiences, meet new people, and most of all to HAVE FUN!!  I’m finding that I have to remind myself of this quite often.  The reason being, that no matter how much fun I’m having along the way, this is still indeed a competition and to actually win it takes work!  Do I think I can strut my stuff in an evening gown when the time comes?  Sure!  Actually, I can’t wait!  A Swimsuit??  I’m a  little less confident about that part, but…sure.  Am I well spoken enough to be interviewed???  Definitely.  Well..hopefully, LOL.  Now imagine if that’s all it took to win the crown!  Well for those who believed it was, prepare to be enlightened…in a good way!

                So who is Mrs. Maine?  In my opinion, yes it’s true, she is beautiful.  However, beauty emanates from within.  She is confident and poised, yet humble and approachable.  She is willing and able to fight for causes in need, and to speak out for those in search of a voice.  She’s out there making a difference in her community in some way every day.   She is happy and fulfilled in her marriage, and a rock for her family to lean on.  Overall, she represents the well rounded, accomplished, and proud Maine woman.  Now, is that me?  Am I all of those things?  I believe I am.  The problem is, I’ve also met the other girls, and I’m starting to get to know them pretty well actually, and guess what?  So are they….and then some!!!  Which leads me back to the beginning of this entry.  How can I possibly begin to compete with these women when they are all so remarkable?  When they all desire and deserve the crown as much as me?  The answer is, I can’t.   

                And luckily, I don’t have to.  For there was one piece of advice given at our first workshop,  which will stay with me throughout this entire competition.   It echoes through my brain whenever I start to feel nervous, anxious, and worst of all,  inadequate or unfit for this role.  This person said, “Look around at the women sitting next to you.  They will become lifelong friends, and you will share some of your most memorable experiences with them.  DO NOT view this as a competition between each other.  View this as a competition within yourselves.”  For me, these words hit hard, and I needed that.

First Day Jitters...

As I anxiously awaited our first Mrs. Maine workshop, my mind raced with curiosity and excitement.  I usually try not to fear the unknown, but couldn't help being a little nervous.  Until now, my association with the pageant has consisted of paperwork, and communicating regularly through email.  Today, it became reality.

As I approached our meeting location, I told myself, "This is it.  The adventure begins now and there's no turning back..so let's rock it."  I took a few breaths and rang the door bell.  I couldn't wait to meet the other girls.  Much to my assumption and delight, everyone was lovely.  The pageant staff, the other contestants, and the current Mrs. Maine, Tina Hendricks, are simply lovely.  Although it felt a bit intimidating to be in a room with so many beautiful and accomplished women at once, the mood was light and relaxed, which in turn, relaxed me.

Having finally met the Mrs. Maine 2012 players, and learned how far beyond a beauty pageant Mrs. Maine actually extends, I'm so happy with the decision I made.  This pageant is about marriage, family, community and giving back.  There will be many opportunities to participate in, or contribute to, local fundraising and community events.  I will share them as they come to me!

A compliment followed by a suggestion...

Since moving back to Maine after 8 years, I'd really started adjusting to our new life.  A new town, new home, and new career as a stay at home mom.  Having survived 2010, a year filled with unforeseen challenges, hardship and change, it felt great to finally be settling in.  After leaving a highly demanding, but fulfilling career in business management to raise my beautiful baby daughter, I was now spending my days attending play dates, and reconnecting with family and friends.  I felt peace and satisfaction. I also felt I finally had the stability I needed to venture outside my comfort zone and begin something new.  That is why, when a stranger paid me a generous compliment, followed by suggesting I enter something as prestigious as the Mrs. Maine competition, I really started thinking.  My first thoughts, of course, "Me?  LOL. Me?? I'm flattered, but ME???"  After pondering the idea for a week or so, I started to think, "Wait a minute...why NOT me?"  At the very least it would be an amazing experience and a chance to meet and connect with a wonderful group of women who may share my interests.  It could also open doors to becoming fully involved in my community and help me give back to the state which framed me.  I decided to stop thinking and jump!  I researched the organization and loved what I found.  Now, here I am, an official Mrs. Maine America candidate representing my present town of Cumberland.  I'm honored and excited to begin this journey.