I've been competing in pageants for 8 years and counting, in that time I've learned a lot about myself, I've achieved so much more than I could ever dream of and met some incredible souls along the at. This blog piece is all about what pageantry has taught me over the years;
Strength
It's no secret that I have struggled before with my mental health, in fact it's through pageantry that I really get to talk about promote my platform of mental health, encouraging others to embrace their flaws and seek help. I first started pageants coming out of an abusive relationship with no self confidence, and as I started taking part I realised that there were so many incredible woman in this world making a difference, it wasn't just based on how beautiful you are, but how beautiful your personality was as well! I also dealt with my fiancé leaving me 6 months before the wedding, after making me give up pageantry for him, instead he chose to cheat making me lose my home, fight for my dog and change my career choice. Also becoming pregnant and dealing with bullying, pageants have helped me find my inner strength to keep my crown held high and deal with all these issues head on with a smile on my face! There are so many pageant girls who have gone through so much behind closed doors but remember I am always here to talk to!
Confidence
If you had told me that 8 years ago I would of walked in front of hundreds of people in a bikini or have to deliver a speech in front of crowds, to be interviewed in the papers and radios and have a full size image of myself on a building I would of laughed for a solid week. My first ever pageant I remember my arm never left my hip, and now I coach girls how to win at interviews and perfect their walk. I've gone from being a recluse to still being a recluse but travelling miles and miles, writing blogs and doing pageant videos, as well as win myself a place at YAMI in Texas to competing internationally!!! I took a career change from childcare to personal trainer and never looked back, giving me a job I truly enjoyed, from teaching classes to helping clients with their fitness journey. I still get nervous all the time, but when you see me on stage or being interviewed you could never tell!!
To Embrace Yourself
I am a quirky pageant girl who loves changing her hair colour, who makes her own outfits and promotes loving your body and all the flaws it may carry! Through pageantry I have learned to embrace my weaknesses and make them my strengths. A lot of people will hide behind an act or mould themselves into what they think a pageant girl should be but that should never be the case! You should just enhance what you already have, work on making you a better person and enjoying yourself. I always put 100 per cent of myself into every pageant I have competed in, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't! It's all about finding the right system.
I loved face of the globe because I loved Disney and all the girls around it, the message it sent across. It was of course a big blow when the scandal hit and the finals never happened for those unlucky 2017 finalists but I will never let a bad experience taint my memories and I found the system that truly accepts all of me!
Sisterhood
Pageantry has given me the best friendships I could ever ask for! I have met so many special people in my journey, at finals, charity events and just through Facebook! From my amazing and inspiring Wiltshire Beauty Queens, my queen YEMI sisters, the class of 2014 and 2016 FOTG girls, my Inspiration sisters where our journeys have taken us to all different pageants but we are still so supportive of each other!! No matter what, you know these girls will help build you up, promote you, give you the tools you need to be the best you can be. I am forever thankful for all the friendships I have built up, even if we don't talk for months I know you are all still there for me! (Although the YEMI chat and WBQ chats are always daily!!)
To be charitable
A lot of people ask what pageant girls actually do apart from parade themselves on stage? Well through my years of pageantry I have raised thousands of pounds for various charities through holding events, balls, charity runs, fashion shows and abseils, not to mention a 24hour hulathon! As well as personally fundraising, I have helped at others events, attending other pageant queens events, becoming a patron and ambassador as well as taking part in campaigns like the teddy bear appeal and project code red. From giving up time to volunteer, donating items and campaigning, competing in pageants has allowed me a wider platform to be able to complete all of these charity challenges! Pageant girls do so much for charity, and even if some people think it's "just for the appearances", these girls raise so much, give up so much time and spread the awareness?! I think that is better than just wearing a crown and sash for the fun of it!
To enjoy every moment
Not every pageant goes the way you want it, you can't always be a winner, you can't always get that dress you want or travel to an event but you have to think of what you have achieved. Through pageantry I have been so blessed to travel all over the UK, I've competed at Disneyland twice, I've modelled for different companies, enjoyed pizza with the girls watching international pageants, had the chance to tell my story and inspire others to compete. I've worn amazing gowns and also showcased my own crazy creations, I've even got my own little pageant doll! These moments are the ones you truly remember and if you are lucky to have that winning moment on stage, then make sure you buy the photos and all the videos you can because when you are feeling down or not worthy, just watch those back and remember you are a queen!!
So now I take these life lessons, and put them into practice in June for YAMI! I'll have one more reason for competing, as I want to be the best pageant mumma I can be to my little Penelope (hurry up now princess!) to teach her you can achieve anything and we are all queens <3
Lots of love Hannah
Your Young European International Ms
X <3 X
Like my page on facebook: @hannahgoldingbeautyqueen
Follow me on Instagram: @yemims18
Comments
Post a Comment