IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

 

Today as I celebrate my 45th birthday, I pause to reflect on life. The world is presently battling the covid-19 pandemic and many persons have felt it in the most distressing way. Thousands have lost their jobs and several thousand more are either trying to recover from the virus or dealing with the loss of loved ones because of it.

Black people all over the world have launched protests in the age-old fight for equal rights and justice. Bearing placards that black lives and by extension every life matter.

Life can be hard. 

Having personally experienced this reality, I have found ways to circumvent it and so can you. Despite everything we still have people depending on us whether it is our kids or parents, we still need to persist and endure, if not for our sake, then for theirs.

 Late last year, I was crowned Mrs. Pennsylvania All-Star United States 2020, and just this month I walked away with the title of Mrs. All-Star United States 2020. How can this be in the heights of this pandemic? I want you to know that in life anything is possible, once you believe it, you can achieve it. So while the world kept socially distant and locked away I was busy getting closer to my goals, dreams, and aspirations. I could not pause. That is not within my nature. I simply could not fathom it. I had to make 2020 my best year yet. With my husband Terrance's support, I pushed hard and I won.

 Winning this pageant meant so much to me because it was not merely about showcasing to the world how beautiful and poised I was. Winning this pageant meant that I could serve as a beacon of hope to thousands of persons who felt hopeless. I wanted every little girl, teenager, middle-aged or elderly woman to believe in themselves. I wanted them to see that even when the world is falling apart, they can fight against the odds and survive. They can thrive. Goals can still be attained. Success is still possible and that giving up is never an option.

This is the reason why I continue to extend support to those who need it the most, the most vulnerable children. For many years I have provided shelter to more than 30 homeless children. They are given care of the highest quality, especially where health and education are concerned. Winning this pageant was even more important to raise awareness for my charity.

Ideally, pageants have been for younger women. Was that an inhibition for me not to enter these pageants? The answer is a resounding no.

With that being said, I want you to understand that age, color, education, or the lack thereof, should never prevent you from dreaming big and relentlessly pursuing those dreams. Develop a mindset of winning. You are your only competition. Think about what it is that you want and stop at absolutely nothing until you get it. No matter how insurmountable and daunting the journey may look, have faith in your ability. Consider yourself to be the best, believe nothing less.

I have the full support of my loving husband and four children and I encourage you too to find the right support. You need people who you can rely on to cover for you while you pursue.

Today, as I raise my glass and welcome 45. I am proud of all that I have achieved despite the odds. I have lost loved ones and there were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel. I am only human after all. However, the most important thing is that those feelings were only temporary because within my heart I knew I was destined to win. So can you! Go! WIN! You are a champion; don’t you ever forget that.