This has been such a great day, and it is days just like today that I really want to tell you about.
Today, I woke up and said to myself, "I have confidence." Now, I used to think this kind of stuff was a little cheesy, but then I experienced it. I made some breakfast, got ready to go and went to my morning appearance at Robinson Elementary. I was able to be in the moment for the entire presentation--speech and song--and really soak up what was going on. The kids were great, as always, and I definitely enjoy speaking at each event, but today, I was able to really engage and focus myself much more than normal. Then, I went to work on Miss America prep, finishing up Christmas cards, visiting a potential sponsor and working out, etc. The point is, this entire day I just keep remembering I AM ALIVE! I know this may sound silly, but I think that sometimes we forget that we are alive. It is just amazing to take life in.
I was reading in the news today about how in the year 2036 there is a possibility that a meteor could hit the earth. It is so painful to see in the news that people are hurting each other, that people do not have enough food or water, that in our great nation there are so many without homes. We need to look beyond the earth and definitely beyond ourselves. We are alive and there is so much more out in space to experience! Man has walked on the moon--this is big! We have lived in space! Instead of fighting among each other and being too stuffy to give a little extra time or money somewhere where it is needed, we should be working together to help each other and to help our world.
It seems as though we get so caught up in how fast life moves these days, and we forget that we only have the present moment. I am so guilty of this everyday, but the more I live, the more I am able to experience the "in the moment" times. I found this quote by one of my favorite authors, Thick Nhat Hanh, today and it just suits this blog: "Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life."
This year has been more successful than I ever thought it would be, and it is only half way over! I am so thankful for all the support and love I receive daily from so many different people. As Miss America approaches, I am so excited to reconnect with the other titleholders, see the Miss America staff, experience Las Vegas and especially perform, interview, walk the Miss America stage!
Have safe travels if you are travelling over the holidays--I know I will be travelling--and don't forget to enjoy the moments you have with your loved ones. Remember, "Life can be found only in the present moment."
In Peace
Emily
I AM ALIVE!
December 18, 2008, 8:37 pmShadowboxing
December 3, 2008, 10:26 am
That's right...shadowboxing. I seem to get bored in the gym fairly easily, so when I found out my trainer trains fighters, martial arts and kickboxing were a must do for me! I did my first routine yesterday and today I am struggling to move. It is great, though, because in order to grow, you have to have some pain.
It has been just over two weeks since I last posted a note. Since my last post, I have certainly been busy. I was able to speak to my first college age group on November 20 at Kansas Wesleyan University. The group that brought me in was the Psychology Club, and afterward I discussed with several of the staff and students of a possible double major--music and therapy. Many of the students that came were studying either nursing or some kind of addiction therapy. It was great to speak with my peers about such a prevelant topic as m platform.
November 21 I made my way to Pratt to visit more of the sponsors. I always love speaking with the people of Pratt. The very next morning, I spoke to the contestants and directors for Miss Kansas 2009. This was great! I was able to express to everyone what the Miss Kansas and America Organization mean to me. If you were to ask me what I have learned, I do not even know where to start! This has not been an easy year, but if it was, then I would be wasting my time. The beauty about this program is that not only have I grown tremendously as an individual but so has everyone that is involved--no matter how much. There was a time in my life when I did not want to belong to any groups or clubs, but now, I am so proud to be a part of the Miss Kansas "K" Club. I love everyone that has helped me along my way, not only as Miss Kansas but as Emily Deaver, and that is what life is about! So, later that afternoon I performed at the Old Fashioned Christmas in Pratt, took pictures with Santa and signed autographs. I then had to rush back to Wichita for an art auction for the Peace and Social Justice Center in Wichita. This was something that I was thrilled to do because the money raised is going to educate students about the environment.
Sunday, I woke up exhausted!
Monday, November 24, I spoke to another group of college students at Wichita State University. I was attending Wichita State University for 2 years until I won Miss Kansas, so it was great to be back! The class I spoke to was a communications class who's final project (25% of their grade) is about me. CRAZY! This was great because while I was there to be interviewed by the class, I am sure there were some who could benefit from my message. Since Monday, my friends, family and I have received follow-up interviews and questions. This must be a big project...
Tuesday, I met with one of my many life coaches. I do not know if I can even count on one hand how many people I think act as life coaches to me. (I must also include that some think of me as a life coach). I do want to say, however, that I feel it is very important to have someone to talk to. Someone that you can be completely open and honest with. Someone you can share your goals with me. I have found that I am always afraid of setting goals because i am fearful of not reaching them. One of my close friends then told me that you fail when you do not try. I know we hear this all the time when we are young, but for some reason, it does not set in until most of us are older. For me, this struck home two weekends ago. From now on, my life will be drastically different.
Wednesday and Thursday I was able to spend with my family. I travelled to Manhattan with my parents, little brother and grandma to celebrate Thanksgiving with the rest of my brothers. This already sounds confusing...I have three brothers. On lives in Wichita, Manhattan and Kansas City. Two are married. The one that lives in Manhattan has a pregnant wife. She is due any day now, hence the reason we travelled to them for Thanksgiving. This was a great time to be with family, for we never know what may happen in the next couple of months....
Black Friday--I did not even attempt to shop! Instead, I participated in a publicity event for celebrities in Wichita to raise awareness for the upcoming Jingle Bell Run/Walk that will be taking place on Saturday. I would participate in this and my family would as well, except that I have an apperance at Emporia. I was happy, though, to at least be involved on one of the days.
I better get to the gym--can't forget my shadowboxing steps!
In Peace
Emily
It has been just over two weeks since I last posted a note. Since my last post, I have certainly been busy. I was able to speak to my first college age group on November 20 at Kansas Wesleyan University. The group that brought me in was the Psychology Club, and afterward I discussed with several of the staff and students of a possible double major--music and therapy. Many of the students that came were studying either nursing or some kind of addiction therapy. It was great to speak with my peers about such a prevelant topic as m platform.
November 21 I made my way to Pratt to visit more of the sponsors. I always love speaking with the people of Pratt. The very next morning, I spoke to the contestants and directors for Miss Kansas 2009. This was great! I was able to express to everyone what the Miss Kansas and America Organization mean to me. If you were to ask me what I have learned, I do not even know where to start! This has not been an easy year, but if it was, then I would be wasting my time. The beauty about this program is that not only have I grown tremendously as an individual but so has everyone that is involved--no matter how much. There was a time in my life when I did not want to belong to any groups or clubs, but now, I am so proud to be a part of the Miss Kansas "K" Club. I love everyone that has helped me along my way, not only as Miss Kansas but as Emily Deaver, and that is what life is about! So, later that afternoon I performed at the Old Fashioned Christmas in Pratt, took pictures with Santa and signed autographs. I then had to rush back to Wichita for an art auction for the Peace and Social Justice Center in Wichita. This was something that I was thrilled to do because the money raised is going to educate students about the environment.
Sunday, I woke up exhausted!
Monday, November 24, I spoke to another group of college students at Wichita State University. I was attending Wichita State University for 2 years until I won Miss Kansas, so it was great to be back! The class I spoke to was a communications class who's final project (25% of their grade) is about me. CRAZY! This was great because while I was there to be interviewed by the class, I am sure there were some who could benefit from my message. Since Monday, my friends, family and I have received follow-up interviews and questions. This must be a big project...
Tuesday, I met with one of my many life coaches. I do not know if I can even count on one hand how many people I think act as life coaches to me. (I must also include that some think of me as a life coach). I do want to say, however, that I feel it is very important to have someone to talk to. Someone that you can be completely open and honest with. Someone you can share your goals with me. I have found that I am always afraid of setting goals because i am fearful of not reaching them. One of my close friends then told me that you fail when you do not try. I know we hear this all the time when we are young, but for some reason, it does not set in until most of us are older. For me, this struck home two weekends ago. From now on, my life will be drastically different.
Wednesday and Thursday I was able to spend with my family. I travelled to Manhattan with my parents, little brother and grandma to celebrate Thanksgiving with the rest of my brothers. This already sounds confusing...I have three brothers. On lives in Wichita, Manhattan and Kansas City. Two are married. The one that lives in Manhattan has a pregnant wife. She is due any day now, hence the reason we travelled to them for Thanksgiving. This was a great time to be with family, for we never know what may happen in the next couple of months....
Black Friday--I did not even attempt to shop! Instead, I participated in a publicity event for celebrities in Wichita to raise awareness for the upcoming Jingle Bell Run/Walk that will be taking place on Saturday. I would participate in this and my family would as well, except that I have an apperance at Emporia. I was happy, though, to at least be involved on one of the days.
I better get to the gym--can't forget my shadowboxing steps!
In Peace
Emily
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