Behind the name

I personally keep a journal to record my thoughts, my hops, my fears and inspirational quotes.  I feel like keeping a blog is idyllic but also a tad bit more time consuming.  It's not as easy as turning to a blank page and scribbling.  But there's something about the time you put into a product that is to be publically viewed.  It requires more thought, reserving the vulnerability of your raw emotions but in a way that is entertaining for the audience.  Hah, I've started so many blogs, I had to think of a blog name- something that captured this particular point in time in my life that I want to convey. 

Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Well, up until this point in my life, BEAUTY has been a struggle to be realized and understood.  The struggle was at its peak in college where my life and worldview was completely inside out. I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that made me realize that I have a purpose-driven life and need to live for a cause, greater than myself.  My identity as an athlete, as a young woman, a woman of color and as a daughter was stretched and I had a great deal of difficulty trying to develop each area of my life to the point where I wanted to fully express its derision. 

More than ever, media had an affect of what I thought was beautiful and my own understanding of beauty.  I never thought I was worthy of notice, worthy of being loved nor did I believe in my personal value and worth.  Being a woman who is very goal-oriented and achievement based, I thought that my achievements gave me value. (&they did!) But those accomplishments are only worth as much as you value yourself. 

Since then, I've been molded and shaped to become the woman I'm made to be.  But I won't stop there.  I want to communicate to others this same message.   

tran·spire  (trn-spr)

v. tran·spired, tran·spir·ing, tran·spires

1. To become known; come to light.

2. Usage Problem To come about; happen or occur.

3. To give off vapor containing waste products, as through animal or plant pores.

Slowly but surely, I've learned how to accept who I am as a person of integrity, as a woman of color and someone who has big dreams. It's taken me a while but I can confidently say that "I am beautiful." 

I feel like me entering into this pageant has come at the perfect time to mark the end of one chapter and to begin onto the next.  

xoxo,

Kristen