Most of my life, I have always known that I was pretty. I did all of the girly things little girls did, playing with polly pockets and doing gymnastics, just to mention a few of the girly things I did. However, I was never a pageant girl. I am glad I was not and that I did not compete with other little girls for a title.

Life is not always about competing in competitions. Certainly, there are always going to be people around you trying to outshine you. But you should never try and compete with other people, even if it is yourself at times that you are trying to compete wth. I think there are times we all want to be perfect and look the most pretty or handsome. However, if being prettier or looking more handsome than *insert celebrity or mutual friend here* is your goal in life, I think you are approaching this aspect of life totally wrong. I am not saying to not dress or look to impress, but do not try to be someone you are not in the process.

I have accepted the fact that I am not pageant material. I know that I am not perfect and skinny like a supermodel. That is what I am not. But what I am is a unique and caring person. I think that those qualities are going to get me farther in life at the end of the day. I have learned that it is okay to not be what everyone else wants me to be, I do not have to be pageant material. I am not going to be fake around people just to please them and you should not either. Be exactly who you are and be confident in who you are. It is only going to help you in the long run.