Hi queens! In this blog post we will be discussing how you can take your losses in a graceful, yet practical way. I think it is safe to say that in the pageant world not getting the title is losing. Placements and superlatives are nice and those awards help us track our growth, but we are here to win! Losing can be tough, especially when we are facing things like age out rules, we’ve elevated our preparation strategy, etc. But losing is a part of life and as much as we are all winners in our own right, nothing can exist without its opposite. Pageantry is a world where you will lose more than you win, but the losses are a stepping stone to becoming a queen. It is ok to cry, to be upset, and to be a bit petty when you lose. The key is to not disrespect anyone as a result of your disappointment, and to not allow it to consume you. Let’s talk about two practical ways that you can be a graceful loser.
Understand and believe that your time is coming
When good things happen to other girls that does not mean that they are taking away opportunities for good things to happen to you. You have to believe that there are enough blessings for everyone and that you are in the rotation. Continue to be congratulatory because when your time comes you want to be recognized for your hard work and special heart that has led to you earning a title. While you are waiting to win, continue to be congratulatory, continue to be sweet, and continue to work hard so that you will be truly worthy of and ready for your title and opportunity.
It is ok to cry…privately
I encourage you to feel all of your feelings. Cry, throw light shade, smash things if that makes you feel better. But do it in the privacy of your safe space. Do it in front of people that you trust, that will not judge you, that will be a shoulder for you to cry on. This is where graciousness comes in. Everyone will not understand your disappointment and how you release it, so it is best to release it privately and not publicly. It may sound fake, but you never want to give anyone a reason to say that you are a sore loser or unable to be congratulatory. As women we all have disappointments in various aspects of our lives. But mature and gracious women are always intentional about where they feel these delicate feelings and who they allow to witness and support them through it.
The next time you are fighting back tears in the dressing room or feel the need to unconstructively criticize the girl who got picked over you, I hope you remember these tips, and I hope that they convict you to you to be the gracious woman you truly are. If you would like to watch the corresponding YouTube video to this blog post click the link below!
