That realization was my wake-up call.

I don’t have to do it all. I don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time. I’m allowed to say “No.” I’m allowed to take care of myself, and doing so isn’t selfish; it’s survival. It’s love.

Pageantry reminded me that I deserve space, grace, and stillness. That I can choose something for me, not because it checks a box or fulfills an obligation, but because it brings me joy.

So, this is your wake-up call, too, Sis. If you’re out there, pouring into everyone else and forgetting to refill your own cup, Stop. Pause. Hit the snooze button. Say No. Choose something unselfishly selfish, just for you.

One of the biggest costs of moving? Letting go. As a military spouse, every move means giving up my job, my friends, my home, and the fragile sense of stability I might have finally started to build. Our first overseas move was to Germany. I was twenty-three, and we had three kids: ages 2, 5, and 7. I was thriving in North Carolina. I had a job I loved, I was acting (yes, ACTING!), and I was working at Hooters (don’t judge; still my favorite job). Life was flowing. Then, boom- the Germany dream.

My husband had always wanted to go. He told me this was likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance. He was right. We couldn’t afford to fly our family of five to Europe on our own dime. I prayed. I cried. I let go. And we moved. That was the fastest the Army ever moved, almost suspiciously fast. Before I could even process the idea, I was already packing our lives into boxes.

This summer is going to be all about what I love and what Angela truly needs. I’m counting down the days, not in search of perfection, but in pursuit of peace. I’m not setting out to become some flawless, do-it-all woman. I’ve done the hustle, worn the cape, and lived behind the mask. This time, I’m choosing to find joy in being perfectly imperfect. And I’m excited to share that journey with you.

I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. So many of us are caught in the pressure cooker of society’s expectations, unattainable, exhausting, and wildly unrealistic. We’re expected to work like we don’t have children, parent like we don’t have careers, keep perfect homes, be effortlessly attractive, endlessly nurturing, and always available. It’s too much. And it’s not sustainable.

Read The Fayetteville Observer Article spotlighting Mrs. Fayetteville America

Together, we raised $1,000, and I will be going over the edge for United Way and Fayetteville!!

I am excited to announce that I am the reigning Mrs. Fayetteville America 2025. Follow me on my journey to Mrs. North Carolina America, and find out how you can be involved!