When I was blessed with two beautiful boys, I made a choice to put their wants, dreams, and needs first in my life. I spent years doing that, as any dutiful mother should. I served my husband, managed our home, and for a while worked full-time in an office. But something was still missing - so I jumped feet first into pageantry at the young age of 26.
Choosing the International Women of Service Pageant was an easy choice. A focus on community service and a family centered atmosphere align with my personal goals
along with the influence I want within my family.
But the question remains: how do I do it ALL?
Family support - My family is why I do this, but without our extended family I don’t believe that I could. My eldest child is medically fragile so I need to make sure he has sufficient care. My youngest should not be trusted for any period of time by himself, which is why Sherry, my mother-in-LOVE, has stepped up to make sure the boys are managed during the day while their dad handles household tasks in the evening.
My husband, Ryan, and my boys, Derek and Blake, are the biggest supporters of my journey to and with the crown. If you were in attendance at the crowning, you would have heard the most adorable “Good Job, mama!” from Derek while the crown was placed on my head and the room was otherwise silent. They might miss me while I’m gone, but they support my journey daily.
TimeTree - We, as a family, utilize a free calendar scheduling app called TimeTree! Participating in community service can happen within your home, but many times you’ll find me out and about. Utilizing an app that can be viewed by others stops us from double booking … usually! But it also gives me the ability to keep track of all my community service for when I’m ready to submit hours for the Presidential Award.
If I need a babysitter, I check to make sure if my in-laws are free before tentatively scheduling and therefore requesting their help. If Ryan is asked for overtime, he is able to check if we have plans that evening/weekend. And my mother-in-law can schedule us for self-care if she says I don’t have plans!
Self-care - Speaking of self-care, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my adulthood is intentional self-care. Monthly massages followed by a meal by myself, reading or lego building in the evening, or bible study with my pageant sisters are ways I intentionally add in self-care.
With an international crown, I’ve had to add all of my personal time to my TimeTree and follow through with it. My family is supportive and understanding of needing down time. Sometimes it is hard to understand because I am home all day, but owning my own small business is quite busy while keeping my house clean since weekends are not usually “mine” anymore.
Travel with a Crown - I can tell you that Jasmine, our international director, does not want her queens going into debt, and therefore does not demand we attend every travel opportunity. Because I’m not sure what my plans are for pageantry, I made the choice early on to commit to every opportunity of travel during my reign, but that doesn’t mean you HAVE to. Make the right choice for you. Jasmine lays out the expected pricing for each event, down to meals! Prioritize and strategize. As a family, we have budgeted the ability for me to travel so much. But if I couldn’t attend for any reason, it is important for me to not take it personally, but rather find ways to connect with my sisters from afar!
Schedule Your Posts - short and sweet! As a titleholder, many newcomers find out about our system through social media. Utilize the post scheduler to keep yourself ahead of schedule and make sure you interact on others social media! MAKE OUR SYSTEM GROW!
Prioritize - My last point is the most important… prioritize. There are times I’ll miss a family affair, a trip, or a post. I cannot be everywhere or do everything, but I can find what means the most to me. As long as I act in good faith and as honestly as I can, I must be proud of who I am and what I do.
The secret is to “How Do I Do It All” is simply that I don’t. Balance in my life has been God, Family, and Service to Others. Thankfully within International Women Pageants, you’ll find women who fully understand that life happens, a true sisterhood built to make sure you reach your very best potential and happiness.
Chelsea Morgan | International Women of Service Sweetheart 2024
Comments