Miss USA 2009-Being A Real Winner!

My daughter, Alexandra Wehrley, is competing in the Miss USA Telecast on Sunday, April 19th at 7 PM on NBC--live from Las Vegas.  It has been an interesting journey watching her prepare and I must admit, initially, I wasn't sure how I felt about her competing in a pageant.  After all, that automatically made me a "pageant mom" and came with connotations and pre-conceived notions towards both of us. 

It wasn't until I heard Don Baker, a communication's coach like myself who specializes in preparing girls for pageants, speak on the whole mindset of a winner.  He explained that it wasn't about the bathing suit contest or the dress at all, but about the inner beauty and confidence of each girl.  Now that got my attention, as I was an executive coach that taught personal empowerment and how to stay clear, calm and confident amidst the challenges.   Don went on, in a seminar I attended, to explain that the bathing suit contest was won from the neck up and that the winner always had the "big picture in mind" which was evident in the way they carried themselves on stage and answered questions.  Being a coach and strategic consultant for the workplace, I understood the mindset of the big picture and the power of inner confidence and therefore began to see the whole pageant experience differently.  

I now have a new view of pageants:  What a great life experience to learn how to see above the challenges, the judgments, and the competition to instead focus on being your best self.  My hat goes off to all the contestants, and especially of course my daughter, Miss Wisconsin USA-Alexandra Wehrley, for following your dreams and for putting yourself out there. 

If you would like to vote for your favorite Miss USA contestant,  please do so at www.missusa.com