Reflections
I’m no stranger to competitions. My viola and I have performed in front of judges since I was in 6th grade. And though I’ve been blessed with considerable success over the years, I’m also no stranger to losing.
Is it disappointing? Yes, sometimes.
But throughout the years, I have found that my preparation for a competition and my interest in the outcome are inversely proportional. When I haven’t done my very best, I somehow want the judges to say, “That’s okay. You were good enough.” When I’m fully prepared, I am at peace with the outcome whether I emerge victorious or not.
Life is in the journey, not the destination.
Shinichi Suzuki, founder of the Suzuki Method, wrote in his book Nurtured by Love: “Until we die, we should spare no effort in turning our weaknesses into merits. It is pleasant and interesting work.”
Over the past 13 months of my involvement in the Miss America Organization, I have done just that. I am now healthier – physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually. I am more confident as a speaker and as a performer. I have a greater sense of who I am and how I can serve others through my talents. And I will continue to develop all of this not only throughout the duration of my year as Miss
I will forever cherish the 10 days I spent in
More immediately, I am excited to continue to be Miss
I am proud to carry that responsibility.
On a lighter note, here are some photos from my last few days in Vegas - I'll publish more as soon as I get them!
drinking SmartWater before my interview... not sure if it helped or not
Friday's visitation - my fan club!
It matched my dress. I couldn't resist.
Saturday's visitation with the Miss MN State Board - Jennifer Hagman,David Shepardson, Rod Simonson, Barb Gehlen, Julie Carlson
Receiving a Non-Finalist Talent award at Monday's visitation from Sam Haskell(an amazing and inspirational man).
with my Dad :)
The Miss MN State Board at Monday's visitation
My siblings! [L to R: Erik, Marissa, Justin]We had a great post-pageant celebration with family & friends.
Oh, Bellagio, how I love thee.
posted by Nicole @ 5:32 PM
8 Comments:
At 7:55 AM,
thisoneguy said…
great post, nicole... awesome perspective, and very well said. (your response: your face is well said... now, nicole, that just doesn't make any sense... come on now...)
At 1:08 PM,
Unknown said…
Nicole,
It was great to read in the Tribune follow-up interview and this latest post that you have a really healthy outlook on the whole experience (and what an experience it was!).
Our prayer for you is that God will continue to reveal His perfect plan for your life as you go forward. Also, that many schools will take advantage of the great opportunity in the next five months to have you as a teaching guest. You have a lot to offer, and it would be a real gift to their students to allow you to bless them with the programs you've put together.
Of course, the girls are thrilled that they may have their favorite viola teacher back, as time allows.
God's Blessings!
At 7:07 PM,
Unknown said…
Well, if it's any consolation, I picked you to win based on the 52 introductions.
Best of luck in whatever direction life takes you.
-Lon (Denver, CO)
At 8:10 PM,
christinajoy said…
Nicole,
You made Minnesota proud and looked beautiful doing it! I'm so happy to see that you can be proud of your accomplishments and look forward to what the future holds. Congratulations on your non-finalist talent award!!
CJ
At 9:17 PM,
Unknown said…
Tonight, Lauren prayed, "and please help Ms. Swanson know that no matter how things went in the pageant, that we all love her just the same as before".
I can imagine that after many months of preparing for the pageant, each of the contestants are asking, "now what?". I felt that way last week when I learned that I didn't get a job I had applied for. The hope of getting the job was helping carry me through tough days at my current position. But now that immediate hope is gone, and until I find another opening that looks promising, it's just me and my frustrating job. But as we are faithful to what God has put before us, I found the joy can return to whatever it is He has us doing.
Also, for me it was a concern over finances. "What if this job ends before I find a replacement?". But over and over and over, God has proven to be a perfect provider. I know He will be for you, too.
Nicole, I had the priviledge of hearing you speak at Hosanna around Christmas time. And with respect to the pastors who were running the service, what you shared was the only thing that really spoke to me that morning. You spoke on finding your talents, and using them, because they were given to us for a reason.
In addition to the obvious talents of your music, you have a strong gift of public speaking! And if you don't find as many opportunities to exercize that gift as you would like, I would encourage you to check out "Toastmasters". If you're unfamiliar with it, it's a volunteer organization that meets to give people the opportunity to practice and refine their public speaking skills. You might say it's like a free speech class for adults, and they have them in most cities. I've gone here and there, and it's very encouraging and enjoyable.
Take care, and know that others are lifting you up in prayer as you re-align your compass and continue forward.
At 11:34 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hey Nicole!
I hope you are finally getting a chance for some much deserved R&R, but I enjoy reading your blog and it sounds like your are doing GREAT!! I am very proud of you!
Love,
Val
At 12:19 PM,
Anonymous said…
You should play in concert in the Twin Cities area more often.
-Eric J.
At 6:57 PM,
chen said…
Is that a picture of a human giraffe?
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