We Aim To Slay

If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that I’ve been training for my newest venture – getting back on the pageant stage! In February, I was named Mrs. Connecticut American Woman of Service, and I will be competing for the national title in July!

I have been competing in pageants since I was 11 years old, and this summer I’ll be taking the stage for the first time as a Mrs. contestant!

I started competing when I was about 11 years old, and ever since then I’ve been hooked! Aside from the glamorous aspects of pageantry that I clearly enjoy, there’s almost no words to describe being able to meet so many determined, intelligent, and courageous women. All of us spend countless hours trying to make a difference, trying to bring awareness to important causes, all of us trying to become the best versions of ourselves. Pageantry is truly a humbling and life-changing experience!

My interest in the American Woman of Service system was ignited a few years ago, when my mom competed. But, this was in fact not the first time I had heard of them, as family friend and Dazzle Boutique owner, Laurye Natale, was the 2018 Classic American Woman of Service!

This is the first time that my mom and I are competing in a system simultaneously – we have both held titles in the Miss American Coed system, but she crowned her successor the year that I won at the national level.

How I Prepare for the Stage

Once I decided to compete again, I knew that I needed to make some big changes to how I was living my life. After my wedding, I took about two years off from the gym (it’s both shocking and upsetting to even write that statement) and I knew I was nowhere near my preferred competition weight. (I call it competition weight, because it’s about 10-15 pounds lighter than I prefer to be for my everyday life.)

Before falling victim to the crushing weight of my own expectations, I was getting up early to lift weights, and sometimes heading back to the gym in the afternoon to get a cardio session in as well. I’ve been getting back to the gym, and I have to say, consistent exercise makes my body and mind feel so much more alert and comfortable!

Straight gym training can become monotonous, so I make sure to alternate between standard lifting sessions, surf training sessions where I use my Indo Board to train surf-specific muscles, learning how to surf-skate in order to practice my surf skills while still on dry land, swimming, hiking, and so much more!

No matter how much exercise you clock in a week, there’s no way to out-train a bad diet. This has always been my kryptonite because I love to eat! I try to make healthy food choices in general, but portion control tends to be my biggest issue – no matter what, I always seem to be hungry! When cravings hit, I like to reach for a healthy option such as a piece of fruit or some fresh veggies. Recently, I’ve started making smoothies for breakfast and adding protein powder to them! 

And of course, how can you prepare for a pageant without practicing walking in heels or planning your wardrobe?! I’ve taken to keeping a pair of pageant heels in my gym bag so that I can get in at least fifteen minutes of walking and posing practice after my workout! 

Getting Involved in the Community

One of my favorite aspects of pageantry is having a platform to support your community. For some, a platform is focused on one specific area of concern. But I was raised to believe that giving back to your community is something to incorporate into your everyday life! Most recently, I’ve made clothing donations to F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service to Humanity of Northwestern CT), donated whole blood, platelets, and plasma to the American Red Cross – and was spotlighted on their social media in April! – and participated in Earth Day themed clean ups, one in my town and another on the beach!

HEADER – You Can Keep Following My Pageant Journey!

If you’re interested in following my pageant journey, please visit my official pageantry Instagram (@MrsCTAWOS24) and Facebook Page (Mrs. Connecticut American Woman of Service 2024 – Taylor Adams).

I’ll be back next week to share several ways to incorporate red, white, and blue into your everyday aesthetic – in honor of American Independence Day as well as the 2024 Paris Olympics!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!