Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

There are so many ways pageants push you out of your comfort zone. Whether that be getting on stage, getting personally connected with your platform, believing in his plan, trusting your intuition, or maybe even trying a new walk or pose you’re not normally comfortable with. There are so many small and big ways competing can push you out of your comfort zone that can make the WORLD of difference!

For me, competing at Mrs. International I knew this was the very last time I would compete. I wanted to have fun but yet leave it all out there and end my journey with no regrets. What I feel was different in this experience was the areas I pushed myself out of my own comfort zone. I did so in platform, trust, and mind.

In regards to platform: My platform is a sensitive topic for all, same for my family and I. I was always indirect and never truly made my platform about me, my story, or my family’s journey. After years of advocating, I finally found my own comfort zone. But what was most important was having that comfort to directly share that personal connection while also still protecting myself, my journey, and my family.

In the area of trust: You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again, I learned to let it go! I wanted to have fun but also have no regrets. I knew that there was nothing I could do to change his plan for me. So if it was meant to be, then it would be, there was nothing I could do to change that, so I let it go. It was so much more relaxing to compete when I learned to not stress so much or didn’t care if a hair was out of place, or I didn’t hit the pose I planned to.

My mind: My mindset was COMPLETELY different! I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, I knew that this time. I finally realized, I already won at life! I have a very blessed life that I’ve worked very hard in all aspects to have. I have the absolute most supportive and amazing husband, 2 beautiful and loving babies, more than one successful career, and previous pageant success. I didn’t need this to make a difference. I was already doing everything I do now as Mrs. International as Melissa Pocza. So for my months of preparation I didn’t hyper focus, it wasn’t all about pageant prep. I was relaxed and care free doing what I always do: gym, advocate, work, mom, and most importantly enjoying my summer with my family. So when I got to West Virginia my mind set was different, I wasn’t a ball of stress hyper focused on a crown, I was relaxed, ready, and confident on what I had to offer as Mrs. International.

So whether you’re a veteran or new at competing, how can you step out of YOUR comfort zone? Because that’s where the magic happens!

Turning Broken Into Brave,

Melissa Pocza
Your Mrs. International 2017