by Tracey Anne De Jesus
We live in a society where peer pressure and social media easily influences our mind and behavior. When we see a model with a sexy body, a successful person or an inspiring individual, we are exposed to a generation that impacts the way we act and should look.
I’m sure that many of us can relate to the times when you just don’t feel so great about yourself. Sometimes, we encounter people who say the wrong words that can affect us in a negative way. Believe it or not, I’ve been criticized before about my weight. I’ve had people tell me that I’m “too skinny” or that I should “eat more,” which made me feel unhappy about my body for years. Although being “skinny” is idealized as being fit in society, it sometimes confuses me if it is the ideal look that I want to achieve.
We also tend to compare ourselves to others. I’m a shy type of girl, and public speaking is not my forte! I would always get so shy and nervous doing school presentations or speeches in front of many people thinking I would just mess up the whole thing. I admire those who can do it so comfortably and sometimes I would have thoughts to myself saying, “I can’t do that” or “I could never be as good as them.”
Competing in a beauty pageant was an opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone. Although I still carried insecurities, doubts that I could never be good enough and feared that I will just make a fool out myself in front of everyone, it came to a point in my life that I wanted to change. I wanted to challenge myself and try something new that could benefit me in some way. Whether I win or lose, I also wanted to enjoy the experience and make every effort count by bringing my best self to the table. With that being said, I chose to work on myself more physically and 
mentally. I created goals for myself such as exercising and eating healthy every day, practice my posture, walks & turns, questions and answers and took dance lessons for the first time to present as my talent portion. Without the expectation of winning, I was crowned Miss Philippines Calgary Canada 2015, along with winning other titles such as Best in Talent, Best in Gown, Best in Swimsuit and Miss Charity. I was also given the opportunity to compete in the Dominican Republic and won First Runner Up for Miss Beauty Petite International 2016. I honestly didn’t think I would get this far in my life, but as I look back on my journey I am so grateful to have experienced it all!
Surrounding myself with like-minded people who push each other towards each other’s goals has not only inspired me but motivated me to become a better version of myself. I’ve become healthier and happier with my body and I thank the Lord for giving me the courage to get myself out there and let go of all my insecurities and fears. I have grown not only mentally stronger as a person but have learned to love myself even more.
I want to inspire others to build their confidence by becoming fearless. To step out of their comfort zones and explore something new. Avoid comparing yourself to others accomplishments and start setting your mind to think positive towards yourself. Better yourself each day by creating your goals. Push yourself to something that isn’t easy, work hard and stay consistent towards it. You never know how much you can achieve once you put yourself out there.
Tracey Anne De Jesus
Miss Philippines Canada Calgary 2015
#Filipino Canadian Magazine #filcanmagazine #FCM magazine
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