8 years ago I walked onto the Miss America stage and I am still finding new memories & remembering moments from that year that shaped me into who I am today. From every fake eyelash to all the incredible people I met across the world that year; I’m so grateful for the journey, the growth, and the opportunity. Looking at these pictures I am filled with grace for the younger version of myself who was fighting against her own insecurities and wanting so badly to be “enough”. What a gift time is & how sweet is it to look back on our younger selves with kinder eyes. Here’s to trying to shift those softer lens to today’s version of ourselves. ♥️