OCU - My freshman year!

Hi friends!!

Recently I began a new blog pursuing my new college career ambitions. As a dancer, we are flexible with change and prepared for the best. Nothing ever prepared me for this change of heart I would have coming to OCU. Feel free to read a long with this blog and find out what happens to a dance major when injury strikes.

all my love,
Heather


www.heather-rasmussen.blogspot.com

My Top 10 (a reflection of Miss Oklahoma Week)

Don't think I forgot about you, I haven't at all! Miss Oklahoma week was a blast. I haven't blogged sooner simply because I could not find words to adequately describe the way I was inspired, motivated, and once again captivated by an organization I have grown to love so much.

As a regular pageant goer, I know Miss Oklahoma is a flurry of fans, friends, and each patron's very own take on who is going to make "the ten." In my reflection though, I decided I would make my very own top ten... Although a little different, I think this one may be far more important.

The Top Ten things I learned my rookie year at Miss Oklahoma:
 (amongst many other things)


1. Be Prepared. Come Organized.

Everyone else will. Being a rookie is overwhelming as it is, and luckily I had a head start on the packing process since I was a part of the Outstanding Teen program. However, some girls just had no idea what they were in for. (and sometimes I still didn't!) Don't depend on the veterans to tell you everything. Yes, they are incredibly helpful, but the job of Miss Oklahoma requires a lot of independence so you better be ready at any given second. I recall feeling a little flustered on the first Sunday evening after a 6 hour rehearsal when Kent (the production choreographer) said to touch up your hair and makeup because the judges were coming!!! I was a little thrown off, knowing my hair and makeup left little to be desired because no where in our schedules, handbook, or notes from the Redcoats had anyone mentioned meeting the judges. I guess I went for the "natural" look that evening. Hey, ya live and you learn, right?

2. We don't all come from the same walk of life. "Pageant Girls" do not apply here.

As "pageant girls" we are often put in a box by others. Sometimes though, we even put each other in a box. When you spend a week with 47 women who are in their tip top shape, wearing their most beautiful clothes, and smiling their most beautiful and warm smiles it is sometimes hard to believe that the lives of all 47 of us may not be so charmed. I will never forget when a contestant a few chairs down from me in the dressing room shared with me how she was paying for college and had been taught only that she would have to work as a waitress the rest of her life. She was making history for her family, for her future. I remember so clearly returning to my dorm room and sobbing to my dearest friend on the phone that I felt so humbled and honestly unworthy. It was an incredible wake up call to me that although I have always been grateful for what I have, I am grateful for the life I have. It also clearly summed up for me what you represent as Miss Oklahoma, or for that matter a local title holder. The Miss Oklahoma Organization represents women of a future, working for their education, and changing lives all around them.

3. You are being watched. Always.

In the least creepy way possible of course! As a contestant for Miss Oklahoma, you are taken around Tulsa to meet sponsors and donors from many different venues. You meet with board members, judges, and of course the Kiwanians who give so much of their time to make the week as magical as possible for us. Although it is at the utmost importance that you're an exemplary representative of the organization to all of the above, I find that there are far more important eyes who never blink when in sight of you... little girls. As a former "Oklahoma Star" I recognize the excitement in their eyes when they see Miss Oklahoma contestants all week. I am a little partial, but I think I had the best little stars out there. Each night at visitation they came by to give me hugs. Of all the love and support I received all week after singing, the complement that meant the most to me was from one of my Stars. Lily had told me "I thought you were the best!" I know I was absolutely not the best singer on that stage, but when Lily told me that I so clearly knew that she truly did. I'm thankful for friendships with these bright and shining little girls, but most importantly I was reminded that I'm changing someone's life just by being me. I am enough.

4. Say "Thank You."

Say thank you as often as you can. It still won't be enough. My life has been so impacted by this organization that I don't think I could ever say thank you enough to justify the support and courage I have received from being a part of the Miss Oklahoma program. There are so many people behind closed doors who give their money and time to make us look great. It takes a village and the outcome is unreal every year. OKLAHOMA puts on the greatest pageant in the entire country, it also has the greatest support in the entire country too. Which feeds the caliber of women here vying for the title of Miss Oklahoma. So be thankful, don't ever forget how much others want you to succeed.

5. Be aware of the pageant stereotype, and be a force willing to change it.

I watched my first Miss Oklahoma be crowned at the young age of eight. I grew up with Miss Oklahoma as my role model. I have constantly been influenced by dazzling women competing for Miss Oklahoma, even if they never achieved the title. For me, I always struggled with realizing most people don't grow up that way. Miss Oklahoma is a far fetched idea, or a show they went to once in their lives. Being influenced the way I was, is more rare then not. Where I see the organization as a scholarship program that has fully paid for my college, and raised me to be the confident go-getter that I am today, some still see a "beauty pageant." I was judged by Roy Williams, the former Oklahoma Sooner and Dallas Cowboy. I was completely moved to tears when he took time to come to optional events, and even spoke to us at a breakfast the night Miss Oklahoma would be crowned. He openly admitted he didn't realize the impact we made, or truly what we stood for. However, over the week he had been so inspired he wanted to donate his own money to the scholarship fund so that it is possible for this program to continue on so strongly. If that isn't a testimony I don't know what is.

6. If you are afraid, do it anyway.

I think you all know by now that I had been battling a knee injury for about 6 months when Miss Oklahoma arrived. For the sake of my own health I decided to sing instead of dance for the talent portion. I felt confident and proud until I stood onstage for my talent rehearsal. It all fell to pieces... I remember feeling so upset and frustrated because I had worked so hard, had so many people pour into me, and was sure after those rehearsals absolutely no one could tell. That was the first time that week that I had cried out of discouragement.  That day in particular we had a lot of down time so I went to my dorm room to decompress. I was confused. I never felt scared on a stage in my life. I was frustrated because my dream of winning rookie talent slipped out of my grasp. Somewhere in this day though I changed my outlook. Even though I was afraid, I wasn't going to do this for people who were judging me, I was doing this for myself. I worked hard and I deserved that moment onstage. It wasn't until after the pageant when I had spoke with many people and a reoccurring comment kept coming up. "I know you would've rather dance, but you sold that song." Ahhhh, but I wasn't selling it. What I feel most didn't realize was that not a second of the emotion was forced or fake. I had battled my worst nightmare for the last six months. I could not do the thing that has completed me for my entire lifetime. That 90 seconds was a very sweet victory over an injury I have learned a lot from. More importantly it was a celebration of the woman I have become.

7. Respect those who came before you.

As a rookie, you can come as prepared as possible but still not be ready for many aspects of the week. Some things you can only learn from actually experiencing it. However, when veterans have advice, or are doing something that seems successful, it probably is. There is much to be learned from former Miss Oklahomas, veterans, and the trusty Red Coats. They know what they are doing. It's okay to shed a tear, and ask for help. That's what we all need anyway!

8. Eat the donut.

In the land of Miss Oklahoma's Outstanding Teen, everything is pink, sparkly, and  rainbow sprinkles. Everyone eats the cookie, and sometimes the m&m's too. In Miss Land, that isn't so much the case.. I learned. However, this is a race of endurance. I was constantly reminding myself at meal times that I needed a full plate, or I couldn't make it through a 7 hour rehearsal we had coming up. Most important, if your body isn't where you want it to be Miss Oklahoma week, it isn't going to be there by not eating, or by denying yourself the chocolate covered strawberry at dinner. Life is super sweet, and so is the donut. Just eat it, otherwise you'll be the one wishing you had!

9. Making the Top Ten does not define you.

Since I was 13 years old, I had never NOT made the top ten. This year I didn't. However, I was okay. Of course I was disappointed, but as you become the woman you're striving to be you become accepting of the fact that sometimes you are not what they are looking for. What's important to remember, however, is that it doesn't make you any less of a person. Watching the girls who made top ten that night I saw multiple future Miss Oklahomas. Then I looked around me, and I saw more future Miss Oklahomas who weren't included in the ten this year. This year I asked God to use me. I spent a lot of free time journaling and letting Him know that this year I wanted to fully commit myself to serving Him and I don't know how he used me, but I know His will was done.

10. I want to be Miss Oklahoma.

When you walk off the stage at the end of the night, you know in your heart if you want to come back. I do. I am young and eager to learn. I know I am so willing to work for something I have dreamed of since I was 8 years old. Right now, I am developing the kind of Miss Oklahoma I would like to be, and I can't wait to see what my future holds. For I know it is bright for every woman who is unapologetically herself and ready to shine a light.

xoxo,
Heather

"Graduation"

When I began this journey in December it seemed as though this would last forever. Prior to my MRI, I remember thinking how long 6 weeks sounded (the estimate I was given before finding out I had to have complete knee reconstruction). Come to find out that those 6 weeks would be replaced with 6 months and my senior year of dance had ended before it had even really began. 

Next week I will be fully released to return to perhaps the biggest light in my life - dance. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I am a little sad to leave my team of therapists who love me, pray for me, support me, and truly wish the best for me. I am proud of my diligence, drive, and courage to be where I am today. However, I know I could've never done it alone. Rocky, my therapist, even has me running... which my dancer knees could have never done, even before my surgery.

I wish I could explain just how life changing this experience has been, although I know I cannot put it in words. I remember how painful it was to hear someone say "6 months will fly by in no time," I am at four and a half months and I will still tell you it didn't fly. Imagine just for a minute taking away the thing that gives you the most joy. Even then, I don't think you can fully comprehend how it affects you mentally. 

Walt Disney said it's fun to do what others say you cannot. I agree completely. My first surgeon told me I would never dance the same again. I'm starting to think that he might be right after all, because now I will dance better. I've been able to grow as a human and a dancer and I realize that there is something incredibly powerful in a person who wants something more than breathing and life itself. For me, that was dancing. So when I was able to dance in my senior recital (just one simple solo) I found so much happiness and serenity in knowing that I was done. I had beaten this and I no longer had to feel pain and jealousy of not being able to do what it is I love so wholeheartedly. 

I realize, as I "graduate" from this chapter in my book the struggle is far from over. There will be days when my knee hurts, or screams at me, or just flat out doesn't want to work. I realize that when I return to dance my flexibility will not be where it was, and I will have to reteach my body to do movements as it used to. I am certain within the next few months my college preparation will at times be full of frustration, but I cannot let the pity party sink in. I am ready though. I have mentally become strong enough to handle a career in dance, and the job of Miss Oklahoma I am certain. 

I hope that as I continue on this path to future successes and plot twists, that you'll follow along as well. I am grateful for each person who supported me, cried with me, loved me, fought for me, and believed in me. Without you, I know I wouldn't have been able to push through this. Thank you to my Lord and Savior, I am forever amazed by what your Divine Will has in store for me.

Special thank you to my Theatre Arts Family, for never letting me feel out of the loop. I have had a blast being your teammate, and now biggest cheerleader. 

THANK YOU Jana and Jake Pfarr for reminding me on the bad days that this is still what I wanted to do. For letting me have meltdowns in your office because for lack of a better term, "it's just not fair." And for pushing me to be my best while continuing to learn the business, it's hard not to love it when I'm following in the footsteps of the best! 

These scars may show where I've been, but they certainly do not determine where I am going.

xoxo,

Heather

5 reasons yoga made me a better person.

This year has been a plot twist of its own, if you couldn't have guessed. However, i am almost completely finished with therapy! I cannot believe I am saying this, but it is a bittersweet feeling. I have grown to love my therapists who wish me nothing but the best and share in my highs and lows weekly. Not being able to fully return to dance class yet, I have become quite the yogi while looking for activity that will help me regain strength and flexibility. 

What most don't realize, is that with awesome abs and a zen mindset come a few life lessons too. I can explain 5 of my favorites below:

1. it's not a competition

Admittedly, this has been difficult for me. I have always wanted to be the best at anything and everything I do. Yoga is about doing your practice for you. Not  comparing it to anyone else's. Similarly, in life, you cannot compare your journey to anyone else's. It's the root to all failure. I have learned to focus on myself and do what feels right and benefits my body most. (Although when the ballerina from Tulsa Ballet came to class Sunday I ultimately decided my leg could go a little higher and I could hold my poses a little longer... oops!)

2. patience

As silly as it sounds, holding highly uncomfortable poses for lengthy periods of time is the best way I have ever instilled patience and self discipline in myself. The feeling of relaxing into Child's Pose after a long time in Extended Side Angle is only so sweet if you garner patience and persistence. As in life, the saying is true, "Good things come to those who wait."

3. the early bird gets the worm

Remember when your teacher used to say, "early is on time, and on time is late." Well when it comes to getting a space at Saturday morning hot yoga, teachers knew best. Valuable for more than just yoga, being prompt never hurt anyone. If you tend to be late, maybe you need something to motivate you. Getting a good spot where I can see the teacher/ yet hide from him at the same time is enough motivation for me:)

4. clear your mind of anything outside of your practice.

We run continually with a mental to do list in our minds. It can be both helpful and toxic. Spending so much time in yoga has helped me realize that I deserve time to devote to refreshing my mind and body. We move so fast, and multitask so often that we lack time spent to benefit our health. Oddly enough, health is the one thing we shouldn't be compromising.

5. breathe

I promise. This is one you won't regret. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Life becomes so much easier when you just breathe. I have struggled so much with fear that my life won't turn out as I planned. Well I can promise I never planned what has happened my senior year. However, I have learned the valuable lesson to just breathe. And just be. Everything is taken care of. Just work hard, be kind to others, and the rest will take care of itself. Plus, when you breathe.. You enjoy life more. 

Namesté,

Heather 

 

What I Did Wrong in Pageants

42 days. 

If you know what happens in 42 days you are a pageant fanatic, as am I. If you do not, I'll let you know. 

In 42 days the most magical week of the year begins: Miss Oklahoma Week. 

Regardless of what your history, knowledge, or experience with Miss Oklahoma week is, this blog post will be valuable. It's a huge lesson I learned this year in preparation and throughout my journey, and I know it will change the way I compete in June. 

Every year on May 31st 45+ women arrive tanned, prepped, and sparkling with that twinkle in their eye that maybe, just maybe, they could leave this week as Miss Oklahoma. It is exciting, breathtaking really, to experience the rush you feel constantly throughout the week. And each Saturday night at the end of the competition I searched for my parents and let them know I was ready for next year. Nothing in the world has compared to Miss Oklahoma Week for me since I was eight years old. 

At the age of thirteen I began competing as a teen, and I truly credit pageantry for shaping me into the woman I am today. Some life experiences though, can never prepare you for a few things that you experience and feel during Miss Oklahoma week.

 Things such as: constant comparison to the gorgeous 5'7 blonde with bright blue eyes and a stick thin figure. Or maybe it's self doubt, "Was I enough?" "Did they really like me?" "Were those 'fluff' questions in my interview?"

No. 

Yes. You are always enough. YES. I promise they liked you, stop worrying. No. Those weren't fluff questions, they seemed easy to you (mostly) because of the hours you put into studying the Syrian war or what animal you would be if you had to choose. (PS: why is that a question? It'll never happen!! )

If you have followed my blog throughout this journey I have been faced with this year you have probably seen me grow in a way I cannot even begin to describe. I know because of a torn ACL, I am a new person. I gained one giant thing: perspective. The perspective that says, "Don't you dare stand in front of me and mark your turns and leaps while I am practically being strapped to a chair to keep myself from wanting to dance." The perspective that says, "Your body needs time to heal. Stand up for your body, and do PT exercises at home 2 more times than you're told." And most importantly, the perspective that says, "Do not compare yourself. NO ONE but you is on this journey." 

This changed my life in multiple ways. Comparison is an issue in society today. I think every 13 year old girl is hoping she is as gorgeous as so-and-so. Not only that, but as a dancer I spent on average 5 hours a day standing in front of a mirror, wishing my legs were longer and hating adagio for the entire 4 minutes my 5' stature had to be compared to a 5'8 one. Well you can bet that will never happen again. From here on out I'll just be thankful I can dance. 

What I have found though to be my largest gain in my newfound lack of comparison, is in pageantry. Discovering I am my own person, with a journey designed specifically for me and only me was game changing. This year I have felt little to no need to wonder who looks better in their swimsuit than I do. Actually,  when I step onstage in my suit Wednesday night I'll be proud of the proof I can put on stage that I am fully recovered and healthy. I've realized that who has more experience than me, may be wiser, but everyone has to start somewhere. I couldn't be more excited. Last weekend was contestants day, and I felt a lot of support and encouragement. I truly didn't compare myself to the other singers. How could I? 7 months ago I was choosing my music for my "ballet en pointe" performance at Miss Oklahoma. I know a lot of people have told me, "I know you'd rather be dancing." At this moment though, I would say no. I wouldn't, not this year. I'm proud of what I have done. And it's taught me that the comparison I have felt before, was the death of my success. Knowing that now, it would be suicide to allow myself to do that again. 

I hope that you share this with any friend, woman, dancer, or pageant girl you know. Don't compare yourself people! Your journey is unique, and specific to the purpose designed to you. It would be a disservice to yourself to allow yourself to be anything besides what you are meant to be. Never second guess that. Never compare. It'll change your life. 

It changed mine.

xoxo,

Heather

A Compilation of my Life in the Last Week

Wow.
They tell you all the time how quickly life moves, but its hard to believe how fast second semester of your senior year goes. This is my excuse for not writing sooner about some landmarks in my journey.

First, let me begin by saying Contestants Day was a success. I felt nerves, which I knew I would feel. Honestly, it was kind of fun though. As a dancer, I have been on the stage since the age of three and so performing is more of a treat than a challege for me. However, the pressure of hearing everyone repeatedly say, "We can't wait to hear you sing!" was building inside of me like a bottle of pop ready to have a mento dropped inside. When it came my turn to perform my talent, it felt awesome to get to take control of the audience is such a different way. Let's just say another milestone down. I'm ready for Miss Oklahoma!

This Tuesday, I found out more exciting news. I get to dance again!!!! Slowly of course... But I am finally back to where I have wanted to be. The timing for this news was impeccable considering I was given my fall schedule for 2014 at OCU Monday! Honestly, this journey is far from it's conclusion and it's taken a team to get me here. Now, it's just up to me to be diligent, safe, and spend as much time in the studio as possible. Which will be easy considering the love and separation anxiety I already feel for the sweet kids I've gotten to pour into over the last year.

Next, I have been spending some time with a 5th grade class talking about Healthy Choices Healthy Me. First they took a test and learned about some common misconceptions about healthy choices. We noted that Oklahoma is the 10th most obese state in the country!! After discussing some things we could do better to improve our lifestyles, we headed to the iPads to make our own iMovies promoting healthy choices! In the next few posts I'll be sharing the videos in my blogs! Enjoy the hard work of these kiddos!!! 

xoxo,

Heather

Building Bonds and Breaking Stereotypes

I have been thinking over this post and what it would include since I left the campgrounds this morning. In case you are unfamiliar with my weekend, I spent the last 3 days camping alongside 29 of my favorite women in Oklahoma: my pageant sisters. 

I would be lying if I said I didn't think this weekend would be a "made for TV, "glam"ping, high maintenance, pageant girl" kind of weekend. Apparently so did all my friends, considering their reaction to my weekend plans was "YOU are going camping?" However, I was certainly (pleasantly) surprised to find out how much me and most of the other girls thoroughly enjoyed ourselves makeup, stress, and competition free. 

I should back up and let you know why we were camping. In fact, we were on an adventurous journey.  In order to complete the bronze or silver (I was completing silver) medal for the Duke of Edinburgh award, you're final challenge is to complete an adventurous journey. Although, we had countless adventures this weekend, we did something I think was way more important than just earn a medal; we broke a steryotype.

Because I have grown up in the Miss Oklahoma Organization, from the young age of eight, I have always felt heart broken and confused when "pageant girls" are described as "snotty, dumb, materialistic, out of touch with reality, high-maintenance, etc." I learned from a very young age the hard work, intelligence, leadership, and poise every woman who competes for Miss Oklahoma obtains. As I began competing, I learned people sometimes mistook me for "having it all." I will say, I am a very fortunate individual, who is blessed with more than enough. However, all of my success came from a lot of hard work and sacrifices I decided to make on my own. Becoming  relatable to my community, friends, and peers became my goal. Eventually I saw some of my closest friends realize the importance of an organization like Miss America. I wanted people who didn't know me to see the reason I compete. Not for a shiny crown, but for a position as an ambassador for my state, to gain scholarship, and to achieve personal goals I never dreamed of before competing in pageants.

Still, with the help of some pitiful YouTube examples of onstage question, and TV shows like "Honey Boo Boo" and "Todlers and Tiaras," the stereotype exists that we are nothing more than bimbos obsessed with vanity and pageantry. 

This weekend, 30 young women spent 2 nights with no makeup, no running water, and no electricity. We cooked our own meals, pitched our own tents, and let our phone batteries exhaust so that we could spend a weekend getting to know each other on a personal level. Not as competitors, but as friends. It was incredibly refreshing to spend time with people who give to their community, strive for personal excellence, and believe in empowering women to reach their full potential. 

On Saturday we were invited to Jacob's Ladder where we got to take part in an awesome ropes course! We were joined by a former MOOT's mother, who instructed us along with two men who didn't know a thing about pageants. Both admitted that they had stereotyped us into being prissy girls who didn't seem interested in doing a ropes course or climbing rock walls before they had even met us. After spending about 5 hours with them, and getting a little dirty as well as very sunburnt, they were able to see the real women we were. It was so neat to hear them say that we broke the stereotype for them. 

I had a great time this weekend. And I am so happy I got to spend my first camping experience with all my best friends and sisters. I am now thoroughly excited about Miss Oklahoma week. And I'm challenging you to become more familiar with a girl before you just call her a pretty face. There is a lot behind the big hair and makeup, like an even bigger heart and a call to empower others. 

xoxo,

Heather 

 

 

The old "If your dreams don't scare you.."

I would like a take a moment to be real with you. This stinks.

 There have been days where I came home and burst into tears explaining to my mom how difficult it can be to put on a brave face 24/7. I don't say this in order to receive pity, or attention. I think it's fair that you know this is not a cake walk. Yes, the initial shock has worn off. I have mentally accepted that my season of competitive dance is over, and I will not dance in my senior recital. However, I'm still mentally dealing with this everyday.

Now all of this is not to say my life isn't wonderful. I've found myself being showered with incredible friendships and achievements I had only dreamed of this year. 

I am also reaching a point in physical therapy in which I am a little scared. Time after time we say, "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." Well then I think mine are mighty big enough. Jumping used to be fun to me, but let's get real, if you haven't jumped once in 4 months... It's gonna feel a little unnatural. It did. Now I'm feeling pretty confident. However, I still cringe at the sight of seeing someone else pop up in the air without a second thought. 

My first surgeon told me if you tear your ACL, you are 8 times more likely to tear it again. Optimistic right? That's about what I thought too... Honestly, in the first month or so after my injury I told my parents day in and day out I didn't want to dance again because I never wanted to feel this way again. But then I realized something more... I wanted dance as a career more than I was afraid of retearing. For me, this was very powerful. 

I'm convinced that when I return to dance I will be better than I have ever been before. When there is a dance about pain, or sadness, well I have inspiration for that. Watching in class it grinds my gears to see people not dancing and giving 100%. Why? Because I would give every fiber of my being to be doing what they are. 

So what are you afraid of? Sure there are doubts that creep in my mind sometimes, but I know that I'm taking steps to reach full recovery AND make my dreams of dancing come true. Whatever you want, don't let your fears keep you from achieving it. 

xoxo,

Heather 

Beauty out of dust.

Amongst the many challenges I have faced in the last few months, I have gained a few beautiful moments I wish I could stop in time. 

When I tore my ACL and meniscus in December, I truly felt my world crashing down around me. Dancing has never been what some would call a "hobby," or "a pageant talent" for me. Dance was, and still is, my life. It was what pushed me through my parents divorce, what helped me celebrate my mom as a survivor of breast cancer, and what is continually telling my life story and career aspirations. So when that was virtually taken away from me I felt scared. 

Most of you know, among the first questions I asked my doctor was, "Will I be able to dance for Miss Oklahoma?" The answer was a clear no, if I wanted to heal properly. I made the decision not to push my recovery, and to sing for Miss Oklahoma. For most people this came as a shock, but for me it was almost as if it was a dream come true. I had secretly wished to have a beautiful gown and not wear my hair in a bun for the talent portion of the competition. 

However, it's not that easy. I learned this quickly. I'll be honest, dance challenged me, but it was so natural and always just "came to me." The way motion flows through my body, the essence of stillness, amongst the contrast of sharp motion just made sense to me. Within a few minutes I could fully master a combination, and make it my own. In general, my life has been very fortunate. I do not deny that I have had most of my life handed to me. However, I have faced struggle and conflict in ways some people will not ever face in their lives as well. Main point being though, that I haven't worked so hard for something in a very long time. 

I could never have done it without my vocal coach, and dear friend. I needed someone who believed in me, and challenged me. I learned to make the notes perfectly on pitch... And then just as in dance, to make the song my own. As Talent Day is fast approaching along my journey of competing in Miss Oklahoma, I feel confident and proud of what I have done. I didn't just learn an easy song to "make due" for the talent I really wished I was doing, but I dove into something I didn't know about and fully worked to become the best I could be. To challenge myself as a singer and increase my value as a dancer in the working world. 

I feel very proud of myself, though I know I have plenty of room to continue to improve. Working hard for something felt incredible.  This is one of the most important trials of my life, and probably one of the most invigorating victories I have ever experienced. 

xoxo,

Heather 

Calling all Women!

Ladies. We all know one thing. 

Girls can be brutal. 

And isn't it wild that time after time the excuse is used, "Girls will be girls." No. I won't stand for it any longer. Today I am blogging on a very important message. 

LOVE your body. The number one thing I think women forget to do most in today's society is love themselves. It's a tough world out there, the least you can do is look in the mirror and think "I'm happy, pretty, sparkly, etc." But most women don't. Instead they look in the mirror and say " I'm short, I don't have (the infamous) a thigh gap, I'm not facially jaw dropping like Angelina Jolie." Well here's the deal ladies, you've got a lot of power in your hands. You just don't realize it. 

Whether you are a mother, a wife, a business woman making strides in the office, or a high school student you have the power to make people love your body and love YOU too! Let me speak from experience. It wasn't until this year I found that I am very watched by little eyes wondering around the dance studio. Those little princesses think the world of older students, and do just what they do. Recently I discovered I had a large window of opportunity here. So I began to use it. Every time I said hello to a little face (of which all I adore) I decided to greet them with a compliment like, "your hair looks so beautiful!" or "When you smile during practice your dance moves look even better!" And for my older friends, "wow you're looking tan." and "gosh I can tell you've been working out a lot! You go girl." Regardless of the compliment, I saw their faces light up. I feel so happy knowing something so small is building confidence and they don't even realize it. 

"Girls criticize each other, women empower each other."

Among one of my favorite little sayings, this speaks volumes of what we should be doing. Us women are a force to be reckoned with! Why tear each other down? In the news all the time is the crisis of "body image" in teens and young adults. The problem is WE let it continue. Why do we let ourselves compare to others? Sure the women on magazines are gorgeous, but so are you. 

Something I have been thinking about lately is the impact you can have by loving your body. I am strong, beautiful, happy, and driven. I glow when I smile and I'm comfortable without makeup. So what are you? Make it an effort to love things about yourself every day. 

In White House | Black Market in the dressing rooms they have compliments on the mirror. Unknowingly the sweet message made me smile! 

From here on out wake up and tell yourself one thing you just love about you! You'll be amazed how much better you feel. Healthy is beautiful.

xoxo, 

Heather 

Why limit yourself?

As most of you know, I have been spending an awful lot of time... Not dancing. Many times I have said, "I don't know what to do with myself. Everything I am, everything I know is off limits. Everything I am is dance." For all of my life I have been Heather and I am a dancer. From being voted most talented in middle school, to being the artsy girl who didn't go to parties, football games, or concerts because of dance, I dedicated myself to being a dancer. 

Over the last few months I have been challenging myself to be something out of my comfort zone. Garrett, my family, some close friends had tried to tell me that I was indeed more than just a girl who dances. However, I was unconvinced. It was until recently, when working with a voice coach for the first time, he told me something so special. I am MORE than Heather the dancer. I am capable of anything I believe in. And right now I choose to be heather the singer, heather the artist, heather the leader, heather the follower of Christ. Among many more things. 

I am at a crucial point of life when you realize the choices you make are important in shaping your future, your happiness. I feel so empowered to find out what I really am capable of. All of my boundaries have truly been set free. How could I even let people define who I am? As an artist, I realize I couldn't live a day without music. I need it. Performance is the same. Sometimes it is used as a gift for others. Sometimes, it is a gift for yourself... A little free therapy. This year, my performance at Miss Oklahoma is for ME. As selfish as that sounds, I can't wait to prove to myself what a hard worker I've been, how capable I am of achieving and being anyone I want, and most importantly how great it feels to do something when you've truly worked so hard to do it to the best of your ability. 

I hope you believe in me. And I hope you believe in yourself even more. Because everyone deserves total happiness, and I think I'm on my way.

xoxo,

Heather

Cancel the Pity Party!

Hi friends. 

This blog post isn't really about any healthy choice in particular, but it's not any less important. This morning, in church the lesson was about canceling the pity party. It made me realize something very important. 

Just because I'm not going to be dancing at Miss Oklahoma, does not mean I don't have something to offer. 

It does mean, I have something different to offer this year. Of course it was a dream of mine to make my Miss Oklahoma debut dancing my heart out to an incredible pointe routine and maybe even win rookie talent, however, that was not my mission. God needed to find some way to show me, and He knew I wouldn't make the decision to sing on my own. 

For a few weeks, I became so frustrated with singing. I felt like I was "bad" and I knew this wasnt my "talent" , but once again God swooped in and showed me that this is all part of the journey. I was terrified of what others would think of my voice, because I know most people who know me associate me with my dancing feet... Not my singing voice. 

Then I realized one thing... Singing or dancing my mission is to serve. To serve my state as a role model. To serve the other girls by being a friend, and to serve my Lord and Savior by being the brightest light I can be during the Miss Oklahoma pageant.. And always. I was so focused on something so trivial that I didn't realize that regardless, I would still get to fulfill the best mission of all! 

So long story short, this "pity party" is cancelled, it's time to start loving the experience for all that it is and all that it is going to teach me. Sometimes it's frustrating, and what bothers me most is that as a perfectionist I want to give my all! Luckily, I am blessed to have family and friends who are ready to push me in the right direction so that I WILL walk off the stage knowing I gave 150% and performed to my best ability. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and been a part of this journey! 

xoxo,

Heather 

A very red velvet valentines day!

Some days, especially in this cold weather, you just need something sweet! But how about something just big enough to not kill your diet! Isn't that what all of us girls want this Valentine's Day?

We would be lying if we said there is little to no temptations during the month of February. CHOCOLATE IS EVERYWHERE. And not only that but in the shape of hearts, sometimes in pink wrappers, or attached to sweet messages. As silly as it sounds, most of us fall for these yummy treats... And eat the whole bag! 

So tonight, I'm sharing one of my newest, semi healthy, perfect size treat for when you need something to treat a sweets craving. 

Introducing "Fast Cake"....

You will need:

1 box of angel food cake

1 box of any cake mix of your choice

water

And a regular size soup bowl.

First, mix your angel food cake and choice cake mix (I chose red velvet!) in a gallon ziplock bag. 

Then, put 3 tablespoons of the combined cake mix into your bowl. 

Add 2 tablespoons of water. 

Mix together until completely mixed as such 

Now, put into the microwave for approximately 1:00 minute. 

TA DA!! Fast cake! 

Add a dollop of fat free cool whip and enjoy your yummy perfect size treat! 

*note this is still a slow food ;) 

xoxo,

Heather

S"no"w excuses!!!

Happy snow day to all!! I admit, these fun days are for sleeping in, drinking hot cocoa, indulging in junk food... Wait what? It's all about moderation right... But what if we decided to take a different approach. 

Competing in pageantry, as well as being a dancer, I commonly see women strive to have a great body up until an event. Then it seems they take their very own "snow days" after it's all over. I am guilty of this too, so I'm not pointing fingers! However, this isn't health.. That's dieting. Your body needs a constant healthy lifestyle. That's right, the key word here is lifestyle. Getting your body in awesome shape is wonderful, as long as you have full intentions to keep it there. 

Taking a "snow day" on your health is understandable in very limited moderation. If we completely cut off our favorite dessert, or let's say guilty pleasure food of choice, we would go crazy!!!! Just know, snow days only occur so often for a reason. Think about how the public school system designates snow days. In Owasso, each year we get 5 "free" snow days. After we use up all of those, we have to make up school days at the end of the year. 

Think about this.. Let's apply it to real life. Sit down and think about how many "snow days" you will give yourself each week, month, or year. Keep track of them, and when you've reached your limit then you will just have to wait! If you want, you could even take it a step further. For example, if we don't use up our snow days in school, at the end of the year we get out X amount of days early depending on how many snow days remain. At the end of your month, if you don't have a cheat day reward yourself!  

Important: Do not reward yourself with food. First of all, you're not a dog. Why reward yourself that way. Second of all, we should not see food as a reward! Sure it's yummy, and it should be, but a reward should be something like allowing yourself to get your nails done, go to a movie, or something you really enjoy but don't do often. 

Now whether you're playing in the snow, or inside all day, challenge yourself to find some form of exercise. Make it fun, or a game. Do jumping jacks or crunches during commercial breaks! Anything to get your body moving... Your brain can take a break on this snow day :-) 

   xoxo,

Heather 

Let's take accountability.

Hmm.. That's a big statement. Acountability. Responsibility. Ownership. Sometimes, it isn't easy to do. Many times it is much easier to say I would much rather take a nap than do my homework, leg exercises, etc. I feel you. Not to be cliché, but I'm only cheating myself. 

It is very clear to me, that dancers are some of the most accountable people you will ever meet. We have to be. Each move and formation placed to perfection, and in a sport all about aesthetic you have to be flawless. If you aren't, you must take ownership. (There is no point in doing otherwise because there is always a video. Hehe!) Not only do we have to be, we want to be. Why you ask? Because we want to better ourselves, we are driven, and the competitive nature to rise to the top is inevitable for all of us. Getting yourself in ballet class after a long day of school, homework, stress, and exhaustion is not always easy, but if you want it you will. 

PLOT TWIST for this ballerina: you're injured. So now what? As I am learning, it is time to take all the needed time off. However, I still take accountability in how I'm living as an athlete and artist. 

First, nutrition. Now more than ever it becomes even more essential in my life. I am fortunately blessed with a relatively high metabolism. However, I have also been spending 20 hours a week in the studio since I was capable of the time and commitment. Now, in order to keep up my healthy lifestyle, with limited ability to exercise, I have to take some major accountablility in my food choices! If you have followed my platform for awhile, you know I break down foods into three categories: slow foods, woah foods, and go foods. 

Go foods: eat these as much as you want! They give you the energy to keep going throughout your super awesome, healthy day! (Ex: fruits, veggies, lean proteins) 

Slow foods: careful.. These might slow you down. Although they seem like a good choice, hidden sugars and carbs lie within them. Limit these to once or twice a week treats! (Ex: fruit juice, white breads, trail mix) 

Woah foods: when you find out what's inside of these you'll be saying just that... Woah! Save these yummy, but dangerous, foods for special occasions like a birthday party, holiday, or an A on that big test you studied for! (Ex: soda, cake, potato chips) 

Next, exercise. 

It's important to know what your body can handle. However, it doesn't mean you should completely lay off the exercise. I spent my first day back at the gym working on some abs and upper body exercise. It is amazing how quickly your body forgets what it's normal routine is. Have realistic expectations for yourself. I must admit, I did not. I was slightly disappointed with the limited motion and exercise I could physically handle. However, now I am ready to set goals and improve each time I work out. It's important to not allow myself to slack, as part of my future relies very much on keeping my dancer body in shape to return as prepared as possible to dance, and my normal lifestyle! 

Lastly, Physical Therapy. Wow, how important is this!? I have been told so many times that PT is where you either make or break your return from an injury. I am determined to make mine an awesome, better than ever comeback. It might sound easy, but ownership comes in here. It is important to do my exercises at home. Think about the results, not the labor. 

So now I ask the largely debatable question: is obesity in a gene? Is it a disease some are susceptible to? 

I'll let you answer this on your own. However, think about this. Some family health patterns start with the actions of 1 person. If you feel that you are more likely to have issues with your health then it's your responsibility to change that. Take ownership in your health status and make health changes for the better. Anyone can do it, it only takes one thing. Accountability. 

Fortunately, that is one trait we are all susceptible to. Now get out there! The least you can do for your body is make it a healthy one! 

xoxo, 

Heather

Confidence is key.

When you are injured, it can sometimes be difficult to keep your confidence up. It takes a lot out of you when you have the type of injury I do, and I'm learning that firsthand through experience. It blew my mind that after surgery I couldn't lift my leg. Even worse, I discovered I couldn't point my foot... Every dancer's worst nightmare. Main point being that I could no longer complete tasks mandatory for not only an athlete, but a person in general. It was time to start from scratch with this knee. Now that can seem intimidating and kill some confidence for sure!! 

9 days out of surgery I am back at school... For me this was huge because it meant normal routine life, finally!!! It was encouraging to know that I am making progress, and soon enough I'll be back in the gym, dance, etc. I definitely took for granted the strength it takes in my legs to treck through a campus as big as my high school! My hamstring was definitely feeling it. ( My ACL was replaced with a portion of a tendon in my hamstring, so it's feeling pretty tight.) This tightness in my hamstring is new to me, seeing as I am a dancer. I'm used to being able to touch my toes and do all kinda of crazy dancer things with hammys as elastic as rubber bands! Another important note, be in tune with your body. It's important and it can make all the difference in your workout, your health goals, or an injury recovery.

It's safe to say I was feeling a little out of my element now that my functionality was less than that of a "normal" person. (Us dancers sometimes tend to think of ourselves as superhumans, but that's a whole different story!) All of that can shoot your confidence and lead you to question yourself, ladies and gentlemen, this is doom. 

Yesterday I had a doctors appointment post surgery to see how I was doing. Great news! I had my stitches removed, and I am now allowed to bend my knee (with my brace on of course.) These may sound like two minor victories but I felt as if I was a puppy in training receiving an award! My confidence rose instantly, I was walking at school without crutches and my entire spirit was just brighter. In this recovery process, I promise you there will be bad days, but there will also be super awesome days that make you want to jump for joy! Of course that jumping will have to be imaginary, unless the doctor cleared jumping too! Hehe. 

Where is your health mentally? Are you confident in your body? Yes? Okay awesome keep it up! No? What can you do to improve upon this? What are you confident about? Is it your self discipline, determination, strong will power, or the fact that you will look the absolute best in your swimsuit this summer or else! ;) It doesn't matter! What does matter is that you sit yourself down and ask yourself "where am I mentally in the game of health?" Because if you aren't confident that you can achieve your said goal, how are you going to get anyone else to believe you can?!

My knee post stitches removal!!! It's all about the process:) 

xoxo,

Heather

If you love some "thing"... Let it know.

If you know me, you know I love dance. I breathe dance. Movement flows though my body the second I hear a song that moves me. My feet can't ignore the urge to tap dance down any grocery store aisle.  So what happens when you can't do that? 

This weekend I was able to go to my very favorite dance convention and watch. Within the first few minutes of class the instructor said, "Aren't we all so lucky to be here and dance today?," and I thought to myself that I truly may be the only person in the room who realized how lucky each dancer was. My heart wanted to be out there more than anything. 

So this brings me to say that not only should we not take life for granted, but we can't take our passions for granted either. For me, that's dance or any form of physical activity. Never have I ever missed a treadmill more!! 

So what are you taking for granted? I hope it isn't your health. However, in America it seems that more commonly it is. As the second most obese country in the world, only behind Mexico, we are caught in this fast food lifestyle. Like all situations where things are taken for granted, we take the easy way out. Now, as a busy teenager, I know how simple a quick drive through is, but I also know the consequences. The worst thing you can do for your body is NOT appreciate it. 

This week I'm challenging you to do one good thing for your body everyday. Consciously be aware of what you are doing and the decisions you are making. After all, your body is a temple. (I wouldn't bring McDonalds, hehe.) 

xoxo,

Heather

How Surgery Changed Me

Quick note: I know this is a pain, but after weeks of trying to understand a different blog site my blogs just kept disappearing and quite frankly I did not know how to fix it! So here I am, One Healthy Dancer 2.0! Everyone cross your fingers...


6 days ago I had an ACL reconstruction and medial meniscal repair. I am so glad to say my surgery was a success! I really can't wait to walk you through this experience with me and tell you are the things I would've wanted to know before experiencing it for myself. Also, lets take the challenge together to find new ways to be healthy, no matter the circumstances.


The first way surgery changed me was that it has forcibly, I repeat BY FORCE made me very dependent. If you know me, you know if I can do it on my own, I will. If I can't do it on my own, I will still try anyway. hehe. I despise asking for help in most manners, so this made my first day home from surgery quite the challenge. You see, I was given a nerve block for two-thirds of my leg so it felt like it was asleep (that awful tingle feeling) and that it weighed about 700 pounds. I couldn't even lift it!! This required a lot of help from many, thankfully I had the best team of nurses out there... my family and my boyfriend.

The second way surgery changed me was that it has required a lot of patience. I am a part of the instant gratification generation and I'll be honest it is much easier to think, " I had surgery, they fixed it, I'm good to go." We all know it doesn't work that way though. I am on day 6, as previously mentioned, and I walked for the first time without crutches yesterday. Its really exciting and it makes life about the little things. I spend 6 hours a day on the CPM, a machine that basically straightens and bends my knee for me. It's long and unruly and not near the physical exercise I was used to, but these are all steps toward my new healthy knee.

Perspective is probably the biggest way my surgery changed me. I am NOT one to pity myself. My life has been filled with trials and tribulations some people never go through in their entire lifespan and I am only 18 years old. That being said, in 18 short years I have been blessed with so many things that some only dream of, and I realize that too. The point being, when you are laid up in bed you cannot resort to letting yourself take pity. I have cried, and I have been angry, because honestly it isn't fair. There is nothing you can say to make it better, and I won't be back to real life in "no time" because that is not reality. However, reality is that life is still great. I am a living testimony that you can accomplish anything you want. I might have a knee injury, but I am One Healthy Dancer. I thought about this a lot yesterday as I realized that many people have it way worse than I do. This is just a speed bump on my path to success. I'm learning to make small fetes a great victory! It's pretty exciting too.

My question is, Is your glass half empty or half full? It may seem cliché, but I promise you it'll make all the difference. Whether you're recovering from an injury, have a weight loss goal, trying to make health a bigger part of your life, or a different goal in your future, it's okay to celebrate the small victories. In fact, its important. Please continue to be a part of my journey because I can't wait to share with you my emotions, and stories, and happiness as I reach full recovery.

Bandages off and swelling going down, now that's a big victory!

xoxo,
Heather