Life has been a little hectic recently, hence the lag between posts. It is hard to believe in just four weeks from now I will be a "former Miss Georgia." I have been busy getting together four different dances for Miss Georgia week, writing my "thank yous" and my farewell speech, going through 500+ pictures from this year to make my farewell slideshow, getting things together for the new Miss Georgia, and trying to wrap my mind around going back to school in August!
I wanted to use this post to update everyone on all the media links since I opened up about my struggle with bulimia and to share some appearances I've gone to recently.
The outpouring of love, support, and encouragement has been mind blowing this past month. It is never easy coming out so publicly admitting our struggles, no matter what they are. My hope, whether on a small or large scale, was that my vulnerability would be an example to young girls and boys that no one is perfect; that my openness would allow young girls and boys, and even men and women, to find the courage to tell their stories and to share their battles. The past month I have experienced the empowerment that comes from living in a vulnerable place. It is not easy and it is not too comfortable, but it is freeing in a way. I have received a countless number of texts, emails, FaceBook messages, and Tweets from people in all walks of life offering either support, understanding, or validation. My "hope" in all of this became reality. A huge thank you to all who have reached out! I praise God for letting me know the perfect time to speak publicly about this. His timing is always perfect....
WSBTV (Ch. 2) with John Bachman clip: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/miss-georgia-reveals-eating-disorder-secret/nXTyk/
Fox5 Atlanta (special report): http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/22212308/miss-georgia-opens-up-about-eating-disorder?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8863040
Fox5 Atlanta (Eating Disorder information): http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/22269428/eating-disorders-in-teens-how-to-cope
WRBL Columbus interview: http://www.wrbl.com/story/22148752/miss-georgia-reveals-secret-struggle-with-eating-disorder
Ledger-Enquirer article (many details): http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/05/12/2494288/miss-georgia-reveals-deadly-secret.html
My Dee Armstrong interview is not available online yet.
I am also working with HLN/CNN to schedule a national interview, but between the Jodi Arias Trial, other national news, and my schedule, it has been difficult to find a set date. I will keep you all posted!
I’ve also gotten to make many personal appearances since my last update:
• Father/Daughter dance in Columbus, Ga
• Miss America homecoming in NYC- One of the most fun things I have done all year. I am so lucky to be so close with my Miss America Sisters.
• Heart Connections Mentoring Program in Eastman, Ga.
• Little Miss Troup County
• Emceeing the Miss Creekview Pageant with Tori (Mini Miss Georgia)
• Prom Prep event in Barnesville, GA- Incredible afternoon.
• CMNH ‘celebrity grocery bagger’ at Kroger in Rome, GA. I am terrible! I think I broke every "grocery bagging" rule possible. Oops! But it was fun, for a great cause.
• Pumps for Pets in Atlanta – We are blessed with so many talented Local Titleholders!
• CMNH Atlanta Hawks event - Again, not so good! My ball and hoop coordination is nonexistent.
• Rose Show Parade and Festival in Thomasville, GA - a lovely weekend.
• Rally on the Runway in Atlanta for the Rally Foundation - SO heartwarming to watch children fighting for their lives strut their stuff on the runway.
• Judge for "Dancing Stars of South Georgia" benefiting the Alzheimer's Association in Tifton
• Emcee for Keep Columbus Beautiful
• Miss Georgia Nursing Home Pageant!! A 95-year old lady's life advice to me was "laugh a lot. Have tons of fun. It's gone too soon." Amen.
• Jesup, performing with Miss Georgia's Outstanding Teen, Jameson Kenerly
• Duke of Endinburgh Gala in Nashville, TN – An amazing time with no sleep!! I never thought I would meet royalty, but Prince Edward proved me wrong. Another once in a lifetime opportunity. It was also great to see some of the other state titleholders, and so fun hanging out with Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013, and Chandler Lawson, Miss Tennessee 2012, (literally) all night long.
• Miss America by Catalina promotions at two different Walmarts. Crazy funny moments, but also lots of very sweet opportunities to speak with children.
I will post at least one more blog before Miss Georgia week. Cannot believe it is coming so quickly!! Thanks again to all the wonderful supporters throughout the state. I am honored to represent for your love, support and kindness during the last year and especially during the past few months.
Enjoy these two collages....
Some of my favorite moments
-Love in Christ,
Leighton
Proof this job is so, so fun!
-Love in Christ,
Leighton
"I am enough just as I am,
unfinished, imperfect, uncertain of the road I choose,
yet, certain that I must continue. I cannot go back.
I am not enough for some, and too much for others,
I struggle with myself, I wrestle with fear, I avoid the parts of me
that are unavoidable.
Yet, I want to hide no more. I am alive, I know because I feel.
In my eyes,
I am damaged, hurting, healing, and in need of improvement.
But in the eyes of God,
And in the place where grace abides,
I know I am enough." -unknown
unfinished, imperfect, uncertain of the road I choose,
yet, certain that I must continue. I cannot go back.
I am not enough for some, and too much for others,
I struggle with myself, I wrestle with fear, I avoid the parts of me
that are unavoidable.
Yet, I want to hide no more. I am alive, I know because I feel.
In my eyes,
I am damaged, hurting, healing, and in need of improvement.
But in the eyes of God,
And in the place where grace abides,
I know I am enough." -unknown
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