"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." – Marianne Williamson
If you asked me three years ago if I thought I would ever compete at Miss USA, my answer would have been...”probably not.”
You see, we aren’t in control of our life’s path. God had greater plans for this girl with a once quite demeanor and ability to down play every talent she has to offer. She had no idea she would one day be Miss Wisconsin USA 2019. Timing is everything and it was in those years leading up to that very moment I experienced a huge amount of growth and self-awareness, cultivating my character and building my confidence all while connecting me to so many inspiring individuals.
I could not be more humbled to share with every one of you today – parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts/uncles, and friends, young, old and everyone in between - that YOU are capable of absolutely anything you set your heart and mind to.
“We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? When we should really be asking ourselves, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.”
If you haven't caught on yet, this was part of my farewell speech I gave to the audience of the Miss Wisconsin USA 2020 competition. I wanted this to be different than a normal 'pageant farewell' speech, I wanted to connect with the audience, to focus on others, because after all that is what my year was about....not just myself...which can be so often misconstrued.
I couldn’t have done this year without the unwavering support and love of my entire family. Mom, Dad, Natalie, Torrey, Johnny, Meghan and of course my 3 favorite nephews Parker Landon and Mason – you guys were always there for me, even if it meant driving 30 hours across the country to Reno, NV for Miss USA.
Mom, I especially want to thank you for seeing the potential in me that sometimes I couldn’t see in myself, you push me outside of my comfort zone and continuously challenge me to be a better version of myself every day.
Above all, I owe all gratitude and thanks to God. I know that it is because of my faith, I am standing before you today.
As Williamson stated, It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
The potential within us all is so bountiful. To the New Miss Wisconsin USA – remember there are no limits to what you can achieve in this year ahead. The trajectory of your life will forever be changed tonight. Let your light shine from within and never dull your sparkle.
“And as we let our own light shine, We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.”
We all have the ability, confidence and passion to positively impact a tremendous amount of lives. Don’t downplay your gifts and talents & always let your light shine in all circumstances.
“We were born to make manifest The glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; It's in everyone.”
Always, Your girl next door and so much more
Miss Wisconsin USA 2019 - Danika Tramburg
Your Girl Next Door and So Much More,
Danika Tramburg