Beyond the Rhinestones

It's 8:49 am and although I've been up for two hours already, I am still exhausted. It's a good kind of tired. It's the accomplished kind of tired. It's the kind of tired that longs to see your new friends again. It's the kind of tired that enriches you as a person. It's the Monday morning after our Summer Retreat.

I finally made it home last night around 9:30 after a long trip. I had a few emails and workouts to send for this week and while I was sitting at my desk, I came across this note:

Danielle Doty, Miss Teen USA 2011

Dear Chelsea Cooley,

Thank you so much for an incredible life changing weekend! I loved meeting you and am truly touched by what you do for girls just like me! StandOut Productions is the best!

Texas Love Forever,

Danielle Doty, Miss Texas Teen USA 2011

Since attending our Titleholder Retreat in January, Danielle has now become the new Miss Teen USA. She, like hundreds of other girls, like the girls we just spent the weekend with, have shared in our retreat experience. A.T. and I tell every group, our goal is to change at least one life before the weekend comes to a close.

What they don't realize is how much we are changed by each girl. Beyond the rhinestones, each girl stands hoping to reach their goal in an opinion-based competition. In a split second, months, even years of hard work can be over or can lead into a new chapter. No matter what happens, who you are, when you are standing in that moment, remains THE most important thing.

It was and continues to be a blessing for us to share this journey with our girls. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life!

We love you,

Chelsea & A.T.