Vision, Mission and Symphony

"An appreciation of real merit and worth, steadfastness of soul, that without bitterness or defeat we may encounter misfortune and with humility meet success..."
                                                                          -from The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta

These words are from The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta, a beautiful sisterhood of women that I was fortunate enough to be initiated into at the University of Northern Iowa in the fall of 1997.  These words have echoed in my mind a lot throughout this year.

The wonderful thing about pageantry is that it is a big sisterhood.  Through my reign as Mrs. Iowa International, I have made many new connections with amazing women who aspire to make the world a better place.  They are cheerleaders for each other and are bonded by common goals and aspirations.  This sisterhood draws such a parallel with my Greek sisterhood from college--I think in many ways, this helped me feel more at home during competition week, when every step was so new.

I had the opportunity to connect with my Alpha Xi Delta sisters at our chapter's 50th anniversary celebration earlier this year.  Along with that, my Mrs. Iowa travels brought me closer to a sister that I hadn't seen for years prior.  We all shared laughter, stories and memories that seemed like yesterday.  I had the honor of meeting sisters from years before my time at UNI and the privilege of hearing the special announcement that earlier that evening, our keynote speaker was just tapped to be our next National President.  I was really able to reflect on how Alpha Xi Delta has impacted women's lives and my journey thus far.

"Foster intellectual, professional and personal growth, exemplify the highest ethical conduct, instill community responsibility..." 
                                                                                         -from The Mission of Alpha Xi Delta

It was not my destiny to come home with the title of Mrs. International.  But that's OK! During the competition and after, it is understandable that emotions run high. But the words of The Symphony kept running through my mind--even if I encountered misfortune, I would keep my integrity and head held high.  As women and sisters we should celebrate and empower one another!  Thank you, Alpha Xi Delta, for doing just that! 

As my year as Mrs. Iowa International gets closer to its end, I can look back and say that I have grown personally, conducted myself in an ethical manner and have helped to instill community responsibility by encouraging volunteerism and civic engagement through my platform work. This is success and I am humbled to have gotten to serve in this capacity!  I have gained new sisters in pageantry, but owe much gratitude to the sisterhood of Alpha Xi Delta.

Thank you for continually inspiring me to reach my potential!

Cheers!

Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Jill
Mrs. Iowa International 2015

Healthy Wife, Happier Life

I've been thinking about how I was going to write this blog for a long time.  I know I wanted to write it, but felt quite held back by self-defeating thoughts--"Will people think I'm just overly into myself?  What will people think when they see the 'old' me...don't I want them to just always see the 'better' me?"

I need to write this.  I need to share.  And guess what?  I'm not going to care if someone doesn't like it.  I do care, however, if my words resonate with someone and offer them hope, motivation or even comfort.

I want to share my story because I am proud of how far I've come in my journey.  My journey...not anyone else's. Everyone is different--different ages, abilities, circumstances. I am not a medical professional, just a regular gal who decided to make some life changes.

I am not a genetically thin person.  Growing up, I tended to lean on the softer side, despite playing outside and being active in sports like softball, volleyball and cheerleading. That was the hand I was dealt and I didn't realize how the cards would fall.

In high school, I began to become more preoccupied with my weight (who didn't?).  I suppose it was a mix of media, peers and my overwhelming desire to achieve, be accepted and please others (thumbs up, first-borns), but this lead to a path of disordered eating and an odd relationship with food.

Fast forward 10 years.  I'm in for a routine 38 week pregnancy check up with my first child.  After being being diagnosed with preeclampsia, my heart starts to beat rapidly and is recorded on the fetal heart monitor.  Two adenosine shots later, we're flown to a larger hospital with cardiac care to deliver in the ICU.  Shorly after, I have a procedure done to correct the electrical system of my heart, stemming from Wolfe-Parkinson-White Syndrome. I was also the heaviest I'd been in my life.

My physician told me I needed to be a healthier weight for my heart. Being a younger person, I just assumed the 60+ pounds of weight would be easy to get rid of.  WRONG. I made some changes to my diet, but didn't fully commit.  I had a prescription that really helped get me started in the right direction, but after a year, I returned to my old ways.

After the birth of my second child, I was in a place where I felt unworthy, ugly and didn't love myself.  I had comforted myself with food and was even heavier than before.  Because of my past heart condition, I was more conscious of my pregnancy weight gain and added about 30 pounds, half of the 60+ I did with my first.  But despite of making better food decisions during the pregnancy, I still started off weighing more than I did and continued to slowly gain after.

I'm on the right.  The lovely gal on the left is 8 mos pregnant.

Also during this time, my husband lost his mother and uncle to heart disease, both were in their 50's.

I needed a change.

I realized that this time around I needed to do it for myself and my family. #LifeIsWhy  I had two children that needed a role model, especially my daughter.

I knew that movement was a key piece of the puzzle.  My desk job is quite sedentary.  I started doing Zumba and I joined my local YMCA and began to attend fitness classes and run. And it was hard.  But I made benchmarks of where I started, and after a while, I began to see progress.  First one mile without stopping, then two.  My husband loves to run, so I thought that this was something we could all do as a family in the years to come.  I started to sign up for 5k races (read more about that in a previous post).

It about 6 months in and I began to get excited.  I was seeing myself do things I hadn't been able to do before (or at least in a very long time).  I was getting stronger and more confident in my abilities.  I joined the morning bootcamp class at the Y and started to make new friends who were health-conscious and held me accountable if I skipped a day--the pieces were starting to come together!

And to top it off, my town of Spencer was becoming a certified Blue Zones site (learn more at www.bluezones.com).  There was a heavy emphasis on health and vitality and I added a few tools to my wellness belt, common sense things, really--for example, eating off smaller plates, parking farther away in the parking lot, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, plant a garden, etc.

I can say now that I love to challenge myself physically.  I have more recently added weight training to my routine--it is so satisfying to see how I improve.  My family and I have a garden and enjoy growing our own fresh produce.  I look forward to trying out new, healthy recipes.  I have normal blood pressure, a healthy weight, normal glucose and low cholesterol.  Yay me!

And like I said in the beginning, it is my journey.  I just want to be a better version of who I was the day before.  I have no one to compete against except for myself--I know that there will always be someone slimmer, faster, more defined and prettier.  And I'm getting to be OK with that.  I am still curvy and I know that healthy is not just on the outside. And it takes time. For those of you that are making progress on your health journey, I commend you!  For those who need a little boost--I'll tell you that the first step is the hardest.  You can do it, you just need to find the things that work best for you.  You'll probably find yourself outside your comfort zone, but that's ok!

Thumbs up to a new race Personal Record and a healthy heart! 

A 'Thank You' to my husband and healthy community of friends, who are a continued source of inspiration, motivation, perspiration (lol) and laughter!

#ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill Brees Barr
Mrs. Iowa International 2015

Going Red

One of the things that attracted me to the International Pageant system was their alliance with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign.  Having been diagnosed with a heart condition earlier in my life, I thought I would be a good fit for the organization as an ambassador for heart health.

I'll go into further detail on that in a future post, but I wanted to highlight some of the experiences I've been fortunate enough to have as Mrs. Iowa International with the American Heart Association.

Go Red for Women Luncheon - Sioux City 

As the new titleholder for Iowa, one of the first things I did was research opportunities to serve with AHA.  It was November 2014 and the Go Red for Women Luncheon in Sioux City was just a few weeks away!

Sioux City is nearly 100 miles from my hometown of Spencer, but it is the closest larger city with AHA events.  I was so fortunate to get in contact with Linda Wadedo Jochims, the events director, who welcomed me so graciously to the event.  It was one of my very first official Mrs. Iowa appearances (I have to admit, I was nervous--I probably drove my husband nuts fidgeting with my crown as much as I did).

Linda was so welcoming and even introduced me to the event attendees.  I look forward to working with her again in the future!

National Wear Red Day

National Wear Red Day was February 6, 2015.  I helped facilitate an event at work encouraging co-workers to wear red.  A healthy breakfast was served (recipes were made available to take) and heart health tips were posted around the break room. 

Women, Wine & Wellness - Spencer

Also in February, I partnered with Spencer Municipal Hospital to present Women, Wine & Wellness. This was so much fun!  Attendees were treated to heart healthy cooking demonstrations (the samples were delicious!), a fun jingle performed by the hospital staff about the signs of a heart attack, a glass of red wine and a few songs by yours truly.  I also had the opportunity to share my heart story publicly.  

Jump Rope for Heart - Spencer

Did you know that Spencer Elementary School's Jump Rope for Heart is one of the biggest fundraisers of it's kind, both in terms of funds raised and student participation?  That was one of the exciting facts I learned at the event on Tuesday, March 24.  For an hour and a half, I jumped rope with 150 kids, grades 4-6.  I met some students who were jumping to honor others and just had a blast keeping up with them!  In the end, the students had raised over $19,000 for the American Heart Association!  Even when I couldn't walk the next day (my calves were so sore!), I knew it was worth it.  Awesome job, Spencer students!

Quad Cities Heart Ball - Davenport

I traveled across the state of Iowa to Davenport to attend the Quad Cities Heart Ball.  Set at the beautiful Outing Club, the Heart Ball is a major fundraiser for the Eastern Iowa Chapter.  I helped to greet guests, passed out roses to donors and general help where needed.  The event was both beautiful and successful--it's really neat to see all of the people who are passionate about heart health, funding and research.

If you would like to get involved with the American Heart Association, please check out www.heart.org and find your local branch.

Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill Brees Barr
Mrs. Iowa International 2015

Senior Corps Week Celebration

#SeniorCorpsWorks  #IamSeniorCorps

This year, Senior Corps Week was May 18-22.  This is a time to celebrate those who volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP and the Senior Companion Program.  I was excited to have been asked to be a part of the program, sharing my story (and a few songs) to the Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion volunteers from Osceola, Lyon, Dickinson, Sioux, O'Brien, Plymouth, Woodbury and Monona counties in Iowa.

Foster Grandparents are mentors, role models and friends to children with exceptional needs.
Senior Companions provide friendship and assistance to adults who wish to stay independent in their homes, like running errands or providing respite for caregivers.

Let me tell you, this experience was amazing!  I started the day as a guest speaker.  I told the attendees a little about myself, my experiences as Mrs. Iowa International and volunteering.  These folks spend a minimum of 15 hours a week volunteering for their respective programs, so they have their 50 in no time!  In fact, I presented special Presidential awards to those who have volunteered over 4,000 hours!  4,000 hours!  That's phenomenal!

Now, I also sang a few songs for entertainment.  I have to give a shout-out to the table of ladies who were dancing in their chairs and singing along to 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'--You Rock!  So much fun. :)

The best part of the day, though, was hearing the stories from the volunteers.  I heard about the children they helped, how some of them did not have grandparents of their own.  I heard about how spending time with these adult clients and children were their reason for getting out of bed or off the couch each day.  I heard about the hugs, the laughter and the tears.

And it warmed my heart.  It made me smile.

This is what it's all about.  These folks are the change and the light.  And I was fortunate enough to experience their shine.

Cathy, Angela and Staff--thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your day.  It was lovely (and the lasagna was good too)!

For more information on these programs, check out:
http://rvrseniorvolunteerprograms.org/site/ (Rock Valley Rotary Club, Iowa)
http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/senior-corps (National)

Senior Corps Pledge

 I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.

 When faced with a pressing challenge, I will bring Americans of all generations together to strengthen our communities.

 When faced with children at risk, I will help them stay in school and on track for a brighter future.

 When faced with older adults in need, I will provide support and compassion so they may age with grace and dignity.

 Working for the greatest good, I will use my lifetime of experiences to improve my country, my community, and myself through service.

 I am a Senior Corps (RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) volunteer, and I will get things done.

 

Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill
Mrs. Iowa International 2015

Why Mrs. International?

Why Mrs. International?  Why pageantry?  Why now?  A lot of my friends and family have asked why I'm doing this...So without further adieu...

I first heard about the International Pageant system about 6 years ago.  I was volunteering for a fundraiser for CAASA (Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault) with the past Mrs. titleholder.  Having always been intrigued by pageantry but never participated, I asked her about her experience.  Everything that she had to say about the system was positive.  She really emphasized that it was service-oriented and there was not a swimsuit portion.  She had really gained a lot from her time as Mrs. Iowa International and her enthusiasm struck a chord with me.  But I felt that I could never be a titleholder--I was not in shape, had no experience and it just seemed so far out of reach.

After going through a correction in my heart's electrical system (2007) and a bout of depression that left me feeling ugly and unworthy, I had made a conscious effort to get my health back on track, emotionally and physically (more about that in another post).  By the time 2014 rolled around, I was at a better point.  And International Pageants was still in the back of my mind.  Could I be a good titleholder?

That year, my daughter was set to compete in a local pageant and they just happened to open up a Mrs. category.  This was my chance to test the waters--would I sink or swim?  I had been helping with our county fair's Queen contest for a few years now and thought I had a good idea of what it might take--and it ended up being that I could swim!  I placed first and had such a wonderful time!  I was teeming with confidence and contacted the National Director, Mary Richardson.  She answered my questions and along with my uber-supportive co-worker, Rhonda, encouraged me to submit an application.  And so I did.  The rest is history.

So again, why Mrs. International?  First of all, I don't think there is an age limit on having dreams.  You can be a role model at any age!  Secondly, I love the fact that Mrs. International is based on celebrating the achievements of married women.  They fully support families and I try to include my family in as many appearances as I can.  My husband gets to escort me on stage at Nationals!

Here's what I bring to the table.  My platform, or cause, that I am promoting as Mrs. Iowa International is Volunteerism.  Being engaged in your community/state/world is something that I always have been and will continue to be whether I am named Mrs. International or not.  I firmly believe that people are our biggest assets and together we can work to strengthen the places we live.  International Pageant's National Platform is Go Red for Women (American Heart Association).  As someone who had been diagnosed with a heart condition, and have made changes to help enhance my life and heart health, I feel that I would be a good representative for the job.  I have so much to offer and I think that Mrs. International is the opportunity to promote a servant heart on a larger stage.  Being able to represent my state as Mrs. Iowa International 2015 is an honor and privilege!

To find out more about International Pageants, visit www.mrsinternational.com.

Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill

Putting One Foot in Front of the Other #Race4Souls

Home again, home again, jiggity jig.

My family and I recently returned from Lincoln, NE, where we participated in the #Race4Souls, a 5K race benefitting Soles 4 Souls, put on by the amazing Mrs. International, Maggi Thorne.  It was our first race of the season and short of a few raindrops, the weather was great!

The whole family participated in this one--my husband ran for time and I ran/walked/carried my children at a little slower pace.  :)  Slower pace is my style...and I'm ok with that.

A few years ago, if you would've asked me about being in a race, I would have laughed in your face. About the only running I did was to the refrigerator and it showed.  I was never a runner and not built that way.  But I had gone through a rough patch in my life and I felt out of control.  In an effort to breathe some new life into myself, I decided to try something that I had never done before...so I signed up for my first 5K.  I knew that setting goals was important, so the goal I set for myself was simply, don't get last place.  I walked a majority of the way and was happy to clock in at a little after 45 minutes...I narrowly accomplished my goal...by crossing the finish line just before a man walking his dog.  It's ok to laugh--I laughed too.  Not too bad for my first "race."

A few months later (and a few pounds heavier), I decided to make more physical movement a priority in my life. Seriously this time.  I thought about what I wanted to do.  I wanted to be a part of an activity that my husband and I could do together and with our kids. I had tried Zumba and loved it, but my husband quickly shot me down on that one (sadly, he didn't know what he was missing). So I came back to running, since that was familiar to him.  I thought maybe we could do another race.

I joined my local YMCA and started to attend fitness classes and run.  Slowly but surely, I was able to do a mile without stopping.  I was ecstatic.  This progress kept me motivated.  Then I could do two--that was a huge accomplishment for me!  And it took time.  I was slower than a herd of turtles in peanut butter (I love that saying), but I kept on.

It would be the end of May 2013 when I decided it was time to see how I would do.  The opportunity to do this new race called 'The Glow Run' came up and it sounded like it was something straight up my alley.  It ended up being un-timed, but we had fun (in spite of my feet burning; note--this is where I learned that properly fitting shoes are very important).  And who knew that tutus were the secret weapon?  :)

I did a few more races that year, all with times in the mid to high 30's--still faster that my first year.  WIN!

I continued to go to the gym on a more regular basis--and took the next year's races by storm.  I was even starting to learn the running lingo and was excited to say that my first race of the season was a PR (personal record).  I even took 3rd place in my age division later that summer!  Ok, to be fair, there weren't that many in my age division (30-39), but it still felt great!

I've continued to improve my times since then and husband has improved his as well.  Last year we took the children to two races.  Our pace was not very speedy but we all crossed the finish line together!  I have even joined a social media group of ladies who enjoy doing 5K's just as much as I do.  We're a community of fun and support!  Which brings us to our first completed race of the season, Race4Souls!  I'm really excited to see how this year shapes up--and for the first time, I can say that I am happy and amazed with myself, my body and what it is capable of doing!

Parting thoughts:
1)  You're not fast, can you call yourself a runner?  You bet!  No matter what speed, if you run, you are a runner.
2)  If you want to try a race, get out there and try it!  There are plenty of races that include people of all ages and abilities.  Use that first experience to set the benchmark goal you need to beat next time. And ask your friends to join you!
3)  Set small goals--you will feel amazing when you achieve them and stay motivated.
4)  Running is a super-supportive community--no matter where you go, runners cheer each other on or say hello.
5)  Someone will always be faster.  Fact.
6)  You will really start to put more thought into your shoes.
7)  A lot of races have a charity component.  Have fun running and supporting a good cause!

Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill

For Those Who've Made it Possible...

THANK YOU.

I want to take time to express my gratitude to those who have made it possible for me to be your Mrs. Iowa International 2015.  They say it takes a village and they are certainly correct!

To The Farmer's Bank of Spencer--You are a leader when it comes to service in the workplace.  By actively supporting your employees' charitable endeavors, you create the culture of service and improve your community.  You truly care about Spencer being the best it can be and make it possible for so many individuals and non-profits to reach for the stars. Thank you for partnering with me in promoting volunteerism not only in Spencer, but throughout the state.
www.farmerstrust.com

To Rhonda Olson--We did it, Mama!  :)  You were my encouragement from day one.  And for that, I want to Thank You!  You gave me that final push of confidence when I submitted my application and have never stopped supporting me.  I love sharing about my appearances and photos with you and you are always ready with a hug when I need it.  I am so fortunate to have you as a friend.

To Solutions Inc, State Bank (Spencer), Community State Bank (Spencer) and Anji Bennett--I am thankful for your support in sponsoring and designing my official program book ad.  I couldn't have done it without your contributions and am grateful.  I can't wait to see how it turns out!
www.gmdsolutions.com
www.statebank-spencer.com
www.ecommunitybank.org

To Quattlebaum Photography--Your images are gorgeous!  Thank you for being my photographer and creating my beautiful head shots!  Theone, you are so much fun to work with and Jason, you make the images just come alive!  My photos look so regal and professional, I can't wait to see them in the program book and to share them at autograph sessions!
www.quattlebaumphotography.com

To Deb Mechler--I really enjoy and appreciate our time together!  You give me a lot to think about and I appreciate being able to share my triumphs and challenges with you.  I know that the Lord has put me on this journey for a reason and that you were meant to be a part of it.  You have my shining endorsement!  :)

To Anji Bennett--Thank you for your artistic vision and expertise.  I am thankful to have a kind and talented friend like you!

To Gary & Kathy Brees, The Pick Family and other Family and Friends--I genuinely appreciate your contributions to my goal.  Your kindness and generosity are valued and will not be forgotten.

To Be Continued...









Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill