Life is a journey and we follow along blindly at times as we step into the unknown.

When I turned 60 in November of 2025, I woke up that morning sat at the end of my bed and cried. The end of an era “my 50s”, and I thought to myself, “Where did the time go”?

So much has happened in my life and now I am sixty years old and seeking something different. I wanted to grasp onto something new that would challenge me in different ways.

We all go through life and we get stuck in routines that keep us comfortable and safe. It is there in that safety net that things can get a bit stale and mundane.

Waking up that morning sitting there, something hit me. I had this deep sense of urgency to do something different, something out of my wheelhouse. I wanted to challenge myself on new levels. Then it came to me. I continued to see this ad on Face Book about a beauty pageant. The Ms. Massachusetts Senior America Pageant. I thought to myself, “Am I a senior now”? I just turned sixty and the world screams at us that, sixty is the beginning of the golden years.

I had many reservations and reached out a few times to ask questions. I pondered the thought of competing and what that would entail. I shared my thoughts with my husband who at first was a bit surprised at the thought of this new journey, but he encouraged me to step forward and try something new. In some sense he felt like I needed to do this. I believe he felt my urgency to make this happen.

The holidays came and went as we stepped into a new year. I was still conflicted and unsure, but felt 2026 was going to be my year to shine. I agreed to go to the first meeting and see what this “pageant thing” was all about. I nervously showed up and felt very uneasy being there. Normally I am a very confident woman who has spoken on many stages in front of hundreds of people. That is what I do as an author and public speaker. When I am speaking about my causes or my life story I do so with easy, comfort and authentic confidence.

It is a funny thing – stepping into that room felt so odd and foreign to me. Where are these nerves coming from and why do I feel so out of place. Honestly, I walked out of there after it was over, and felt completely out of my element with even more reservations. I met a woman there named Marcia. She has been the one I was connecting with on Face Book as I asked for more information. She said to me before I walked out that door, “You came here for a reason, and you continued to reach out – so just do it already”! OK love her wit and wisdom. Bottom Line – JUST DO IT ALREADY.

Great advice actually. Think about it. How many times in life do we ponder doing something that is out of the box. Then we remain in the box out of fear and self-doubt. I went home that day, filled out the application and took Marcia’s advice. I was on my way.

I decided to challenge myself on a whole new playing field, and I did have times where I thought to myself, ‘Why am I really doing this”. What did I just commit to. Then it came to me. Lisa – challenge yourself on a new stage, step out of that box and do something completely different. That is what I did.

We had weekly practice and I met many amazing women. This group of ladies that were directing this program and helping to support the contestants were tough and caring at the same time. I felt like we were being molded and guided every step of the way. It was very hard at times and “constructive criticism” felt negative sometimes, but as I continued on this journey – I know it was for the right reasons. They wanted to see us push out of that comfort zone and excel to the fullest potential.

I also met two other ladies “my competition” and we were dubbed The Three Amigos! We were really a special group; I can honestly say that. The mighty three who showed up week after week, supporting each other through the process. In that room friendships were formed and bonds were made. There was laughter, a few tears here and there and a whole lot of grit. We all worked so incredibly hard to achieve our personal goals. We practiced for almost four months to prepare for pageant day which included interview, talent philosophy of life speech and beauty walk. There was an opening number where we were able to introduce ourselves – so there was a lot going on. Anyone who says a beauty pageant is easy, just does not understand what it truly takes and how much of yourself you need to invest in it to make it all happen.

As I moved forward, I began to announce to people in my circles that I was going to compete, and most people were happy for me and supported me throughout the process. There were some who thought I was absolutely crazy for even thinking about doing such a thing and of course the naysayer who were just completely negative. It bothered me that some people looked at this experience as crazy or negative, but I decided to ignore it all because this was my journey to go on not theirs. So, I did just that, I embraced the journey and absorbed every single lesson.

I committed to it, and practiced every single day. The thoughts of winning this crown were on my mind as I imagined what I wanted to do with this title. This is not just about the CROWN it is about my mission. I dreamed about winning, being the queen and stepping onto a new stage to promote my causes as a child and mental health advocate, and pushing for more exposure to a pageant system that is not getting any attention. They represent so much as they are out in the community connecting and entertaining our elderly and veterans. I am thinking to myself, “Why are they not getting exposure and how will I change the narrative as their queen”. This was my goal as I wanted the younger generation to see how amazing this ERA of life can be, and what we all bring to the table. There are so many positive role models in this group and why are they not highlighted. You see - THE VISION. Not only did this experience teach me many things, it also gave me a vision to push towards.

When pageant day finally arrived, I was ready. I felt ready and had a winning attitude. I envisioned myself wearing the crown and stepping into the spotlight. That spirit carried me throughout the day. When I stepped into that interview wearing my flamingo pink suit I was energized. I spoke with authenticity and confidence. I felt it from inside of my soul, and I could have sat there forever chatting with the judges as they were all amazing. I loved the questions that they asked and their genuine interest in what I had to say. I walked out of there feeling like I already won.

It was time for the glam. Stepping out on that stage in my black dress for opening number felt comfortable and exciting. I smiled brightly and owned that stage. Talent was my big moment to let people know who I am and what I do. I did a monologue about the story of my life as an abuse survivor and I read a reflection from my personal memoir. I was definitely in my element as I grasped at the heartstrings of the audience. It felt exhilarating!

Then it was on to my beauty walk and philosophy of life speech. I was in my big time “Glam Moment” sparkling in my white dress that glistened under the lights. I glided across the stage with grace and beauty. I felt it from my head to the tip of my toes. My hair and make-up were done to perfection and my speech was flawless. I did it. When I walked off of the stage my heart was full. I was proud of all the hard work I put into this experience, and it showed. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone was difficult at times and I struggled, but this proved to me that people are capable of allowing themselves to be vulnerable to gain growth and wisdom. We are never too old to learn new things about ourselves and about life as a whole.

I believe that learning keeps us young!

When it was time for crowning, I was nervous. Did I do enough, did the judges love me or was I going to be looked over. All of these thoughts ran through my mind as I sat in the chair as we were being serenaded too. OK – now it is time for the moment of truth. Second runner up was called, and it was not me, so I am still hopeful praying they only call my name as the winner. First runner up is called, and it was me. I smiled as I got up from my chair to accept my awards, but behind that smile was disappointment. I worked so very hard and, in that moment, I felt “not seen” for who I truly was and what I represented. I came up short. I am not going to lie, it stung. In a sense I felt like I let myself down, and all of the incredible people who came to support me and watch me compete.

Many thoughts ran through my head, but I was also happy for the winner as she also worked hard for the win. My thoughts also veered towards the second runner up who is also an amazing woman who put her heart and soul into this as well.

The Three Amigos! I have great love for both of these women.

WE stepped into this process together all vying for ONE CROWN. WE knew only one would win obviously, but that doesn’t mean we cannot be disappointed. That is LIFE. We cannot always win.

Moving forward from that day I have grappled with many emotions connecting to this experience and not all of my thoughts have been positive ones. I felt like I was winning on that day I really did - it was something deep inside of me that was screaming. LISA, YOU GOT THIS – IT IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE. So, walking away that day, I felt so conflicted. Did I get it all wrong – what did I miss – My intuition was saying “your winning”, but there are no crown and sash to validate all that I was feeling.

The more that I reflected on this many answers came to me.

My Message to the World:

Anyone who really knows me - know that I am up very early in the morning to claim my moment of silence with my coffee. I love this time of day because it sets the tone moving forward. Today I am using the mug that I received in my gift bag from the pageant.

Sipping my coffee feeling the steam and smelling the aroma I allowed my mixed emotions about the end results to sink in. Interesting fact - as I am allowing myself to feel it all, I continue to remind myself that it is not about the END Result - BUT about the journey itself.

Looking at this mug and the message - LIVE IN THE MOMENT - That is exactly what I did on that day. AS I stepped into that interview room and then on stage - I was fully invested in what I was doing, and I felt so alive and in my element!!! I felt strong, beautiful and confident! I carried myself with dignity, pride and a dash of sass.

That my friends are the true lessons and message –

Do what feels right!! Do not be afraid to take chances and live outside the box. It is not about winning or losing it is about the positive things you gain from the experience. I embraced it all and have no regrets.

I may not be wearing a physical crown on my head, but I am in my heart and soul. This was an amazing opportunity to challenge myself in new ways, and I achieved my goals. I learned new things; I grew and gained more self-confidence. I am a shining light. With or without a crown I will continue to speak about my causes, step onto new stages and be a role model for the younger generation. My past has taught me to always fight for what I want, never be silent and be fierce to all that you commit to.

Yes – I am a bit sad that I did not win – I know many people reading this are probably thinking – BUT YOU DIDN’T WIN - I am here to tell you that I actually did because it is all about how I got here as I embraced the journey.

Will I compete again - that is the question!

God Bless,

Lisa Zarone

Author – Child & Mental Health Advocate – Public Speaker – Social Media Influencer – Blogger