Can we talk?

Singing Without a Good Voice

         When I was 18,  I auditioned for the adult choir. Of course, I got in, but I was told I had a pleasant voice--I knew I could carry a tune--, but I would never be solo quality. I did not have a great voice. He was a pleasant man whom I respected. I was disappointed, but I survived.

         It was summer, and I had no car; so I walked home. I walked most places those days, unless  it was down a long busy highway. The hot summer sun beat down on me as I walked. I even remember that I was wearing madras that I had sewn myself. It was that poignant a moment for me. As I walked the blocks of downtown sidewalk in the courthouse section, before crossing the street to go down a long hill towards my neighborhood, I told myself that I didn't care. Maybe I was not a great star, but I liked to sing. I was going to sing and nobody was going to stop me. Simple.

         Ever since, that has been my one area of confidence. You might not like the way I sound, but tough! I'm going to sing whether you like it or not. I don't care how it sounds. My voice is puny and breathy which makes it good for singing babies to sleep. At least I'm not off key. Sometimes just being bold enough to sing without fear of criticism is enough. It makes me happy.

         If only I had been able to apply that confidence to other areas of my life. Just do it and don't care what anybody thinks.