In fourth grade, my friend had a birthday. I sang "Happy Birthday" to her with soul, some vibrato, and a little bit of jazz! She looked at me with wide eyes. At first, I thought it was delight I saw until her mouth turned down, and she said, "You sound like Marilyn Monroe. It's weird."
Okay . . . pause. I sounded like Marilyn Monroe?!!
The only piece I caught from that conversation wasn't who I sounded like, but that it was weird. Therefore, I told myself that I was weird, and added more lies about how my voice sucked and that I should try to be more "normal." I continued telling myself that Marilyn Monroe is old, and I should be more up to date with my voice.
What does normal even mean?
There's not a soul on this planet that's not unique or quirky. We all have our individual things, and that's what makes us human. Those are the pieces I love learning about people. The colorful parts. The ones that add flavor, personality, and life.
I held this comment in a compartment in my brain, right next to the perfectionism compartment. Both held evidence of all the comments people told me over the years that gave proof that I was a terrible singer, and that I shouldn't ever do anything unless it was perfect. That way, I don't embarrass myself.
Those boxes have been closed for a while, and the thoughts have crept in. For the past few years, I've opened those filing compartments, and one and one have thrown them into the trash, as most weren't mine.
There have been multiple things that people have said to me. I read further into them than what happened, believing that what they said was my truth. I listened to the parts that didn't sound fun. I didn't take the time to hear the pieces or underlining hurt that they were feeling. The parts that had absolutely nothing to do with me at all.
Most comments people say have more to do with them, then about the person they're projecting it at. Don't let those statements define if you do or don't do the very thing that your heart years for. That beating of tempo to move forward is the magic that you radiate to others when you share it because they feel your joy, passion, and energy.
Today when I sing, I bring all the raspy, vibrato, and jazz to my voice.
It's me.
I'm an old soul mixed with a passionate free spirit.
I'm singing from my soul in truth, in heart, and love.
