I did something for myself this year.
Dinner at the Together Table developed into a discussion about something we would each like to do well. Something separate from career – something you would like to be your very best at – just for you. I immediately knew it was singing. I love to sing, but I’ve never had any training and I decided I was going to find a vocal coach who could teach me how to sing well. Superhero was so supportive – though there were requests to “change the radio station” after seven weeks of five-hundred renditions of Danny Boy (laugh).
It has been amazing to give music back to myself. I expressed to my vocal coach that I didn’t realize how much I had neglected myself when I neglected music.
Thank you, Superhero, for your love of my voice, even untrained. You appreciated its natural beauty and made me feel it was a precious thing. Your support as I have regained this part of myself…well, your love is the key to my peace of mind.
Thank you to all my friends and family who create such a positive space where you are quick to cheer my success, encourage my growth, and make me truly feel loved.
Thank you so much Elizabeth Zharoff at The Charismatic Voice! You, your class, and the entire experience of Charismatic Voice has been…restorative, energizing, and intellectual.
There is often this sense that music can bridge the gap in ways words alone cannot. As I thought about this, I wanted a post that said thank you for restoring and supporting my connection to music, yet those words were not enough. As I searched and sang, I came across Arethra Franklin’s performance of Carole King’s “Natural Woman” at the Kennedy Center.
I began to cry at the beauty of this song that speaks about more than a single relationship. Her expression of the song radiates the energy of a woman who fought for her value to be seen, knows herself and recognizes the beauty of those relationships that support that self. Her interactions reflect the solidarity of women supporting each other as she gifts Carole King’s song back to her and her stage performance shows the confidence of a successful woman still connecting with the strength and vulnerability of a musical piece.
Today, to me, this song is solidarity and thank you to my voice coach whose kindness, knowledge, and skill helped me restore my relationship with music; it is gratitude and love to my family who remind me what a beautiful thing I have in the support of those who love me.
What amazing things we can do when we have the compassion to listen and let our love bring each other peace. Remember the little things: a kind word, a hug, a kiss, time to listen, a thoughtful gift:-)
