Sing Your Heart
When I was a little girl I wanted to grow up to be a singer like my Mommy. However, my father wanted me to pursue a more noble profession. He wanted me to be a doctor or nurse. For the first 5 years of my life my father was my primary caretaker. My mom was working out of the home and my Daddy was my everything. I was definitely Daddy's little girl.
After my parents divorced, my father married a woman with 3 children that he adopted, and they had a child of their own. I went from being the apple of his eye to having to compete with 4 other children for his attention. He had married a nurse, so I guess his desire for me to pursue the medical profession made sense. All I wanted was to please him and make him proud of me. Can you say, "DADDY ISSUES"? (Hahaha! Still working on that one.)
So I investigated the sciences and discovered I was really bad at it. Then, the thought that has vibrated through my life since I was 15yrs old, occurred to me. "What if my voice could save lives?" I immediately dismissed it as a silly idea. Everyone knew that a voice wasn't as important as a scalpel in the hands of a surgeon or the healing skill of a nurse. So I gave up the idea of a singing career.
I turned my attention to exploring a career as a translator. I had an ear for language and I thought maybe working at the UN as a translator could be a way to use my talents to help save lives. Maybe I could even translate for doctors or nurses? I moved to France at 18 years old to begin the translator track. I was there for about 3 years and was about to complete my studies when I met a Music Producer randomly at a Soiree. He took one look at me and said, "You are a singer, are you not?" I said, "No. I am a translator and I am going to work at the UN."
He insisted. He pointed out my melodious speaking voice and high cheekbones. I finally said, "Well, I used to sing...". He then connected me to the choral conductor at the American Cathedral in Paris. He happened to be looking for an English speaker for their performance of Gilbert & Sullivan's “Trial by Jury.” I auditioned for kicks, and was shocked when I was cast in one of the lead roles.
Just like that, I was back on the singing track!!! I came home and began my vocal studies and went on to an illustrious career singing on stages all over the world. All the while, that familiar thought was vibrating through my consciousness...”what if my voice could save lives?”
After a series of events, I found myself back in NYC. Finally, with this niggling thought ringing in my ears, I joined an organization called Sing For Hope and started singing at bedsides at NYU Medical Center to help ease pain for trauma patients. I became addicted to this way of using my voice and volunteered more often than anyone had up to that point. I sang for HIV/Aids clinics to help lift the patients out of loneliness and depression. I also sang at senior centers and hospitals specializing in dementia and Alzheimer's disease to bring joy and ease the minds of patients. Now, I can't say for sure that my voice has saved lives, but I know—without doubt—that my voice has made an impact and helped heal many lives.
Now I have a few questions for you. Have you let someone talk you out of your dream or life purpose? Do you know that although you may not be a singer, your voice can create impact and send a ripple effect through the world? Take a deep breath and jump through the hoop that will put you back on track. Listen for your heart song and it will lead you back to your dream. And don't forget...I am here...my heart in my throat...jumping with you.
Quote of the Day
“Then my grandmother started singing. She sang Strong Heart Songs to encourage the men. After a while it was quiet. No more guns shooting...These were very brave fighting men...They each thanked my grandmother for singing for them.”
Affirmation of the Day
"My heart song leads me to strength and courage."
SING YOUR HEART SONG SUMMIT
I am going to be a featured speaker on the Sing Your Heart Song Summit. My presentation will be Friday, July 23rd at 6pm, but I am giving you a link for a free ticket to the whole event. Can't wait to see you there!!! Wish me luck!
