Don and I had one of those conversations that happen when you wake in the early morning hours and chat a bit before going back to sleep. It was about music. Remember that song? What were the lyrics? Who sang it? – followed by both of us singing snatches of the song.
Do you know I used to be a singer? I was. I started out in school choir, church choir, vocal ensemble, then went on to perform in musical theater for years and I sang at weddings, too. Yes, I got paid to sing. Music has always been an important part of my life.
When I went on to graduate school to study acting, I moved into classical theater. I didn’t sing as much. Then I started teaching and coaching and, well …. not much singing anymore. The last time I sang in public was at my niece’s wedding. Since she has a 15 year old daughter, you can see just how long it’s been.
But I still sing. Like most people, I sing in the car, I sing around the house, I sing to the dogs, I sing with Don.
Sometimes I play the piano and sing,
I realized this morning that I haven’t sung very much lately. Life has been tough. I haven’t felt there was much to be joyous about. When I feel like that, I pull back, move inward and set up protective walls around myself. I imagine that’s a normal human reaction.
And, apparently, I don’t sing.
That’s not a good thing.
Act ‘as if.’ Whenever I feel down or am scared of trying something new or am unhappy, I try to use these words. Act as if. Act as if I’m joyous. Act as if I’ve got tons of money in the bank. Act as if I’m a published writer. Act as if I have no fear. Act as if I haven’t a care in the world. Act as if all is well.
Soon I start believing it. And then it starts to manifest.
That’s what singing anyway is about. If you sing, even if it’s only in the shower, you can’t help but feel lighter and happier. Your mood changes. It’s transformative.
So I’m going to remind myself to do just that. To sing anyway.
I hope, whatever the trials and tribulations in your lives, you find a moment to ‘sing anyway,’ too.
I love to sing too. I sang in my school’s choir and the church choir too. I sing to myself all day long when I am at home and make up my own songs as I go along. I wonder how Bentley feels about it? I have made up several songs about Bentley ~ corny huh?
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Claudia, what good advice for me to take, especially this week! Lalalalala! Ann
There is some sage advice in this post! I don’t sing but I sure get the rest of it! What a great way to make dreams come true!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Claudia!
XO,
Jane
Hey Pretty Lady,
My mom had been feeling just like that a few months ago. After my dad died in 2007, she got very depressed and lonely. Her house isn’t too far from me, but not wanting to drive too much on medication, a 30 minute drive was too much for me. All my other siblings work and didn’t have much time to visit her either, so she was very isolated. In the beginning of her recent illness (back in June) she was reaching for things to be positive about and realized that she hadn’t been singing in years either. Our whole family liked to sing, like you I was in choir and did some public singing. My mom taught us kids all kinds of songs growing up, as she sang to us frequently. She even made up a song to wake me up in the mornings called “Lazy Meri will you get up” and I have to admit I’ve been singing it to her lately. Anyhoo, she noticed that she hadn’t been singing much lately, and has decided to remedy that. Most day’s you’ll find her singing here, some obscure song, or her and I will sing together at weird times, but it’s good to hear her sing regardless. I have a feeling Don wouldn’t mind at all if you decided to sing a little more and maybe join a local group and get out more……hey it’s free for you to sing, and maybe you’ll even start getting paid for it again.
Sing girlfriend, let us hear you!
Hugs,
Meri
You have the most beautiful voice, your voice is a gift. I should know because I sound like a cow next to you, a high pitched cow that is. You should sing everyday. It will make you feel lighter.
XO,
Mere
This is a great post, Claudia, and just what I need to hear. I’m not a very good singer, but I do enjoy doing it as long as no one can hear me:) I sing in the shower and in the car.
Good point. I can’t carry a tune, but I will tinker at the piano or listen to music. Music lifts the soul.
Lovely post, Claudia! I’m sad that you’re sad. Just sing if it makes you feel better. It’s true that it’s therapeutic. I also used to sing in a choir at church when I was a girl. I love to sing. Many, many years ago, (LOL) my father and I used to sing together at home just for fun. He used to buy all the hit parades that contained the words to all the popular songs. I don’t sing anymore, only once in a while, in the Spirit, when I feel down. It’s very powerful and healing.
Lucky, Lucky you… You know I love the music. You know I can find a wide variety of tunes. You know I can D.J. a good classic party. But, sing…well, not on your life. Flat, Flat, Flat. I love this posting as it brings back some musical wishes and dreams. Weekend wishes to you too.
You’re absolutely right. And then it starts to manifest…
Brenda
Claudia you have many talents! Funny I was singing in the bath this morning, and realized all of a sudden, that I hadn’t been singing in quite a while. It felt so good to sing again. I’m not a good singer, but a joyful singer. ♥
Thank you for some very good advice! I will try to remember your “as if” technique and apply it to my own life too. I hope you are well and happy today. I am a new follower. God bless x
A wonderful post! It is so important in times as these to cling onto something that keeps us going. Keep singing! Love everything about your blog!
I’m not a very good singer but I still go doodly doodly doo a little bit every day. Life’s too short not to!
I LOVE TO SING TOO, MY DAD WAS A GOOD SINGER……I USED TO SING WITH MY SISTER CAROLINE…WE WOULD COME HOME FROM THE MOVIES WHEN WE WERE KIDS AND SING ALL THE SONGS IN THE MOVIES AND HARMONIZE THEM…LIKE…WE CAN MAKE BELIEVE FROM SHOW BOAT…..WHEN WE GOT OLDER WE USE TO LAUGH ABOUT IT.
THEY WERE FUN DAYS….RIZZI
I sing too in the church choir and did lead a couple of times for the praise band. It’s not a great voice, but by golly, I have fun and we’ve a great music director I’m learning from.
So, this is what I have to say:
“whenever I feel afraid, I hold my head erect…”
I sing all the time… not very well, but I sing. I have composed many, many songs for Hagrid. I even turn songs on the radio into “Haggie Songs” when we’re driving around in the car. (I drive a CRV too– a white one.) I swear he knows these songs are about him, and that he considers them to be quite a treat.
Hugs,
Jill
As you I haven’t sung much lately. Maybe because life is tough, maybe because. I have a piano I rarely play and again I don’t know why exactely. Maybe because my husband plays it? But that would be silly, wouldn’t it? Maybe I am silly.
Anyway, we sang at our teachers dinner last weekend. four colleagues and me. It was wonderful. We practiced three times, which was wonderful too. We sang: Falling in love, Lollipop, What a wonderful world, The Lion sleeps tonight.
Hi Claudia, Great post! I hope one day you could post a recording of your singing. I’ve sung in choirs during grade school, high school and in church. I’m really not a great singer, but when singing in a choir I seem to blend in okay. My heart rejoices when I keep a song in my heart.
Thank you. I hope you, your family and furry family are doing okay.
Very wise words. I hope you are singing with joy today!