"Sing Something song, Mommy!"
With two little kids in my household, we do a lot of singing around my house – to help make a transition, to soothe, to distract, or to play because it’s just plain fun. My two year-old son is just learning the words to all these songs right now, so when he can’t remember the name or words in the song, he asks for the "something song".
While I’m tempted to just sing "Something, something, something…", I’m struck by how the "something song" plays out in my adult world as well. We’re all trying to find the words to our own songs, everyday. Sometimes the best we can do is mumble, "something, something, something…" until the words kick in. Other days, we know exactly what the tune and words are, and we belt it out loudly and with gusto.
Finding our true voice, as writers, as speakers, as leaders… to speak our own truths, truths that the world needs to hear. Not being afraid or held back by our own preconceptions of what our songs should sound like, or whether other people will like it.
Singing in choirs was a big part of my life and community when I was younger; but in the last fifteen years, until my kids joined my family, singing had stopped being a part of my daily repertoire. I’m glad to be singing again. While my audience today could care less if I’m in key, I’m finding that I am singing more confidently, louder and more beautifully than ever before.
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How are you finding your true voice?
What "song" does the world need to hear from you?
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
You know, I too used to worry about how my voice sounded, and though it’s probably just because I’m used to it now, I think it’s gotten better due to practicing more.
I would say the same about my writing. Initially, I wrote and even I couldn’t stand my writing. Now, though I’m not a prolific writer, I’ve had a few folks let me know that they enjoy what I write, and I like what I’m writing much more.
Jump, and the net will appear, I say!
Absolutely, Phil – it’s amazing what’s possible when we set our minds and intentions to it!