When I was in New York last summer, my friend encouraged me to attend a singing rep class (without her) as singing is something I enjoy occasionally... I thought the class was a GROUP singing class. Turns out it was a solo performance audition style class. 😳 At this point it was too late to leave the lesson.

While all the other singers began to queue for the pianist with their organised sheet music in folders I just stood there thinking.... oh hell no.

This overwhelming anxious feeling came over me and to say I was FREAKING OUT (silently) would be an understatement. I went over to the vocal coach and said politely “I’m so sorry I appear to have come to the wrong lesson and I’m completely unprepared and won’t be able to sing today.” To which she replied “No problem darling you can just sing something to the group a capella.” 😳😰

At this point my mind couldn’t think of a single song I knew the lyrics to or even a tune. I felt ‘happy birthday’ may not have been a suitable choice! As I sat and watched the other incredible singers I was in complete awe of their confidence. Rubbing my sweating palms together feeling slightly sick all I could think of was how much I wanted the lesson to end. 🤢

My waiting time was up, it was my turn to sing... Standing there in a silent studio in front of 10 complete strangers, the pianist and a broadway vocal coach, my legs shaking, my voice cracking and my heart beating so fast I announced my chosen song. I told myself “you can do this, it’s now or never, you can do this, you’ve got this.” I took a deep breath, composed myself and with some awful breath control and some very questionable notes I managed to make my way through a verse and chorus of a song.

The sheer relief of their applause was enough to make me want to cry. I couldn’t believe I did it without fainting! I couldn’t have been prouder of myself for being strong enough to persevere and push my comfort zones.

In any situation that you are unprepared for or a situation you feel incredibly anxious in you have the ability to change your mindset and conquer your fears. It will only make you stronger and make you grateful for the challenge.

You can achieve anything you put your mind to if you tell yourself enough.👊🏻

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