As many of you know, a couple of weeks ago I flew to Las Vegas to audition for the television show The Voice. It was quite a spontaneous decision but I figured, hey it’s a new year, I’ve got nothing to lose, and I love to allow my curiosity to be my guiding compass.
I can honestly say I totally rocked my audition! I sang Nina Simone’s Feeling Good and I embodied it on every level. I brought so much heart, soul and unique style, I wouldn’t have changed a thing! But alas, I was not selected to advance. I truly thought I had a very good chance of making it to the televised competition and was most excited for the opportunity to gain exposure and sing for such a large audience. The disappointment I felt wasn’t so much about not making the show exactly, but rather it was a feeling of dissatisfaction from my stifled creative potential, because the truth is:
I AM SO READY TO SHARE MY VOICE ON A BIGGER PLATFORM!
I will tell you that in the weeks that followed the audition I found myself feeling pretty depressed. I was experiencing daily bouts of frustration and irritation that my “efforts” weren’t paying off, or so it seemed at the time. I was really questioning, “How am I supposed to figure out how to fulfill my life’s purpose and be successful?!”
And then it came…the answer
I’m not.
I don’t need to know the HOW as long as I AM crystal clear on the WHY.
My work is to stay in the frequency of love & gratitude. To practice patience and have faith even when things don’t make sense. Easier said than done for sure! Every peak and valley becomes the music and the stories that I tell with my voice. Authentic expression comes from the entire spectrum and so I am grateful for everything that has transpired up to this point. Rejection makes the victories even sweeter and I completely trust that when some doors close, many others open.
A wonderful thing happened last week as I was performing for travelers at the Sea-Tac International Airport. When I first arrived I’ll admit I was tired, uninspired and annoyed with security. As I sang the first note of the sound check I was so struck by the pure joy and healing power of music and how lucky I am to get to sing, that it literally pulled me out of my funk immediately.
Within minutes the busy thoroughfare was transformed to a concert hall where surprised passerby’s would pause and take a moment to receive what I was putting out. I had an amazing day and was reminded that getting to share a gift that makes people smile, dance and get teary eyed is all the affirmation I need. I AM on the right track!
Success means showing up and taking chances
Success means not letting fear stop you in your tracks
Success means stretching and evolving
Success means falling down and getting up again
Success means creating a life on our own terms
Success means……whatever we determine it to mean for us
This creative, artistic walk comes with a lot of emotional up and downs, rejection, judgement and vulnerability…but also brings with it so many beautiful experiences, connections and surprises. It’s all part of my story and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Sarah Christine Soul Siren 