I just watched Florence Foster Jenkins, a movie based on a true story. She is a 76 years old wealthy socialite who has a love for music and performing. She used to play piano, but because of nerve damage to her hands she could no longer play. She starts taking voice lessons and hires her own piano player, to sing in front of the audience who are mostly her loyal friends and cheered her on. She insisted on putting on performances eventhough, It has been said that she was truly tone deaf and really couldn’t sing! She was surranded with people who loved her and were loyal to her: her partner, piano player, maid, and friends (who knows if some were there for her money.) They all protected her in their own way from being ridiculed in the public.
She got to the point that she was exhausted right after each performance. She finally got to perform in Carnegie Hall. It was a sold out event because they gave free tickets to soldiers, etc. So this time they really couldn’t control the audience. The next day all reviews were bad. New York Sun critic wrote: “In fact, she can sing everything except notes.” which broke her heart.
What amazed me, is her determination to do what she loved to do, regardless!! That’s my kina girl.
In fact, my favorite part of the movie was when she told a friend: “People may say I can’t sing, but no one can ever say I didn’t sing”
It made me think: What is holding us back? Perhaps perfectionism? I should know because I am a recovering perfectionist!
I am not sure what was going on in her mind. Was she aware of her lack of talent for signing? Whatever was her brain chatter, it was strong enough to make her believe that she could sing. Or, she knew she couldn’t, but loved performing so much that she didn’t care. She wrote songs, designed the costumes, the stage, etc. All the creative things she enjoyed. The was on journey of joy, not the journey to joy…
Do you sing? What are you waiting for? Do you need help? Call me. Let’s do right by life!
I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing. — William James
With love, Sonia
Sonia Shafazand Speaker, Life Coach & Mentor to Individuals Who Want a Better, Happier Life NOW, Not Later!
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Disclaimer: I know this text may have lots of grammatical errors. Sorry about that and I try to do better. But! If you can, focus on the message. If you can’t, then read about perfectionism. In fact, I will be writing about that soon. Let’s face it, you don’t have to learn Chinese to go to China and enjoy all it has to offer!