Courage

Sing Song Show Time 2017

For all families, the constant juggle to balance home and work life can make the grind of daily activities mundane and mechanical. DH and I agreed a long time ago that wherever possible, we would allow each other to have some ‘alone’ time where we could recharge our batteries and also rediscover ourselves. Sometimes doing things that are outside our comfort zone can help us re-evaluate our priorities and also discover new things that can be important to us.

Growing up, I was given every opportunity to explore and develop my skills in extracurricular activities. I was also fortunate enough to attend a wonderful school where we were taught that provided we put in the hard work, we could do anything we wanted and female empowerment was a key focus. Consequently, I’ve generally been able to approach new experiences with the idea that even if I wasn’t particularly good at something I could still give it a go. This fearlessness however seems to be inversely proportional to age. The older I get, the more frightened I become to do new things. This blog included. It has been particularly petrifying for me to write about my feelings when I am not a writer. One of the things that gave me the courage to do it was attending Clare Bowditch’s singing and courage masterclass otherwise known as sing song showtime workshop.

Ironically I signed up for this work shop to try and encourage my mum to sing. Through much financial and emotional sacrifice, my parents gave me the gift of music. Something for which I will be eternally grateful. So, although my no means professional, I am certainly comfortable enough in group music situations. Mum on the other hand is a particularly modest and self-conscious woman who although loves music has always felt like she cannot sing and would not dream of doing it in public.

For those that don’t know who Bowditch is, she is an inspirational woman who happens to be an ARIA winning musician, actor, radio presenter and business entrepreneur. She runs several one day workshops a year at Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne. Singers and non-singers participate in this event and by the end of the day they perform a short concert for friends and families as a large choir. Clare’s philosophy is that anyone who can talk can sing. She is candidly open and honest about her own struggles and insecurities even as a professional musician.

“One day, it occurred to me that my fear of singing in public was really just a metaphor for my larger fears in life: the fear that if I showed you who I was, if I spoke my truth, if I made myself vulnerable, I would be criticized.” (Clare Bowditch)

Throughout the day, the group learn songs together, tell stories, share food and Clare gives you some tools to face your fears and explore your vulnerabilities. Participants are encouraged to draw from each other’s life experiences and share their own stories. Her warmth and passion for singing and for every single participant is infectious. At the end of the day we all dress up a little and perform a small concert for our family and friends. 

It was such an uplifting day and I was reminded of the pure joy that can come from something as simple as singing. Mum came away from the experience entertaining the prospect of joining a community choir. (A major step forward!)  I came away motivated to allow myself to write and try to shake off those shackles of self-doubt and judgement. Thank you Clare for giving me courage! 

Anyone looking for an inspirational and joyful experience should definitely consider the sing song showtime workshop. More information can be found on Clare’s website http://bigheartedbusiness.com.au .