Recent Revelations

This whole Human Experience thing is fascinating. I don't know about you, but I identify as a recovering perfectionist. I have been writing this missive for more than a week. Like, editing every single day trying to refine my original idea. And just this morning I realized that this was how I started practicing singing in college, except that I wasn't starting with a sound foundation. I started college with a history of vocal strain and fatigue, and I developed the start of a vocal nodule during my freshman year. I spent not only the next 4 years but my early career afraid of another vocal injury. I experienced vocal fatigue nearly every time I practiced. My process became all about learning music quickly, so that I could rest my voice. (Also, cram hard for the next test so I can get through it and move on, leaving the information that I learned -- no, memorized temporarily -- in the dust.) What that process led to was reinforcing my flawed technique. I had no idea that I should do some research. I was raised to trust the grownups. I'm still unpacking that.

Anyway, one of the reasons I love painting abstract art so much is that it's the easiest way I've found to release attachment to something I've created. I'm not perfect at it, but since it's abstract, I (most of the time) believe that I can't mess it up. Writing? Not so much. I feel an almost paralyzing need to get every word right. Ugh.

Then I remembered something that my SCORE mentor (see below) said on Friday: "Don't be afraid to look at your business with fresh eyes and see what it needs now. Release what no longer serves you." And I realized that I was holding onto what I thought was a clever idea out of fear that I wouldn't have another clever idea. Woof.

So I scrapped most of what I'd written and started fresh. In doing so, I also scrapped my attachment to finding the perfect words. Good enough is good enough. When I obsess over being clever, I spend less time being spontaneous and cultivating self-trust. I don't know about you, but I'd rather use my time being spontaneous and trusting myself than agonizing over trying to get it right. And with that, I'm going to stop editing and hit "Publish."

That'll do, Pig. That'll do. (IYKYK)

YOUR TURN: What have you been holding onto that no longer serves you? Big or small, it doesn't matter.

If you'd like some help talking through it, I have openings on:

Thurs. 7/23 @ 1pm PT

Sun. 7/26 @ 2pm PT

Mon. 7/27 @ 12pm PT

Mon. 7/27 @ 1:30pm PT

First come, first served. Special rate of $100/hour for the first 3 people to respond. After that, $150/hour through the end of July.

Email me to claim your spot. These dates don't work for you? Email me anyway! :)