Okay, turn on a song, and sing then. Easy solution? Maybe, but not exactly what I'm looking for.
Imagine this, an entire auditorium echoing with the notes and beauty of a choir. I want that. I want Eric Whitacre. I want beautiful melodies, the voice parts, learning new music, and of course performance.
High school I did exactly that. I devoted all of my years at Indian Valley High School to choir. I loved it, although at the time I complained and acted as though it was just something I did out of habit. I could not have been more wrong. I want those days back. I want Mrs. Morgan standing behind the piano with her infamous look that could make me nervous instantly, waiting to hear me sing a difficult piece of music. I want the butterflies of singing in front of her and nailing the sixteenth notes I had practiced for hours. I want the long practices on Saturdays preparing music for performances. I want the warmth of the lights on stage performing the music we learned together as a choir for months. I want it all.
College has been a time to figure out who I am, and more importantly who I want to become. Deep introspection into my innermost hopes and desires has left me feeling somewhat lost because I gave up one part of my life that shaped so much of who I have become thus far: choir. At the start of freshman year, there was an expectation that I would try out for one of Penn State's numerous choirs. I didn't. I thought I didn't have the time to devote. Looking back now, I realize the real reason I didn't audition.
I was scared. The thought of rejection at this huge school terrified me. I figured I had no shot making these incredible choirs so what was the point of even trying. What a huge mistake. Even if I had not made any of the groups, I wish I would have taken the leap. Who knows what would have happened, or where I would be now.
What I learned from this is to always go for what you want.
Never let fear hold you back.
Uncertainty is scary, trust me I know. But isn't a little disappointment better than a lifetime of wondering what if. I do not want any more "what if's" in my life. Life is about getting your hopes crushed, but its also about the times when hopes and dreams become reality.
My job for you: Next time you feel scared to act on something, DO IT. Go for it. What do you have to lose, other than the uncertainty that will eat away at your well being.
