In my youth, I was shy and hugely concerned about what others thought. During my first year in college, a professor asked me a question and my reply was so soft that he couldn’t hear my answer. When the guy behind me repeated what I had just said for me, I figured it was time to find my own voice.
In the years since, my booming voice has become second nature. It is not uncommon to find me singing in public. Some folks find me strange and I get it. They’re not used to seeing someone feeling so free to express themselves. Once you grasp your total insignificance in the cosmos, it’s easy to be bold. I’m just surprised there aren’t more jaywalking peacocks like me and the one above.
People often say they, ‘don’t want to draw attention’ to themselves. Why not? What’s wrong with attention? Now I’m not suggesting you throw yourself a military parade. That’s for narcissists. But if it makes you happy to sing, “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” down the aisles in Costco, have at it. At the very least, you’ll entertain your fellow shoppers.
Besides, singing is phenomenal for your brain! It uses every part at once and is especially healing for people who have had strokes! It also stimulates your vagus nerve which lowers stress and anxiety. I once encouraged a room filled with depressed addicts to sing, “Row Your Boat” in rounds. By the end, they were all laughing.
Giving up your voice diminishes your uniqueness and hides your true identity. So, don’t let someone else speak for you. Ask for what you need. You may not always get it but at least try. Recently, a client said she was upset because her partner didn’t give her a hug when she was sad.
“Did you ask him to? I asked.
“Oh, no,” she said. “I couldn’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“I felt he should know it instinctively.”
Folks, if you’re looking for a ‘psychic’ partner, good luck.
Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for president during the Depression when morale in our country was rock bottom. During a college speech, he suggested that students ‘experiment’ and take risks. “If it fails,” he told them, “admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
I’m with FDR.
You can live under a rock.
You can kick that rock to the curb.
OR….
You can ROCK OUT!
AGEFULLY AGING 
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