Thursday, February 13, 2014

Sing, Sing, Sing!

Aloha!

It has definitely been a long time. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue to blog, but I like sharing with people, and putting my ideas out there for people to weigh in on.

I recently (aka 5 mins ago) read THIS blog post--shared with me through a friend's facebook post.

Go read it.

Go ahead, I can wait. AND the rest of this post is regarding what is said in that post.

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Okay. So here it goes.

People often tell me that I need to go on American Idol, or The Voice, or whatever. Honestly, it is so flattering each and every time it happens. I feel a lot like the woman who posted that blog. I know how much of a compliment it is when people say that to me, and I would be lying if I said I had never thought about it. However, I don't think I ever will. While I don't know if I am actually good enough to weigh in on this topic, I felt like I had something to add from my perspective.

Singing is something I do to share a piece of myself with the people around me. I was taught by some of the best singers I know--my family. The reason why I sing is partially for me, and partially for them. I sing because it makes me feel special and beautiful and free. I sing for my family to carry on the legacy they created for themselves. They are all so amazingly talented. Of course the other part of why I sing are the listeners. I like creating a moment in time with people where they identify with the song I chose to share. I also use it as a teaching tool for who I am as a Hawaiian.

Singing is something that is very personal to me. I don't sing for just anyone, and I know it frustrates people when I refuse to sing for someone. A lot of the reason why I do is because I am too emotionally vulnerable to open myself up for a criticism...if there is any. Because while singing is something that defines me, it is also a point of massive self-consciousness. It feels like the ultimate rejection when someone criticizes my singing,which is why I can understand people giving it up after being told by someone--who is supposed to be a professional--that they are bad at it. I don't need anyone to tell me I'm not good enough to go pro. Honestly, I'm not even sure that is something I want. Regardless, I would rather live in obscurity than do anything that would take the joy of singing away from me.

Anyway...I guess the take-away is:

Don't stop praising your friends and families for being good at what they do. They are sharing a part of themselves with you every time they do it. :)

Something for the road:

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