This past weekend, I was part of a musical theater production at Arvada Covenant Church in Colorado.
After a couple months of practice, then a full week of nightly rehearsals, we were ready to go on stage. The show included solos and small ensembles as well as songs by the entire group of 30 singers.
On Saturday night and again on Sunday afternoon, our theater group performed twenty well-known Broadway tunes that rocked the auditorium.
I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun. I got to spend time with amazing singers who could make you weep one minute, and laugh out loud the next.
This event was spectacular for me, partly because of the music but also because I felt like I belonged to a fantastic group. I even learned how to apply “Stage Makeup” that made you look healthy under the blinding theater lights.
But there was a bigger piece for me as well. This production gave me back my voice!
Since my breast cancer surgery in 2010, I’ve struggled a lot with getting back to my old self and feeling strong.
Medication side effects took a huge toll on me, and even after I switched to a better med, it’s still felt like a long, difficult journey.
I’ve always loved singing, and over the years, I’ve done lots of solos and special music presentations. But cancer robbed me of my voice, both physically and emotionally.
I had tried sitting down at the piano and attempting to sing my old music, but my voice seemed weak.
Even worse, my confidence was gone, and I couldn’t figure out how to rebuild it.
All of that changed when I joined the church choir this winter, and was invited to sing in the musical theater. Practicing for this production was challenging because we had to memorize all the words as well as the choreography of the songs.
But each time Mary, the director, made us sing a line or phrase over and over to get it perfected, I was amazed to discover that I could do it.
This past weekend, I stood on stage with my fellow performers and belted out those Broadway tunes with tremendous confidence as well as vocal skill.
And I knew I had found back my voice!
I could truly sing again, and as I hit each of the high notes or challenging chords, I felt the strength of my voice. But even more, I knew I had re-claimed my voice in life.
Being a cancer survivor will no longer pull me down into doubt or despair. Instead, I know that my “life voice” is back.
And once again, that voice will help me move forward in my writing, my weight-loss coaching, and my love for God and others.
If you’ve lost your voice (physically or emotionally) don’t give up! You can find back the ability to feel confident about your life and your actions. And when you re-discover your voice, you’ll know that you can do anything, including manage your weight.
Even if you don’t have a good “singing voice,” use the gift of music to help you get back to a solid place in your life.
If necessary, start by singing in the shower. Let the sound build as you renew your commitment to being healthy and strong. Then march to the beat, and use your songs to renew your spirit along with your healthy actions.
I got MY voice back. And so can you!