Voice Update and Rivers and Tides Connections

I'm not in any way trying to say that what I went through with my voice was true adversity. Yes, it was a really hard time for me, because the way I deal with my problems is by singing, and I had to find another outlet. But, so many things much worse than that happen to many people every day, unfortunately. I'm really lucky: my doctor scoped my voice on Wednesday and told me I was back to normal and I could start singing again in a couple of weeks. What pushed me through this was a combination of two things: dedication and support. I stuck with my instructions day in and day out. I regulated my diet, took my medicine, did all of the necessary precautions, and most importantly refrained from singing. I know that absolutely made a difference. But I also learned that you need to take care of the mental aspect too. I surrounded myself with a wonderful 17 person support system (Arapahoe Singers) and all of the other incredible people in my life. I honestly could not have survived this mentally without everyone.

I was really inspired by Rivers and Tides. His passion makes the difference for him and his work. I have never seen such dedication. Particularly, I remember his pinecone-type sculpture on the beach. Those rocks fell in time after time after time, and yet he kept going. He was doing it for himself and because he wanted to give something away to the world. His motivation was there. But also, he loved the collapse. I remember the quote, "I like to bring every piece to the edge of collapse. It's a really beautiful balance there." This comes together with the idea of vulnerability. The edge of collapse is a place of 100% uncertainty, but it's the closest one can ever come to perfection. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than that. That edge of collapse is the point at which one can either overcome her troubles or fall right back down. Yes, you may fall, but unless you get to that point, you won't succeed either. Dare to be daring.