let's discuss: I Didn't Win This One (aka: getting your ass handed to you still sucks)

After a ill-foreboding dream this morning of not getting in to the summer program I so sincerely wanted, I clicked through my email to see a short and sweet PFO. Hmmm, dreams really do come true? A PFO right before the country breaks for Thanksgiving and rampant consumerism? How thoughtful. You shouldn’t have…

I had a great audition – a great audition, for me, that is. I felt confident. I wasn’t late or rushed or vocally unprepared. I made music with a wonderful collaborative pianist and I felt like my voice was in shape. But, I could tell I wasn’t going to win this one. Most of us have that sixth sense when it comes to auditions. For this particular one, I just wasn’t sparkly enough.

Truth be told, I am not writing this post looking for friends and family to build me up or to repeat some saccharine mantras. I do not feel the need to write a lengthy post about learning from failure. Although, my original post on “getting your ass handed to you” still stands true. I did also have it in mind for a moment to do the necessary tie-in to Thanksgiving and type on about how grateful I am to be able to sing and finally have the privilege/funds to audition and travel for one of the more expensive festivals. Don’t get me wrong; those are important posts at other times. The reason for this post is simple: we don’t win them all and I won’t pretend like I do.

‘Resume-ing’ runs rampant in our industry and it can feel necessary to present yourself to the world as constantly successful. (I can’t possibly be the only one that feels that way…) The way we present ourselves in social media is part of our brand, after all. But, being honest is part of my brand. I’m not going to make my friends plow through some Ben & Jerry’s and console me. I am going to keep practicing for a gig next week and have a wonderful time with my family for Thanksgiving. It’s all part of the singer’s life. What I really want to share is that it’s okay for me to own up to my rejection letters – even on social media.

Without being too sickly sweet, I am thankful for all of the people who make this life possible – even those who turn me down. Plus, I am eternally thankful for all of you who read these musings. May your Thanksgivings be filled with love and gratitude.