Overcoming Fears

When I was a young woman, I never finished my personal progress. So now that I am a leader in the program I can finish it... actually I had to start over, but I don't mind. As one of my value experiences for Knowledge I wanted to develop my singing and really learn how to do it right. I have always loved to sing... but I have always been incredibly afraid to sing in front of people, for the most part. I remember asking Mom once if I could take voice lessons and she asked me to sing a song for her and I couldn't! I couldn't even sing a simple song like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for my mother! So no voice lessons for me! I took choir in middle school because all of my friends did... they finally convinced me to sing a solo on the fun days when anyone who wanted could just get up and perform. That was terrifying! So anyway, I just have always had this fear of singing in front of people and now I finally want to get over it. Even Luis, after 7 years of marriage... has never really heard me sing by myself. Sad, huh? So I asked the YW if they would support me in my goal. My idea was to practice songs and perform them for the YW so I can get more comfortable singing and maybe even some day sing in sacrament meeting! (That's a very long way off!) So we picked a song "Virtue" by Jenny Phillips. The lyrics were so perfect for what we have been teaching in YW so I really loved the song. It was also in my range, which is pretty low. I practiced so much with Luis. It was so scary. Even being able to sing for him felt like a huge accomplishment! So on Tuesday it was time! The YW gathered in the chapel so I could use the microphone at the pulpit! Also scary but it really helped so that I didn't have to try hard to sing louder than the piano. I was so nervous. Heart pounding so loud in my ears, body shaking!!! But I did it!!! I did it! :) It felt so good to finally do it! I never thought I could! After, as we were walking back to the YW room, the Relief Society president came up to me and told me that they could hear it through the whole building! Like the other rooms had the speakers turned on! AAAAAHHHHH! I was so embarrassed. I'm not sure how many people heard it really. Everyone was very supportive though and I really can't wait to do it again... NEVER thought I would say that! I will still be very nervous, but the first time was the biggest hurdle... at least I'm hoping it is. Should be easier from here on out right? Now, anyone have any song suggestions? :)