One of the many things I learned from my cats...
This morning as I watched my cats, a memory popped into my head of them being these tiny little kittens. I remember so clearly, with their wiry fur, big eyes, and energy that kept them wrestling all night not letting us sleep. Haha. They were smaller than my forearm, and at less than five feet tall, I have a pretty small forearm. Anyway, I got to thinking how strange it was that I never actually noticed them growing day to day. It was as if one day I looked at them and was like “oh, I guess they’re full grown cats now”. Like, when it did all happen? I realized that the changes in their growth happened sooooo slightly, and soooooo gradually that it was nearly impossible to notice.
Then, I got into thinking well, maybe if it’s that way for them, could it be the same way for me? I have been known to be impatient and want results fast. I tend to get discouraged when things don’t come easily to me, and I’m working on that because it has held me back from enjoying and trying new things. Many times it’s me looking in the mirror or doing an exercise or learning a new technique and each day just thinking to myself “nothing is changing, nothing is getting better”. Could it be simply that the changes are happening so gradually and so slightly that I don’t notice? Yeah. I think that’s it. Now I’m realizing that there is no point in thinking that way because all it does is discourage me from even trying, which then of course makes nothing change or get better. Sometimes, too, the awareness to even see the change is what needs to be developed - it’s all part of the process.
When I teach new techniques and different ways to make sound, or hold the body, or even think about a song or a lyric, yes sometimes they do come quickly, sometimes even immediately. However, many techniques require dedication and practice and the changes happen so slowly and gradually you may not even notice. So, instead of begin angry and frustrated that you can’t hit that note yet, pat yourself on the back that you came back another day to try it, and grateful that you have the time to work on it. Know that every time you work on it, it is making change simply by you putting your attention on it, regardless if you see it or not. Also, by doing all the things that don’t work, you are slowly and surely getting closer to finding the things that do work.
If you want to read more like this, and stay updated with my latest releases and offerings, please subscribe to my mailing list by clicking here. Do you find yourself getting discouraged when you don’t see things changing? Can you relate to this? I’d love to hear from you. And always, if there’s anything you’d like me to write about please let me know by leaving a comment or e-mailing me here. Onward.
Also, if you haven’t already, you can download your FREE 5 minute vocal warm up here!
xxKat