Get your “music” out to the world!

Last weekend we attended Theatre 301’s production of the musical, Annie, at Mount Calvary Church in Excelsior, MN. It was a very professional production and we were amazed by the talent of every actor. They shared by singing, dancing and helping the audience enjoy the play and be uplifted. Some of the cast were church members. This got us thinking about the fact that each of us has special gifts and talents (our “music”) that we can share with others. We never would have known that our pew mates had such talent if they hadn’t shared on stage and entertained us. So, we wonder what music do you have that you want to get out to the world?

Years ago we met Wayne Dyer, a thought leader who brought a lot of good into this world. He said, “Don’t die with your music still inside you.” Unfortunately, he died too young. Fortunately, because of his prolific speaking and writing, he shared his “music” so that his spirit and his wisdom will always live on.

We looked at what music we can bring to the world. Doug shares beautiful singing (that’s actual music). But did you know that he also delights children and adults with magic tricks? Those talents and his humor are part of his music. If you watch our related video (link below) you’ll see one of his tricks. My music is… well, I’m not sure. Maybe it’s the joy of trying to make a difference and helping others succeed. It’s my love of coaching and connecting with you through communication, writing and videos. Hopefully, this brightens your day and makes life’s journey a bit easier and more enjoyable.

Maybe you are thinking, “What’s my music? I don’t do anything like sing, or dance or perform.” Your music doesn’t have to be a special performing talent. Sometimes it’s being helpful or listening, sharing appreciation, a prayer or a smile to make someone’s day. Maybe it’s how you participate at work, volunteer in the community or show love to those around you. You, too, have your special music!

We found some people who got their music out by writing a book. We talked to Anita and Jennifer Lang, a mother-daughter duo, who wrote The Art of Wellbeing: A Resource for Health and Healing. We asked them why they wrote the book. Anita said, “It was a catalyst in my life that needed to move in a new way. It was a result of three things that happened. One was my mother died after a long year. The second is that my husband was having major medical issues and the third is my job ended.” Jennifer added, “I was also in transition. I had just moved back to Minnesota after living abroad in Paris, France for four years. I was experiencing some culture shock. Second, I was experiencing some health issues. As a professional violinist, I perform a lot and it’s not a very symmetrical activity, so it has some impact on health. I was trying to find some health solutions to that issue.”

We asked Anita and Jennifer what they hoped would be the impact of this book and how it would help readers. Anita shared, “The first thing would be to encourage anyone who is in transition or going through any kind of grief or loss, to look at the wider perspective outside of the healthcare silos. Look at a very wide lens view of other industries, other organizations and how they view health and wellbeing. What do they see for solutions, what do they see for barriers and what is one key recommendation they would give to the readers?” Jennifer adds, “I would resonate with all of the same points that my mother mentioned. Also, it was wonderful to work on a project with my mother and challenging at times but I would also encourage others to take on similar projects, whether it be a book or an artistic endeavor. It is really healing across generations.”

How about you? What music do you have that you want to share?

Some suggestions: Look at what makes you feel most alive and gives you joy. Often that’s the key to discovering your purpose, your why – and your music. You don’t need a tragedy or transition to prompt you, share your music now! Get rid of doubt and give what only you can give in your special way. Then celebrate! You’ll enrich your life and the lives of others when you get your “music” out to the world.

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2018 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.