I was in fourth grade, and I participated in every competition in the school by habit.
After all, it is not about winning but participation, right?!
And this singing competition was no different, except I signed up for it at the very last minute. Well, right before the actual performance :D
I went on the stage with zero preparation in front of the whole school. Yes, you can call it girl power ;-)
I sang what came to mind on the spot (influenced by how kids do it in the movies). I was so naive then to think movies depicted only true events.
At the end of the event, a fifth-grader walked over to me and told me something that changed my relationship with my voice forever.
Looking into my eyes, she dared to say: “I didn’t like your performance.” I shrugged off her comment and thought I had moved on, only to realise decades later that I never actually did.
After that incident, singing made me a bit uncomfortable. No matter how often I got compliments for my voice, the self-doubts remained unshaken.
This happens when we give power to other people’s comments to influence us. Their opinions supersede our inner beliefs.
However, I continued to sing to my joy. And on days I couldn’t, I blamed the inevitable: the weather or my husband 😉
In hindsight, my senior had taught me something profound at a very young age. I learned that “Words have a greater impact.”
Words have the power to both inspire and destroy!! I choose the obvious!
Ever since, I have made it a point to touch people’s lives with nothing but kind words reflecting positive thoughts! I pay extra attention to the little details and say something nice but unique only to them.
And guess what? There is always something extra-ordinarily beautiful in every person I meet that makes it easier for me to remember them, the next time we meet.
When we start seeing people from their angelic side, it becomes surprisingly easy to make an instant connection, even with strangers!
Here is a quick example to prove my point:
At work, we had a team-building exercise where everyone had to talk about someone else in the room.
There she was: A brilliant, competitive but stern co-worker who only talked to people about work. We all knew how sparingly she used her words and were curious to hear what she had to say, since this topic was not about work!
When it was her turn, she called my name out. She mentioned that looking at me made her feel happy and positive, even during stressful work situations.
Our friendship sparked instantly.
She always mentioned how my words uplifted her spirits. But the truth was, she helped me recognise my unique strength.
Such is the power of words exchanged with the right people!
She is one of my best buddies, I am grateful to have in my life!
Every beautiful thing you say to someone becomes a part of them and you -Bryant McGill.
My wish for you today is to appreciate someone today and allow the miracles to work through your words!
The impact of words and the positive connections they can create, is a reminder of the lasting influence we have on others through our expressions, even in unexpected moments. A powerful message. Keep spreading those uplifting words Tamil.