don’t miss your moment
In 1991 I recorded my own cassette album (yes, cassette) featuring seven songs I wrote under the name Karen Metcalf. The title was Don’t Let it Show. A disc jockey at Louisville radio station WLOU, then secular, was gracious enough to play one of my songs (I’m the One) on the air for me.
He also gave me a contact–the name of a R&R rep at Virgin Records–whom I pitched one of my unrecorded songs to by singing it over the phone. He liked it, told me to record it, and said he would get back to me. But, once the excitement wore off, worry over a floundering budget and uncertainty over a call-back set in. So, needless to say, when he called me back about three months later, I had nothing. And there went my opportunity.
At the time I thought a lack of money had stolen my dream. But, while money was a factor, there were two other things I needed more–passion and faith. Passion wouldn’t have let me quit. Faith would have kept me from wanting to.
Since then I have learned that dreams live and grow according to our belief in them. Yes, they take time, and we don’t specifically know how or when they will materialize. But the alternative (doing nothing) means they never will. So why do we keep asking ”How can I?” when the question is ”How can I not?” The lesson is simple. Don’t quit.
March 15th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Great advice Karen!
March 15th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Well said, Karen. Those of us who are learning to hear our own voices will come to know that the old saying is true – “Nothing beats a failure but a try”. You’ll never know unless you step out on faith and with passion. So, you’ll be recording that song when . . . . . . .
March 15th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Oh, Karen–
Thank you so much for this important lesson. I’ve quit things many times as a younger woman because I thought they were either too difficult or I didn’t feel I’d be successful. Of course, I wasn’t successful… because I quit.
As an older and (hopefully) wiser woman, I feel far more confident in following my dreams. We need to redefine “failure.” If something doesn’t work, just try a different way to accomplish it. That’s flexibility. It’s only failure if you quit because that ensures you absolutely will not succeed!
March 15th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Eileen
“It’s only failure if you quit.” I like that.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Debra
LOL! I’ve been having that same thought since I wrote this post. I’ll have to get on that.
March 15th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Thanks, Karlyn
March 15th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Wow, how sad, and similar. I missed out on my one recording opportunity when the muffler went on my car, and instead of going to a muffler place, I took it to a car repair place, which kept it for 4 hours, and thus I missed my chance. I was eager, but I always wondered what made me make such a bad choice at such a critical time in the first place. Lessons learned, right?
March 15th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Too true! I’ve never had much money but it hasn’t stopped me from doing the things I want to do. I remain focussed, keep praying, and keep talking to people and things happen.
March 17th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Mitch
I’m pretty sure my bad choice was motivated by fear of either success or failure. Not sure which. I’m a little braver now.
March 17th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Kathie
I’ve learned a lot from you about focus. I’m really trying to work on that. I think I’ve got the prayer thing down.
March 20th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Wonderful advice! Thank you!
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 am
YES! Karen, you said it baby lol I LOVED this post, because a)I found out just one more hidden talent you posess!
b)Because you have put into words, a recent task that was given to me via job interview.
I was asked about the 5 key areas of my life: Family/friends,health, spirituallity, finances and careers. I had to really think on each, and tell the CEO, where I rated (between 0-10) each one. It turned out I was lacking in 3 areas, and he then put to me thate it seemed I gave more to others than I gave to myself? “What about you?” he asked. “What is it that YOU really want in life?” When I sat down at my desk and typed it out, I was amazed at what stared back at me. I had faced the fact the areas I had been failing in, were a direct result of lack of faith in ME! So reading this post really hit home, and I agree 110% that not only is ‘passion’ crucial, but you must have that ‘faith’ in God, to believe in yourself! He knows what you are worth, and what you are truly capable of doing, so why don’t we trust this more? Never let the fear of the unknown rule, for it will truly rob you of any opportunity. Karen, it’s never too late, for anything! Now, where can I hear your songs?????
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Debbie
It so happens I still have a few of those cassettes left. I can send you one.