I love this post as well as the example and challenge to stand on our feet and claim our voice and take up space. I am learning to do this in spades. As a health care provider who worked the front lines during 4years of covid, I am now faced with the challenges of the fallout on my physical and mental health and post traumatic stress. It is ironic, perhaps, that among healthcare providers admitting to this or any kind of physical or mental distress is akin to failure. The culture is to push on. I am choosing a different path and owning my reality- not without trepidation and waves of shame and guilt. Still I stand on my two feet and I claim the space I need to heal- and to grow and thrive. I am thankful for this community of unseen souls- for providing the space that invites me to push my growing edges and come out of the shadows to share who I am. I don’t know where courage fits into all of this- certainly it is not without fear. Perhaps it is just time. And right. And necessary.
This post found me hesitating whether to speak up against routine and the path of least resistance at my workplace. In a similar way you chose to go home after meeting, accidentally, a couple calling their dog, I read your story as an incentive to act. So I stood up (figuratively), made use of my voice (in real) and recorded a comment how to design particular parts of repetitive structures in a better way, and posted the comment on a designer's chat group at work.
The video, showing models and drawings, with a spoken explanation of the changes, met with enthusiastic reception. Especially my young colleagues, designers thrown into a whirlpool of deadlines, declared that they "subscribe to the channel".
Without this very your post, I would not have, most likely, the incentive and the courage to speak up.
Now, a week passes, and I have just recorded a second episode and posted it for the Monday morning start at work. Thank you!
What a great and hopeful article! Love your evaluation ot th eimportance of standing up and claiming your space. As a Canadian, I am glad for your views and will be praying for your country at this crucial time.
It's no surprise that most middle class jobs are seated. Standing and moving, what our bodies and minds are made for, would be too empowering. Having us seated all day keeps us docile.
I resonate with your story of failing to make the cut into a choir. When I was in Junior High, I auditioned for a ladies ensemble. I didn’t get in but my twin sister did. It shut me down for years. Even though I loved to sing, I just could risk failing, again. Eventually, as an adult, I joined a community chorus but we had to audition for a small group ensemble. I was terrified, and thought about backing out but this thought drove me forward…”If you let fear shut you down you will live a lifetime of regret.” It was a turning point and I haven’t looked back. I now sing with 5 choral groups! Does fear keep coming up? You bet’cha but I choose love over fear and don’t let it shut me down.
My mom raised my brother and I as a single mom for most of my life after losing my dad in a tragic accident when I was 7. Mom showed us what it meant to be strong and stand firm on your own two feet being always there for us. It wasn’t until recently as an adult and my mom took sick with Alzheimer’s and no longer could advocate for herself that I learned to stand on my two feet and be her advocate ensuring she got the best care possible. Always remembering “You Can Do This Hard Thing” kept me firm on my feet throughout the journey. Now she is gone, I’m a stronger person and stand up for what I know is the right thing.
My mom would also tell me I can’t carry a tune across the street in a wet paper bag and told me not to sing. I’m now standing up to that even though she’s gone and believe there is a possibility for me.
I’m grateful I can stand on my own two feet literally. Being diagnosed with Arthritis in my early 30’s and being a mom to a little one, Arthritis quickly began to ravage my body but mainly my feet. I was told that if I didn’t get on a certain medication to slow the process, I would be in. A wheelchair for the rest of my life. Even though the medication has some not so nice side effects, I’m grateful I can still walk in this world!
I admire you Carrie for standing up and singing and having your voice heard!
I don’t sing. And yes, you’re welcome. But I do attempt to create visual art. You may or may not like it, but what I do find is that it’s always better if I stand while I’m working. My arms are freer to move and nothing obstructs them. Fully express yourself.
And as for women performers. Ignore the nay-sayers. Quality and gender are not related. One of my favorites is Carrie Newcomer. Not only is her music beautiful but it goes well beyond that. Her songs have much deeper meaning and provide lessons that we can all learn from. Keep doing what you’re doing and I will continue to admire your work.
Thank you, Carrie. As my father taught me about destructive persons such as Trump, “There’s a reason for him; however, not to oppose what you offer understanding to leads to others being harmed.”
I love it when we have that supportive friend or mentor, who gives you that extra encouragement (You can DO this hard thing!). Of course, it takes even more will-power to command those feet to stay put until the end. I hope you always get the applause you so deserve!
Recently, I was at a get together where two older women were talking to a teenage girl about the importance of going to church and knowing the Lord Jesus. The girl and her family were not church goers. Personally, I really dislike proselytizing. It places the ones preaching in a superior position to the one being preached to. People who supposedly have the answers try to persuade the ones who supposedly don't have the answers to believe like they do. I'm right, you're wrong. The girl was listening politely, trying to be respectful to her elders, but I could tell she was uncomfortable. Eventually, the two women looked to me for confirmation for what they were saying. I thought a moment and then told the girl that what I'm about to share is my opinion. It's something that is helpful to me, but doesn't mean she should believe it. I said what has been important to me in my relationship with the Divine is self-compassion. For me, self-compassion has helped to build a solid basis of love within me. And from that solid basis, love then comes forth toward others. When she heard this, I saw the girl's face light up. She smiled and nodded. I felt this was a moment when I stood up and expressed my voice.
I was born with a cleft lip and palate and endured much teasing as a child. The first time I stood up to preach as a teenager at an Easter sunrise service, claim my power given to me by God. Since then I stood up to preach and speak as a Minister of Christian Ed , a pastor, correctional and hospice chaplain until I retired last December. But what really energizes me is when I stand up as an oral storyteller to tell folktales and sacred stories. Standing up has brought me a long way from being a teased kid.
I bought 2 tickets to the concert on November 22 and I thought they were at St Barnabas Episcopal Church, but this one says Transfiguration spirituality center. Where is it or is this in the same area?
Even while possessing many of the privileges our society values, I’ve struggled with feeling like a child destined to sit on the porch and watch all the other kids playing in the yard. I felt I was not one who…(fill in the blank.) Standing up, claiming a voice, being who I not only was, but who I was in the process of becoming, has been a challenge. So I pause and honor those who have, are, and will stand up and claim their voices, and especially those who don’t possess all the privileges I too often take for granted. I can only know a small taste of the bravery required for you to stand, speak, and take your place on any stage. A deep bow to you.
Thank you so much Carrie for your stand up writing. Now is the moment that we all must stand for what is to me one of the most important moments in my life. When I think about women standing up the first person I think of is my Momma. It was not easy being the "preacher's wife". To a lot of people that was all she was but us who knew her knew better. My Daddy was in the spotlight of course being the preacher but Momma showed her 4 daughters you stand up and be seen. She said things like: "Church members are going to talk about you no matter what so I am going to dress the way I want and be who I am. I suggest you do the same thing." With my Daddy working so much and having to put needs of others first she always made sure he had time for her and time for us girls. My Daddy was a Republican and my Momma a Democratic back when most women were told to think like their husbands. She would say to my Daddy:"You go on and vote and I am going to come right behind you and cancel that vote." Oh how my Daddy would laugh at that. We lost my Daddy when he was only 62 but once again Momma showed us how to stand up and walk a new path. It wasn't easy but she found her way. This woman once again showed her daughter and others how to stand up when she developed Alzheimer's. We started raising money and learned all we could about ALZ. It was our way to stand up for her. Even though she lost that battle with ALZ I feel her standing with me every day and whispering in my ear " Stand up and be seen. You got this."
I love this story about you Momma. What an amazing soul and spirit. How important to lift up the shoulders we stand upon, the ones that encouraged and modeled being true to our selves and gifts. Yes, she is standing with you every day. Amen.
Dear Carrie, it is such an irony that you were rejected for choir in high school, Yet, it is so typical of how truly talented people just keep putting one foot in front of the other traveling toward their dreams, which is what you did. It reminds me of a story I heard in documentary about Fred Astaire. On his first film tryout, the director wrote about Fred "Can't act, can't sing, dances some." Right now I am in Italy putting one foot in front of the other in a new challenge, working with some young students this coming week in Abruzzo who want to share stories about their hometown of 300 inhabitants on radio and in a podcast. I am supposed to mentor them. It will all be in Italian, which I have been trying to master since 2017 with perhaps dubious success. Yet onward, students! Onward, my feet! Thanks so much for this lovely reflection today. Sending lots of love.
Have a wonderful time in Abruzzo, and congrats on stepping up to this growing edge of learning communicating in a new language! Hurray for you my friend. Yes, there is a bit of irony in this story, I guess that is part of why I tell it. At some point, most of us will experience push back on who we are and what we love. It’s not easy, it takes a lot of love and self compassion, courage to center ourselves in our authentic selves, speak from our true heart. It also helps to find kindred spirits who encourage and get that our most powerful voice will always be our truest voice. To be a poet is an agreement with the cosmos to speak the truth as well and beautifully as we know how. Thank you for following your true voice, your deep calling, and continuing to inspire us as you step up to this next growing edge!
I love this post as well as the example and challenge to stand on our feet and claim our voice and take up space. I am learning to do this in spades. As a health care provider who worked the front lines during 4years of covid, I am now faced with the challenges of the fallout on my physical and mental health and post traumatic stress. It is ironic, perhaps, that among healthcare providers admitting to this or any kind of physical or mental distress is akin to failure. The culture is to push on. I am choosing a different path and owning my reality- not without trepidation and waves of shame and guilt. Still I stand on my two feet and I claim the space I need to heal- and to grow and thrive. I am thankful for this community of unseen souls- for providing the space that invites me to push my growing edges and come out of the shadows to share who I am. I don’t know where courage fits into all of this- certainly it is not without fear. Perhaps it is just time. And right. And necessary.
This post found me hesitating whether to speak up against routine and the path of least resistance at my workplace. In a similar way you chose to go home after meeting, accidentally, a couple calling their dog, I read your story as an incentive to act. So I stood up (figuratively), made use of my voice (in real) and recorded a comment how to design particular parts of repetitive structures in a better way, and posted the comment on a designer's chat group at work.
The video, showing models and drawings, with a spoken explanation of the changes, met with enthusiastic reception. Especially my young colleagues, designers thrown into a whirlpool of deadlines, declared that they "subscribe to the channel".
Without this very your post, I would not have, most likely, the incentive and the courage to speak up.
Now, a week passes, and I have just recorded a second episode and posted it for the Monday morning start at work. Thank you!
What a great and hopeful article! Love your evaluation ot th eimportance of standing up and claiming your space. As a Canadian, I am glad for your views and will be praying for your country at this crucial time.
It's no surprise that most middle class jobs are seated. Standing and moving, what our bodies and minds are made for, would be too empowering. Having us seated all day keeps us docile.
I resonate with your story of failing to make the cut into a choir. When I was in Junior High, I auditioned for a ladies ensemble. I didn’t get in but my twin sister did. It shut me down for years. Even though I loved to sing, I just could risk failing, again. Eventually, as an adult, I joined a community chorus but we had to audition for a small group ensemble. I was terrified, and thought about backing out but this thought drove me forward…”If you let fear shut you down you will live a lifetime of regret.” It was a turning point and I haven’t looked back. I now sing with 5 choral groups! Does fear keep coming up? You bet’cha but I choose love over fear and don’t let it shut me down.
My mom raised my brother and I as a single mom for most of my life after losing my dad in a tragic accident when I was 7. Mom showed us what it meant to be strong and stand firm on your own two feet being always there for us. It wasn’t until recently as an adult and my mom took sick with Alzheimer’s and no longer could advocate for herself that I learned to stand on my two feet and be her advocate ensuring she got the best care possible. Always remembering “You Can Do This Hard Thing” kept me firm on my feet throughout the journey. Now she is gone, I’m a stronger person and stand up for what I know is the right thing.
My mom would also tell me I can’t carry a tune across the street in a wet paper bag and told me not to sing. I’m now standing up to that even though she’s gone and believe there is a possibility for me.
I’m grateful I can stand on my own two feet literally. Being diagnosed with Arthritis in my early 30’s and being a mom to a little one, Arthritis quickly began to ravage my body but mainly my feet. I was told that if I didn’t get on a certain medication to slow the process, I would be in. A wheelchair for the rest of my life. Even though the medication has some not so nice side effects, I’m grateful I can still walk in this world!
I admire you Carrie for standing up and singing and having your voice heard!
I don’t sing. And yes, you’re welcome. But I do attempt to create visual art. You may or may not like it, but what I do find is that it’s always better if I stand while I’m working. My arms are freer to move and nothing obstructs them. Fully express yourself.
And as for women performers. Ignore the nay-sayers. Quality and gender are not related. One of my favorites is Carrie Newcomer. Not only is her music beautiful but it goes well beyond that. Her songs have much deeper meaning and provide lessons that we can all learn from. Keep doing what you’re doing and I will continue to admire your work.
Thank you, Carrie. As my father taught me about destructive persons such as Trump, “There’s a reason for him; however, not to oppose what you offer understanding to leads to others being harmed.”
❤️🎶🎶❤️
I love it when we have that supportive friend or mentor, who gives you that extra encouragement (You can DO this hard thing!). Of course, it takes even more will-power to command those feet to stay put until the end. I hope you always get the applause you so deserve!
Recently, I was at a get together where two older women were talking to a teenage girl about the importance of going to church and knowing the Lord Jesus. The girl and her family were not church goers. Personally, I really dislike proselytizing. It places the ones preaching in a superior position to the one being preached to. People who supposedly have the answers try to persuade the ones who supposedly don't have the answers to believe like they do. I'm right, you're wrong. The girl was listening politely, trying to be respectful to her elders, but I could tell she was uncomfortable. Eventually, the two women looked to me for confirmation for what they were saying. I thought a moment and then told the girl that what I'm about to share is my opinion. It's something that is helpful to me, but doesn't mean she should believe it. I said what has been important to me in my relationship with the Divine is self-compassion. For me, self-compassion has helped to build a solid basis of love within me. And from that solid basis, love then comes forth toward others. When she heard this, I saw the girl's face light up. She smiled and nodded. I felt this was a moment when I stood up and expressed my voice.
I agree with your thoughts on proselytizing; thanks for having the courage to stand up!
Beautifully written. Thanks for acknowledging those of us with mobility issues. I also try to not take for granted my ability to see and read.
I was born with a cleft lip and palate and endured much teasing as a child. The first time I stood up to preach as a teenager at an Easter sunrise service, claim my power given to me by God. Since then I stood up to preach and speak as a Minister of Christian Ed , a pastor, correctional and hospice chaplain until I retired last December. But what really energizes me is when I stand up as an oral storyteller to tell folktales and sacred stories. Standing up has brought me a long way from being a teased kid.
I bought 2 tickets to the concert on November 22 and I thought they were at St Barnabas Episcopal Church, but this one says Transfiguration spirituality center. Where is it or is this in the same area?
Even while possessing many of the privileges our society values, I’ve struggled with feeling like a child destined to sit on the porch and watch all the other kids playing in the yard. I felt I was not one who…(fill in the blank.) Standing up, claiming a voice, being who I not only was, but who I was in the process of becoming, has been a challenge. So I pause and honor those who have, are, and will stand up and claim their voices, and especially those who don’t possess all the privileges I too often take for granted. I can only know a small taste of the bravery required for you to stand, speak, and take your place on any stage. A deep bow to you.
Thank you so much Carrie for your stand up writing. Now is the moment that we all must stand for what is to me one of the most important moments in my life. When I think about women standing up the first person I think of is my Momma. It was not easy being the "preacher's wife". To a lot of people that was all she was but us who knew her knew better. My Daddy was in the spotlight of course being the preacher but Momma showed her 4 daughters you stand up and be seen. She said things like: "Church members are going to talk about you no matter what so I am going to dress the way I want and be who I am. I suggest you do the same thing." With my Daddy working so much and having to put needs of others first she always made sure he had time for her and time for us girls. My Daddy was a Republican and my Momma a Democratic back when most women were told to think like their husbands. She would say to my Daddy:"You go on and vote and I am going to come right behind you and cancel that vote." Oh how my Daddy would laugh at that. We lost my Daddy when he was only 62 but once again Momma showed us how to stand up and walk a new path. It wasn't easy but she found her way. This woman once again showed her daughter and others how to stand up when she developed Alzheimer's. We started raising money and learned all we could about ALZ. It was our way to stand up for her. Even though she lost that battle with ALZ I feel her standing with me every day and whispering in my ear " Stand up and be seen. You got this."
Very moving; thanks for your post!
I love this story about you Momma. What an amazing soul and spirit. How important to lift up the shoulders we stand upon, the ones that encouraged and modeled being true to our selves and gifts. Yes, she is standing with you every day. Amen.
Dear Carrie, it is such an irony that you were rejected for choir in high school, Yet, it is so typical of how truly talented people just keep putting one foot in front of the other traveling toward their dreams, which is what you did. It reminds me of a story I heard in documentary about Fred Astaire. On his first film tryout, the director wrote about Fred "Can't act, can't sing, dances some." Right now I am in Italy putting one foot in front of the other in a new challenge, working with some young students this coming week in Abruzzo who want to share stories about their hometown of 300 inhabitants on radio and in a podcast. I am supposed to mentor them. It will all be in Italian, which I have been trying to master since 2017 with perhaps dubious success. Yet onward, students! Onward, my feet! Thanks so much for this lovely reflection today. Sending lots of love.
Have a wonderful time in Abruzzo, and congrats on stepping up to this growing edge of learning communicating in a new language! Hurray for you my friend. Yes, there is a bit of irony in this story, I guess that is part of why I tell it. At some point, most of us will experience push back on who we are and what we love. It’s not easy, it takes a lot of love and self compassion, courage to center ourselves in our authentic selves, speak from our true heart. It also helps to find kindred spirits who encourage and get that our most powerful voice will always be our truest voice. To be a poet is an agreement with the cosmos to speak the truth as well and beautifully as we know how. Thank you for following your true voice, your deep calling, and continuing to inspire us as you step up to this next growing edge!