OVERCOME THE ITTY BITTY SHITTY COMMITTEE

The "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee" did not prevail at the Sturgis Falls Celebration in Cedar Falls IA. I did sing "Cedar Falls My Hometown" with Mick Staebell. And I did present a framed print to the song to our Mayor (who said he would hang it up in his office).

Was my voice at it's best? Oh no. But as I walked onto the stage in front of a couple thousand people, I did a couple of things. First I decided not to deprecate myself. I did not dismiss my voice. I just sang it....even when Mick surprised me with a spontaneous rehearsal with the crowd before the Mayor arrived. It was 95 degrees, full sun and humid. So much for getting my hair done. It was now sweaty and flat. So much for my vanity.

THE SONG WAS SUNG. I DID IT. And it was a first. I'm thankful to Mick (who is in the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) for letting me use his melody.

The Members of the Itty Bitty Shitty Committee whispered, shouted. The inner critics of "Not Good Enough," "You Suck," "Who do you think you are?" "You're an imposter!" The ploys of Doubt, Discouragement, Fear, Shame all tried. And the answer is to pat them on the head, "There there, thank you for sharing but I'm going to proceed" is the answer. It didn't take away the feelings, but it allowed me to proceed bravely. Being brave means riding forward through the fear....and in that vulnerability there lies courage and freedom.

Go-DIVAS you have it in you too! If I can do it you can do it! If Godiva can do it you can do it. Remember she rode through her fears. She bared her body. She bared her soul and did what she had to do. Whatever is holding you back, pat it on the head and carry on!

You Got This! Take a Leap of Faith today!

VickiJolene

Who are the members on your Itty Bitty Shitty Committee?

What have you found helps you overcome their criticism and shame?

Photo Credit: steve-halama-fykpwV2kGLM-unsplash