The other night as I was lying in bed I had an epiphany. Funny how all my great ideas or deep thoughts come while I’m desperately trying to fall asleep. I wish there was a switch somewhere so I could just turn my mind off.
Well anyway, as you all know I’ve been embarking upon a new ambition, one I’ve NEVER done before and am finding out I don’t really have the talent for either. Trying to write a song has been so incredibly frustrating.
The other day I was feeling a little depressed about it, I was thinking, gosh, why can’t I do this? I know we all have different talents, and maybe I just need to accept that this is NOT one of mine… but then again, I almost think that saying this is just a cop out. We hear these lines all the time, I’m no good at that, it’s not my specialty, not one of my gifts, ect. Why do we also hear, ” practice makes perfect”…” dream big”…” you can do anything you set your mind to”… “if you believe, you can achieve”…
So my thought is, WHY do I even WANT to do something like this? Why is the desire so strong? Just because I may not be gifted in this area, does it mean I shouldn’t even TRY? Am I just wasting my time? I guess my epiphany isn’t so much an epiphany, but more like an unanswered question. Why are we told we all have different talents and gifts, but also told we can do anything we want to do.
A talent is a natural aptitude or skill, meaning some things come easier for others.
What do you think? Is it better to just stick to what we’re good at?
I don't know answers to all of those questions, but I think we all have a song in our heart. If you feel such a desire to write, DON'T GIVE UP!! I think the hardest part about writing songs is when you think in your mind that you have to write this whole song and it has to be wonderful, every line.
If you just relax and write what's in your heart, don't try…don't force it. It doesn't even matter if it doesn't rhyme, just start somewhere.
I think a great way to start is begin by thinking about what you want to write about. Be very specific. The more specific you can be, the better. As you write, don't stray or make the subject too broad and don't change tenses or perspectives. So in other words, probably the best advice I can give you is: Keep It Simple!!!
I know you can do it, Crystal. 🙂
A football player may be a talented athlete, but what it really comes down to is how much he loves the game and how much he will sacrifice for his love of the game.
Stop being so hard on yourself! If you have a passion for song writing, then enjoy the process. It may take you five years to write one song, but if it is fulfilling your inner self then enjoy it.
HOWEVER, it is also okay to get into something and think "wow, I don't really like this," and move on to something that you enjoy. Stop locking your talent down into what you think it should be!
You seem to enjoy writing and there are soooo many other avenues to explore such as poetry, short stories, possibly a novel etc.
I wish you the best of luck!!!!!
I do not think it is necessarily only those things that we have a natural gift for that we should pursue, but certainly it has to be something we have a passion for. If music is something you have always felt passionate about and have worked hard at, then why not go for it, even if it is a lot of work?! It will come.
While I do agree that some people have more 'natural' talent for things, that doesn't mean one can't try a little harder at a particular skill if they are interested in it and are pursuing it out of a genuine love for it (not trying to be like someone else or ignoring their other talents/obligations etc.)
I think it's GREAT you're trying out something new that has the possibility of growing you in a new and different way. Any new skill takes time – think of song writing like learning a new sport – a person may want to be a basketball superstar, but they need to do the drills before playing a winning game, right? I'm sure you'll have a slew of kooky sounding lyrics before you write something really meaningful, you know?
Just get into the habit of writing – get a pretty journal to let the thoughts flow remembering we're always our own worst critic. You might even consider looking for books or articles on the topic to help direct you.
If you have a passion for it, keep at it! 🙂
I think you picked a hard dream to follow-but that's what dreams really are right? The things that you reeeaaally try to reach for to achieve? On the other hand though, if it is something that is frustrating/depressing you then it's not worth it. Unless you can find a way to not take it so seriously…but I think you are a bit of a perfectionist, hmm? Keep at it if you want, but if you don't want to-don't stress and move onto your next dream. You've already achieved so much in your life you should be proud! 🙂
You've already gotten a lot of good advice here in your comments! Wouldn't life be a lot easier if we didn't have to work hard at things? I agree with these other ladies, that if you feel like it's something you Want and Need to do, work at it a little at a time. Like I tell my kids all the time, practice, practice, practice!
It reminded me of a story about my grandpa. He loved to sing. When he was in high school he sang in the choir. The choir teacher told him to mouth the words because he couldn't sing. Now, he could have let that teacher take away something that he loved, but he decided to work as hard as he possibly could to make singing his talent. He was a wonderful father to 9 kids, building contractor, etc., but he was also well-known locally for his beautiful baritone voice and lovely guitar playing.
He passed his love for music on to his children, and the next generations. Will this song that you write be part of the legacy you leave to your children?
I am a big believer in following your passion. But I am a big believer in being realistic and honest with yourself.
I always think about this when I'm watching American Idol, and people who are TERRIBLE try out. Good for them for trying. But when they are told they are horrible, it's like they don't believe it and WON'T believe it.
You have accomplished so many things in your life that were hard. That shows me you are a strong woman! I believe you can write a song! Don´t give up, but don´t stress yourself too much.
Hug´s,
Verena
I also believe to follow your passion. I think we all the drive, and that takes us further than anything else could! Don't give up!
I think it's good to challenge ourselves and do something that doesn't come easily to us. It's frustrating and makes me want to give up sometimes, but I like feeling challenged.
I would no way be able to come up with a song or a ditty. Good luck! You can do it! You seem determined and skilled.
No I definitely don't think that we should only stick to things that we are good at. If that's the case then I shouldn't become a mother. LOL. I don't even know how to change a dirty diaper but that wont deter me from having a baby. I figure I will learn with time.
I think for some people, they are born with a certain talent but with dedication and time others can develop that same talent. I say go for it. Write a song about a topic that matters to you or that you are passionate about ex: your baby, your hubby, love in general, your relationship with Christ. YOU CAN DO IT.
Dear Sweet Crystal–it's the hard things that make us better people! I believe you have a song inside just crying to get out and be heard. Listen to your heart.
Kathy
I love to try new things and they don't always work out (actually most of the time they don't lol) but I have so much pride in my efforts and along the way I learn a lot especially about myself.
I think it builds brain cells too to try something we are not naturally good at.
Like me and the dancing. I've been spending my time trying to achieve the shimmy walk – it does not come naturally – AT ALL.
There have been so many things in the past that I've given up the second I knew I'd never be good at them, so I'm kinda surprised I haven't given up on this yet too!
Stick it out. I bet you've got some undiscovered talent for the songwriting just waiting to come out!
Song writing is one of those things that when you want to write or try, it might not work…but the practicing is what will come in handy when all of the sudden, something pops into your head one day! You can do it! Sometimes, just start out making up some simple songs with your kids, that can help get things working and building up more confidence as well…(if you haven't already!)
You made a really good point in this post….most people do stick to what they are good at…it's easier than trying and feeling frustrating doing something different that doesn't come as easy. Can't wait to see/hear what you come up with…I know it's coming! 🙂