I want to share a personal truth with you today:
You don’t need to be a musician to write a song!
My journey with music has been a winding path filled with ups and downs, leading me to the profound realisation that everyone deserves to express themselves through their voice.
At the age of 10, I walked away from singing because I believed I had to be perfect. The fear of rejection loomed large, and I convinced myself that I would never achieve my dreams. I thought I would be stuck in a boring secretarial job for my entire life. Back then, women had very few career options: secretary, nurse, or teacher. This limited vision set off a chain of events that diverted my teenage years toward grungy, angry music and dabbling in drugs to numb my pain.
In my twenties, I found myself in a job that brought me no joy, and my unhealthy behaviours only perpetuated my struggles. I felt lost and disheartened, yearning for an outlet where I could feel joyful and connected. It wasn’t until a friend invited me to sing in a band that I began to rediscover my passion. The drummer’s sister, Karen, urgently needed a singer for her cabaret act after their original vocalist developed voice nodules. Faced with the challenge of learning five French songs in five weeks for Bastille Day in 1988, I was excited yet terrified.
I was a bundle of nerves, but I pushed through, driven by the chance to reconnect with my love for music. I had so much fun (and made quite a few mistakes, but the French didn’t care, they were busy celebrating 200 years of freedom) decided to join Karen’s dance class and took up jazz ballet at the age of 26. It was a thrilling new chapter for me. Alongside three incredible individuals—Karen, KJ, and Lui—we teamed up to create a cabaret act. Karen, a talented choreographer, gathered the best dancers from her school to join us. This experience was exhilarating and terrifying, blending the thrill of performance with the joy of collaboration.
Despite my ongoing voice issues, I continued singing professionally at weddings and in duos, but I always felt a nagging concern about whether my voice would hold up on the day. It wasn’t until the late 90s, after meeting Maggie Landman due to my son’s health challenges, that I discovered my limiting beliefs were causing my physical ailments. As I began to engage in healing work, I noticed a significant shift: my voice problems began to vanish, and I became more comfortable expressing my true feelings.
Then came the challenge of song writing. Writing a song is like standing naked in a field, completely exposed. It requires us to shed the fear of judgment from others. If we let those judgments affect us, we end up judging ourselves, which stifles our creativity and expression. This realization was pivotal for me; I learned that vulnerability is a powerful tool for artistic expression.
Songwriting has been a transformative process in my life.
Over the years, I’ve explored many genres and styles, performing cover gigs for over a decade. This experience served as my apprenticeship, teaching me the structure of songs and what makes them resonate—whether they’re mantras, folk songs, ballads, or rock anthems.
When I wrote my first song, I didn’t play any instruments; I simply poured my heart onto the page. That authenticity made it real and powerful.
Song writing is about telling your story, and it doesn’t require formal training—just your genuine voice.
It’s a way to process your experiences, channel your emotions, and you unknowingly create something that always seems to resonate with others.
Writing personal songs has allowed me to take my experiences and transform them into art. The core of any song is always the same: your truth, your voice, and your story. I’ve discovered that the more personal my songs are, the more they resonate universally. When you share your authentic self, you invite others to connect with their own experiences and emotions.
Many people fear that their stories aren’t worth telling or that they lack the skills to express themselves musically. But I assure you, the essence of song-writing lies in honesty. It’s about embracing your experiences and allowing them to guide your creativity. You don’t need to be a trained musician to create music that touches hearts.
I also want to emphasise the importance of community in this journey.
Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals can make all the difference. When I began singing with others, I felt a sense of belonging that encouraged me to push past my fears. Sharing music fosters connection and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.
And for the first time in my life I began to let go of needing to be perfect. I didn’t expect anyone in my community choirs to be perfect so that meant I didn’t need to be either!
If you’ve ever felt the urge to express yourself through music, now is the perfect time to start writing. Songwriting can be a powerful way to channel your emotions and share your story. You don’t need to be a musician; you just need to be yourself! Embrace the creative process and allow your unique voice to emerge.
As you begin this journey, consider seeking support through the Healing Hub or any songwriting course that resonates with you. Surrounding yourself with encouraging individuals can help you feel heard and acknowledged as you take steps toward sharing your expression.
Remember, your voice is fundamental to thriving health and a fulfilling life.
When we silence ourselves, we deny our true essence. It’s time to reclaim your voice and let it shine. Writing can be a transformative tool for healing and self-discovery.
As you embark on this journey, know that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Your stories matter, and your voice deserves to be heard. Let go of the fear of judgment and embrace the freedom that comes with expressing your authentic self.
So, if you’re ready to take the leap, start exploring your creativity. Celebrate the unique voice that is you, and know that every song begins with a single note. Your journey is waiting—let it unfold!
With encouragement and warmth,
Written by: Julia WIlliamson
Creator & Founder: Sing to Thrive
www.singtothrive.com/hub
