Ep. 77: Two Words That Changed My Singing (and Can Change Yours)

Have you ever walked into an audition, competition, or performance and thought, “Am I good enough?” I’ve been there—more times than I can count. But two simple words changed the way I sing and the way I show up in every performance space: I Belong.

I believe your voice deserves to be heard, and you deserve a performance career where you don’t have to sacrifice who you are to fit the industry’s mold. Today, I’m sharing three personal stories that reveal how shifting your mindset can unlock confidence and freedom as a singer.

Why “Am I Good Enough?” Is the Wrong Question

When we ask “Am I good enough?” we’re measuring against something vague and impossible to define. Are we talking about vocal skill? Booking a show? Impressing an audience? “Good” isn’t a metric—it’s a trap. Instead, specificity and self-awareness open the door to growth.

Julia Cameron calls it synchronicity in The Artist’s Way—those moments when seemingly random opportunities align. I’ve been seeing synchronicity everywhere lately, and it reminded me that showing up starts with believing we belong.

Owning My Space at a Showcase

Back in January, I submitted to WHRO’s Play Your Heart Out, an emerging artist showcase. Months passed without a word. Then, two weeks before the August performance, I got the email: I’d been selected!

Cue the butterflies. When I met the other performers on Zoom, I realized I was at least twenty years older than most of them. But at dinner, as I'm spilling about the meeting to the fam, my husband reminded me: “Mel, you belong.”

I've said this SO many times to other friends, students, clients, but in that moment - it's exactly the reminder I needed, falling on me in a fresh way. That mantra carried me through soundcheck, through the nerves, through standing on stage beside artists I admired. Because I showed up like I belonged, I sang with confidence and joy, AND walked away with four new gigs! Watch the recap HERE.

Belonging Captured on Camera

Not long after, I joined a local photographer’s creative experiment. She asked me to channel "confidence" for her lens. SO my jam - but I myself tried an experiment. I kept repeating, "I am powerful. I am beautiful, and I belong" over and over to myself in my head.

Photo by Inversion Image

She caught the exact moment in my eyes when what I was thinking could be seen on the outside. The photos glowed with presence and power—not because I faked confidence, but because I stepped into it. Sometimes, we have to be the voice that tells ourselves, “You belong here.”

Take a moment to ask yourself: whose voice do you hear when you feel empowered? And whose voice speaks up when doubt creeps in? Identifying these voices gives you power over them.

Audition Day Courage

This summer, I attended an open-call audition—the first of its kind I’d done in decades. I had an awareness of who was around me and being, even being able to help people who needed help filling out forms I was settled. And then when it was my time, Because "I belong" energy can be felt - especially when you understand that everyone there ALSO belongs. There's space in that moment for aIl of us to show the casting directors who we are and what we have to offer. I wasn't void of any activation - I was still nervous, but I was prepared and knew EXACTLY what I wanted to offer the room with my songs & monologue.

I was able to release that audition, treat myself to a yummy lunch - and then - get a callback!

Belonging Isn’t Passive—It’s Action

Believing you belong doesn’t replace the hours of practice or the craft you’ve built. It anchors them. Action breeds confidence:

• Film yourself singing and watch it back.

• Put your name on the open mic list.

• Submit for the audition or showcase you’ve been hesitating on.
  

Your voice, your story, your artistry—no one else has them. The stage is big enough for you. If you’re wrestling with doubt today, let I belong be your anchor. Whether you’re stepping onto a stage for the first time or returning after years away, those two words can change everything.

If this resonates with you, send me a message and let me know how you’re stepping into your space. And if you want support and community as you grow, check out the Passionate Performer Program HERE—you can try it free for seven days and start building the confidence and tools you need to thrive.

Break a leg, my friend. You’ve got this.