Susan Boyle had learning difficulties in school and was bullied. She said her classmates’ taunts left behind the kind of scars that don’t often heal. Can you imagine how the initial negative reactions from the talent show audience felt to her? It seems as if, according to society, you should have the physical ability to seduce if you’re going to be a torch singer. But when she sang about wasted youth and lost dreams, the crowd went wild. Don’t we all love a surprise?
She’s the classic underdog – shy, portly, middle-aged, nonthreatening and largely misunderstood. It happens to lots of people all the time. She didn’t have boyfriends, is a stranger to romance and has ‘never been kissed.’ Singing was her salvation. On stage, courage could easily have failed her. Yet, in pursuing her long-held dreams, she managed to triumph over many disadvantages.
Susan Boyle is a reminder that it’s time we all look a little deeper. She was a caring daughter and devoted companion, and has lived an important life. If you’re a Baby Boomer, you’re probably doing that too in some ways. So don’t think of yourself as just one more person with no discernible talent. When life provides a stage, sing your heart out. You deserve the applause.
Click on this title to read one woman’s story about Self Discovery at 52. That’ll take you to www.HerMentorCenter.com and a past issue of ‘Stepping Stones’. And while you’re there, why not sign up for our monthly newsletter.
