I read a saying called "Obstacles are the cost of greatness" by Robin Sharma. I thought about this as I thought about my life, which by no means have I reached "Greatness," but like everyone else, I strive for it often.
This brings me to current events, I am releasing a new single this month on April 10th, a Grammy award-winning song was written by Julie Gold. It was recorded by powerhouses, such as Bette Midler and Nancy Griffith, called "From a Distance."
I was very hesitant when the producer (guitarist, dobroist), Mike Pokalsky, invited me to sing the lead on his latest collaborative recording of "From a Distance." The song is a classic and a challenge to pull off live as well as in the studio. To top it off, how would I reach greatness with a tune that has already been iconically performed by an iconic vocalist?
Mike convinced me that this arrangement would be acoustically treated and that many other artists would be joining in the event, such as Claire Lynch, Irene Kelley, Jim Hurst, Becky Buller, Frank Sullivan, Mike Munford, and more! I decided that I could not miss the opportunity to do this song even with the obstacles that I saw in front of me.
iPhone in hand, I downloaded as many versions as I could find, learned the song, fought with the range issues. I just was not nailing it! I sent my recordings to Claire and Irene, I was ready to wave the white flag and surrender the lead to Claire or Irene for the better good of the record. The obstacles seemed too high for greatness.
Claire Lynch nor Irene Kelley gave up on me. They cheered me on, sent me helpful notes, and constructive feedback. I kept trying and fighting when finally I got it!
Was its greatness? I don't know, it was great for my abilities! I achieved a song that I never thought I would ever perform or record.
On a side thought, I think through this obstacle of COVID-19, we are going to reach greatness. We are going to find our better selves by finding our not so better people. We are going to learn to love stronger, live healthier, think differently about the world, and be more mindful.
As in the song "From a Distance." God is watching and guiding us as we fight through this current massive obstacle, COVID-19, to find greatness within ourselves.
Stay safe, in good spirits, and healthy, my friends!