I’m not much of a television watcher, but my son and I did get taken in by the swirling media vortex of The Voice last Spring. Somehow, we happened upon the season premiere and from then on we were loyally watching every Monday night. I adored the winner; my son was rooting for someone else. In the end we jokingly swore we were not going anywhere near the show in the future. Like moths to a flame, there we were again this past Monday night watching the premiere of the new season.

I find the banter between the coaches humorous and endearing, but in pondering why I am so drawn to the show, I deduced it to three wonderful elements.

First, the interaction between the hopeful stars and coaches is incredibly positive and encouraging, and a refreshing change from the mean-spiritedness of shows like American Idol. I don’t know about you, but I have grown weary of mean people and the tear-down culture we inhabit. I am still aghast that Robin Williams’ daughter had to leave Twitter because of folks who couldn’t control their behavior. With all the doom and gloom in the world, isn’t it time to put our attention toward repairing and restoring what we have left to work with on the planet? Bloody hell people, there are worthy causes out there that need all the help they can get.

Humanity is standing at a rather large crossroads, with our fragile existence hanging in the balance, and I’m certain that compassion and kindness will take us a lot further into any possibility of a future than cruelty.

Secondly, The Voice showcases amazing raw talent, as well as the devotion and hard work it takes to hone that into a livelihood. I have to be honest that I never really understood the level of work it takes to truly master a skill until I started writing a blog and book, simultaneously. It is easy to think that some people get all the breaks, or are just lucky, but in truth, becoming good at something takes hard work. Success is a day in, day out kind of thing and there really are no shortcuts (unless you’re one of those people that hails from the lucky sperm club and arrive here fully anointed with bells, tassels and talent in hand). I belong to the other club. The one that has to show up at the blank page every day and writes hundreds of words in the hope that someone, someday will read them. I have found it to be cathartic when you just keep showing up to do the work, no matter what.

Finally, and most importantly, it shows the power of taking risks and exposing our vulnerability. Perhaps I am especially attuned to this one because I actually did sing in front of a large audience last year. I still can’t believe I did it. While I would never equate my voice to anywhere near The Voice caliber, I can appreciate the guts it takes to go out on stage and sing your heart out. Of course, I get overly emotional for the folks who don’t get a chair to turn.

Standing on that stage after the last note played was one of the best moments of my life because, even though I was afraid, I did it anyway.

Do you have a favorite show that engenders hope and courage in you? Please share.

Sending love and encouragement for your journey.

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.