It was a hard choice for me to make, but I had to let go of some good friends if I wanted to pursue my passion as a full-time performer. Good people are hard to find, so a couple of them were truly hard to leave behind. But there's no way I would ever choose them over my passion, no matter how much it tore my heart apart. What was wrong with them, you may ask.
They had very bad habits that caused me to delete them out of my life or distance myself from them. The worst ones were the smokers. Smoking is horrible for the vocals and lungs. Period. I know many of us know vocalists who smoke and sing wonderfully. Bryan Adams is one of my favorites that come to mind. And the legendary Steven Tyler from Aerosmith did more than smoke, and his voice is amazing. And let's not forget the great Alexander Gradsky. He loved to smoke cigars, even during the time he was coaching me. And he still has powerful vocals.
Each person's vocal cords and respiratory system are unique. Some individuals may have more resilient vocal cords, while others might be more sensitive to irritants like smoke. I am the latter. I wouldn't dare ask anyone to change their life habits on my behalf. But I had to let them know why I couldn't be around them as much. So I began distancing myself because I couldn't be around them when they smoke. Eventually, the friendship began to fade. It makes me sad.
Other friends I still hang around with occasionally because they don't smoke. However, they love to drink. Socializing with friends while enjoying a drink or two as we gossip is my weakness!! OMGoddess, I love it. But I have to limit my drinking for the sake of my skin, vocals, and waistline.
This is why it's lonely at the top, my fellow Foxies. We can't take everyone with us, no matter how much we want to do it. And as Vocalists, we MUST prioritize our instrument. I know it hurts. I am hurting right there with you. Let's send each other virtual hugs, knowing we are staying true to ourselves. Stay Foxy!
Your Teacher, Student, and Friend,
Moxie
Comentários