The Smile That Gave Me Hope

--by chzmzati, posted Mar 18, 2009

While I was still in college, I used to sing at a student organization at my University in Malawi. I have a passion for singing and composing songs.

One time, there was an upcoming annual musical gathering where I was selected to sing a solo piece. Although singing was truly my passion, the anxiety and tension that often accompanied preparing for these events were not! I was so nervous about this looming perfomance because I knew there was going to be a lot of people attending and I did not want to make any mistakes. During our practices, I would get occasional heart palpitations, sweaty palms, would feel fearful right before it was my turn to rehearse my solo and would scan the room to make sure nobody was staring at me.

As this agony persisted in my practices, during our final dress rehearsal, the keyboard player looked at me and smiled and then calmly sent me these few words along with the grin: "Don't worry, its going to be just fine." I dont know if he knew that I was so scared but his smile was incredibly transformative. He had more faith in me than I had in myself.

When the day of the concert finally arrived, I kept replaying the smile and the kind words he told me as I sang my song. This reassuring thought enabled me to completey forget about the fears I had before coming on stage.

Just one smile can save someone's day!

1871 Reads

Posted by chzmzati
Mar 18, 2009
Comments (7)

Readers Comments

Patrice wrote: As a member of our church choir (and sometimes soloist), i can truly say that there is nothing like receiving a reassuring smile from the pianist and/or director. God is smiling also! I am sure of that! This is a great story.

smiletoday wrote: . A smile is all it take! :)
Great story!

whatthe wrote: How lovely! Smiles are free yet they can do so much! How good is that? :)

AURELIA wrote: :0) I so happy that you have a passion for music like you do!! You are making so many others SMILE with your lovely voice. Thank YOU and may you always start off your performances with the same smile you'll end it with. :0) ~Aurelia

makesomeonesmile wrote: A smile and positive comment can get us through the toughest of days!

wotserface wrote: A smile is certainly the only infectious thing that is worth passing on. Such a small thing but yet always manages to have a big impact. How wonderful it had such a positive effect on you, that you could enjoy your performance x

lmil1954 wrote: Yes indeed..the smile...universal language! And you are right-it means so much! Love, Linda:)

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