“I can’t sing.”

It’s a common refrain, sung over and over again. Many people were told early on that they couldn’t sing. Singing is a very delicate process; it doesn’t take much to scare someone into permanent submission. One naysayer who cupped their ears in front of you and suddenly you “can’t sing” for life.

But singing is highly expressive and therapeutic. And believe it or not, most people can sing! It’s a shame most of us convince ourselves otherwise. And so what if you can’t sing? Should that stop you from singing? Heck, no.

Singing reduces stress and increases healthy breathing and emotional expression. Singing taps into a deep, age-old power available to all of us. When we find our voice, we find ourselves. Don’t fear your singing, embrace it. It only improves with practice, so trying singing a bit everyday. If you sing in the morning, you’ll notice it naturally wakes you up. Plus your speaking voice will sound cleaner and more grounded.

Today, sing like you mean it. Sing in front of others and throw caution to the wind! Or, if you’re too shy, sing in your car or shower. Sing loudly, passionately. Sing from your heart. You’ll feel more “in tune” afterward.

by Beth Mann