Comfort zone and disappointment

Sarah auditioned for the school musical, High School Musical Jr. this week.  She is an AWESOME dancer and a good singer.  Unfortunately, she was not chosen to be a part of the cast.

When Sarah found out that she had to sing as part of her audition she cried that she just wouldn't do it!  I so understood how she felt.  I would NEVER sing in front of anyone.  However, as a Mom I knew that I had to push her to move out of her comfort zone.

Sarah is not a bad singer.  She  can carry a tune and it doesn't hurt to listen to her (like me).  So, we had lots of discussions about not letting allowing our fears dictate what we would do.

We went shopping for an outfit to wear at the audition, downloaded a song that was PERFECT for her range and Sarah took the plunge!  For the dance audition she received a call-back.  Not so surprising as she is an AWESOME dancer.

For the vocal audition Sarah said she was so nervous that she shook, from her toes to the top of her head.  Originally we were told that it would be a private audition in front of the judges only.  But, because of the number of kids trying out, they put the kids in groups of ten.

Sarah not only got up in front of the judges to sing but in front of her peers!  How's that for stepping out of your comfort zone???

Unfortunately Sarah was not chosen to be a cast member.  She was so disappointed.  I was so sad for her.  I did my best to comfort her.  I hugged her, I said all the right things (I hope) and I told her how proud I was of her that she conquered her fear!

I cannot tell you how hard it was to watch my sweet daughter go through this disappointment.  However, I hope that the comfort I gave her, as well as our discussions, have helped build a foundation for her to draw from.    Life is full of disappointments and I want to give Sarah the necessary skills to deal with whatever comes her way.

The best part?  Sarah is being honest with her friends in her disappointment and is anxious to apply for a tech position so she can still be a part of the musical.

God may have waited to answer my prayers for a child but when he did he sent me the best!  I love you Sarah and I am so proud to be your Mom!