I just finished watching the ABC Evening News with Charles Gibson (he will always be Charlie to me).....and the final segment was on the rise and unprecedented success of Susan Broyle. She has set the music world on end as her debut CD was released at the number one spot. In one week this single CD has sold over 700,000 copies - and, as the news related that information, that is the single most copies sold for any female singer including Madonna and Beyonce. Apparently the music industry is somewhat stunned by this and not sure what to make of it. I have my own take. I think Susan Broyle represents to all of us "on the other side of the hill" that you can never be too old to follow your dream. I think she gives all of us over 40-somethings hope that there is still a lot of life yet to live. In an industry where youth is king, barbie figures rule, and flawless skin is the norm, this plain Jane (or simple Susan) has defied the standard and succeeded. To bring this around to "bookish" terms --- she has proven to the world that you truly cannot judge a book by its cover. She exuded confidence on the stage when everyone around her doubted. Her implied message is "If I can do this, anyone can" and the thing is.....we believe her! She has shown us that perseverance, and the willingness to put ourselves on the line, can indeed result in success; that all of us can achieve happiness doing what we enjoy.
Now I am not naive enough to think that we will all achieve HER level of success, but then again I am not sure that many of us desire that kind of fame. I do think, however, that she has rekindled in me a desire to no longer give myself excuses that I am too old to try something new, but rather I now have a renewed passion to make the most of the life I have left on this earth. Am I truly living or just existing? Lately, I am not sure which side of the fence I have been sitting, but I think I am ready to stand up and start living.
I am not sure what I want to set my sights on --- something that requires a bit of creative energy and a mental challenge, I suppose. Perhaps this season of Hope in Christ is the perfect time to begin a personal reflection on what dreams He has for my life.
If I ever find those negative censors in my brain telling me that what I am doing is ridiculous, I plan to watch and re-watch her audition video. It is amazing, inspiring, and brings me to tears each and every time. Just in case you have missed it --- or you wish to review the video one more time to rekindle a feeling in hope yourself --- here is her audition tape that took the world by storm (sorry, the embedding feature is disabled for this video).
Thanks for sharing Broyle's link. Her singing is AMAZING! Now I want her CD. What a gorgeous voice.
ReplyDeleteI remember Caite showing that audition video when it first happened, then I sent it to a bunch of people. Everything assumed she was one of those freaky jokes until she opened her mouth. Amazing video. (BTW, he is Charlie to me too!)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Molly! I remember my amazement the first time I saw that video. And Charles Gibson will always be Charlie to me, too!
ReplyDeleteI don't even think you have to be the "other side of the hill" to appreciate it, just the "other side of you dreams." Thanks for this post. I'm glad to have found someone so devoted to her children, others' children and books!
ReplyDeleteMichele
SouthernCityMysteries
I think you're absolutely right, Molly. Great post! She is an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLezlie
Great post! I'm sure I'm older than you, but I've never felt too old to do anything! Age is in your head.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Molly, and so true! I remember watching her first performance with my jaw on the floor--and the inner cynic saying "it's dubbed, it has to be." Of course it wasn't and she is an inspiration. Go and live your dream! And thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed an inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Beth Fish Reads - age is just a number. We are such a youth-oriented culture that it's crazy to think that someone over 40 is too old. Especially when many people now live into their 80s, 90s, and 100s and live fulfilling lives as well. Some of us (me) have retired from full-time work and are now experiencing enormous joy doing all sorts of things we love. That's my opinion of why Broyle is so successful.
ReplyDeleteI think you summed this one up perfectly. And helped me answer a question. I was asked yesterday to write articles for an online magazine. I've always wanted to be a writer but had kind of chickened out on ever pursuing it. Now I'm headed to my email to say, "Yes, I'd love to start writing for you."
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! And really, Susan is a prefect example of how we should never judge a book by its cover. I was stunned when I first heard her sing and just like you, I continue to be inspired by her story and I truly cheer for her.
ReplyDeleteWell said!!! Go Susan Go!
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