Do We Really Know What the World Wants or Needs?

We have a tendency to think that what we’re working on and want to manifest is the only thing the world wants or needs.  It has to be because we’re inclined to want to do it.  Right?  But what about the things we don’t give a lot of credence to?  Does that mean the world can’t use them?

I remember one Sunday in New York City when I went to sing at an open mic.  I had attended this particular open mic many times so I knew the singers well.  However, Joe, who showed up occasionally, also came that Sunday.  Before the open mic started, we usually sat around chatting and sometimes talked about what we had prepared to sing.  I asked Joe what he was going to sing and he said, “When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbing Along.”  I was kind of surprised because this was a jazz and show tunes group.  I nodded and thought to myself, ‘this guy has got to get a new song book and bring himself up-to-date.’

Well, it comes time for Joe to sing and he’s not past the first verse when almost the entire room was singing along with him including ‘moi.’  Joe sits down and I said enthusiastically, “that was great.”  He asked, “you liked it?”  I said, “I did and I’m going to make note of this for future reference.”  Joe was shy but he seemed pleased with the reception he had received and I left, later, wondering what had happened and realizing I had learned something.  I had been concerned that Joe was going to come away feeling embarrassed by the song he had selected when, in reality, everyone loved the song he picked.  They liked it so much they wanted to be part of his performance.  And it worked wonderfully for Joe who probably never suspected the impact his selection would have on a room full of people.

When we think the world wants or needs something specific, we might want to give it what we have in mind, not realizing that the world could be seeking something else.  So, can we lighten up enough to let it all go and see where the chips fall?  Are we able to risk the chance to offer something we’re not sure will be accepted the way we would like it to be?  The issue, in this case, wasn’t the song Joe selected.  The issue was with me, the snob.  Joe didn’t hold back because the other singers would be performing newer or more popular songs.  His ‘knowing’ this was his right choice was all that was necessary. And it was what that room (world) of singers needed because people who perform at open mics have a tendency to be apprehensive about their performances.  Joe lightened up our world that day which was exactly what we needed.

 🎶Marian