As my son, Lucas, stepped onto the stage, I held my breath, preparing for the worst. In that brief moment, I questioned whether I had made the right choice in supporting his desire to perform, but there was no turning back now.
At just 14 years old, Lucas battles anxiety. Yet here he was, ready to sing in front of a small, bustling crowd at a local college hangout. This is the same boy who seems wise beyond his years, exuding a confidence that belies his internal struggles.
Just two weeks prior, we were on vacation when he spotted a ukulele in a shop, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he begged me to buy it. I went through the usual “mom” checklist: Why did he want it? How much would it cost? Would he actually use it? Eventually, I couldn’t resist his enthusiasm. I had been waiting for Lucas to discover “his thing” — that passion that sparks joy in his life.
For the next twelve days, he practiced tirelessly in his room, learning from YouTube tutorials. Then came his big reveal: he wanted to perform at an open mic night and sing.
Lucas is a remarkable kid. He’s witty, imaginative, intelligent, and has a flair for the dramatic. He has a natural talent for music, but his singing abilities are still a work in progress. I worried about how the audience would perceive him.
As an adult, I know that there will always be critics. I understand the importance of not allowing negativity to overshadow joy. Yet, the truth is, no one wants to face judgment, and many people spend their lives trying to avoid it. Lucas often records videos he never shares, fearing they aren’t good enough. I keep reminding him that perfection isn’t necessary, but anxiety often clouds his judgment. I want him to pursue what he loves without concern for others’ opinions.
Despite my own insecurities — I wish I were one of those women who could confidently wear a bikini at the beach — I made a conscious choice not to control the situation. I simply said, “Go for it!” How could I encourage him to embrace vulnerability while setting limits? How could I tell him to follow his passion and then only support him if I thought he was good enough?
As his turn approached, I could see his nerves creeping back in. I resisted the urge to suggest he wait until he felt more prepared and instead encouraged him to employ the coping strategies he had learned. He was determined to go through with it.
Lucas walked up to the microphone and began with a light-hearted story that had the crowd chuckling. I started to relax a bit, but I was still bracing for the moment when he would sing. And then it happened — he absolutely nailed it! Not a single off-key note, and the chords were flawless. My son had shown his anxiety who was boss! The audience joined in, cheering and clapping.
That evening, I had anticipated teaching Lucas about dealing with critics. Instead, he taught me an invaluable lesson: when someone tells you “You can’t,” whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or even a parent, just ignore them. Trust yourself, follow your heart, and don’t let anxiety stand in your way.
If you’re interested in learning more about navigating life’s challenges, check out this insightful post from our other blog here. For those curious about pregnancy and home insemination methods, visit Make A Mom. Also, Resolve offers excellent resources for family planning options.
In summary, Lucas’s performance taught me that facing fears head-on can lead to unexpected triumphs, and that we must encourage our loved ones to pursue their passions despite anxiety.
Keyphrase: teen anxiety performance
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]