“Clap along if you know what happiness is to you.” – Pharrell Williams, Happy
I was speaking with a dear friend recently and she asked me a great question. We were discussing my recent trip to New York, during which I recorded the vocals for 10 songs in two days. We were also discussing my long-term plans as an educator, including my interest in special education law. I was telling my friend about the possibility of becoming a lawyer, as well as the possibility of touring with the band Coconut Donut. It was then that she asked me, “What makes your heart sing?” I had to pause, even though the first thing I heard in my mind was, “Music!” I started to give a well thought out answer about being a lawyer and also doing music on the side. Then she asked me again, “What makes your heart sing?” I finally admitted that music makes my heart sing. At that moment, it was like a light bulb went on inside me and my enthusiasm and clarity returned. I left our discussion feeling revitalized.
We all have something that, despite any logic, makes our heart sing. Too often, we overlook these important activities and pursuits in favor of what seems to make sense. The only problem is that we cannot fake the genuine enthusiasm and interest that rushes forward when we do what we love to do. This is never more evident than with children. When they are allowed to throw themselves into the things that they naturally love, amazing things hap- pen. Encouraging my students to find, value, and pursue the things that make their heart sing is the cornerstone of my practice as an educator. Miracles start happening when we engage in the things that we love to do.
Often times, especially with older students who are having major challenges with getting through school, there is a dis- connect between the student and the things that they naturally love to do. Whether it is music, video games, baseball, or surfing, these students have lost touch with their passion. I worked with one student who makes music and is an amazing illustrator. He was the type of student that could get lost in a drawing or a song for hours if allowed to do so. The problem was that he had placed no value on those activities. For a student like him, this was the kiss of death. So much of him was connected with art and music that ignoring those pursuits was akin to unplugging a blender and wondering why it won’t make a smoothie.
The beautiful thing about life is that it leans toward health and well-being. When things seem to be stuck, it is often because of our own misunderstandings about who we are and what is best for us. Life does not support us simply because we decide to go in a particular direction. Life supports us most effectively when we decide to go in the direction of the things that make our heart sing. For me, music is essential to my being. Although I lack a degree in music, or the extensive training that I think I should have, when I sit down to write a song it happens easily. The same is true for recording and performing music. I love the feeling of the lyrics and melodies pouring from my heart. Music is my gift to myself. Writing and performing songs makes my heart sing.
So what is it that makes your heart sing? If you listen you will hear the answer come up from inside of you. Regardless of how illogical it may seem, there is something that you love to do. Many of us gave up on that thing years ago because of all the limits and conditions placed on creativity by the world around us and by our own judgments. The biggest indicator that you are on the right track is the way you feel. You know you are doing the thing that makes your heart sing because the world suddenly makes sense, things that once bothered you become inconsequential, and doors start to open that you did not even know existed. So take some time to reflect on what turns you on and then go for it. You will be glad that you did.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclu- sion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, live each week at 3 p.m. on www.UnityOnlineRadio.org. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.