Karaoke therapy:

Just thought I'd start a discussion that actually means a lot to me. I think one of the most amazing things that I did when I left my good but controlling husband was to get up and sing at karaoke. The next best thing was to get my learner driver license at age 39 and a bit. But singing at karaoke was one of the little risks I took in my new life.

I remember when I was with my husband how he told me not to get up and sing at one of his work christmas parties, because it would embarrass him. So much of my real nature was repressed during this relationship. I sooo wanted to get up and have a sing. I have a good voice.

Back then when I did first start to sing, I had a soft sweet voice. I could keep a tune, but I sang softly and looked above every ones heads while I sang. My sister said to me one day, "You know Jackie, we have good back up singers voices. We could never sing out front." I was crushed by this. My big dream was to be able to belt out a song and be entertaining. So, the next time I went to karaoke, I belted it out. Everyone thought I was great.

As time went on I started to play act while I sang, smacking my butt when I sang "Hurts so Good". I sang "Two outta Three Aint Bad" by meatloaf, and I begged when I sang the words 'Well I pleaded I begged him not to walk out that door'. The crowd loved it.

I had a favorite band in town. I decided to book them for my 40th birthday. I told them I wanted to sing in front of the band. They said, "Your the one paying girl. You go for it." Wow what a night. By the end I had ripped stockings and looked like something out of Rolling Stones magazine on a bad night. But I did it.

I went on when I worked in mental health, to use karaoke as a form of developing self esteem in clients. It was a total success. I remember one little girl...no music, with her back turned to the people, her whole body trembling, belting out "Oh lord wont you buy me a mercedes benz." I absolutely cried, because I knew what this meant for this young fragile girl. She went on to sing front for a band I got started with the clients I worked with. I got a musician to come in and get them working together. They now play at public events. I love that type of thing. If your feeling like you need to find something a bit different...try karaoke therapy. It's the best...Jackie