Every so often, I get asked, ‘How can you sing with your lungs?’ I never know how to answer other than to say I work quite hard at it.
However, I’m pretty sure I would have given it up by now had it not been for my very good friend and singing teacher, Ashley Ballou-Bonnema. Working with her has taught me that there is always a way to work around my limitations. Sometimes it means being a little more mindful or adjusting my technique, other times it involves breathing more frequently and simply being more accepting of my lungs. She has provided me with so many tools to work with, especially valuable on days when it feels like my breath is disappearing into a sinkhole.
I’m ever so grateful for the opportunity to work with her, because without singing, it would truly feel like I’m drowning. I can also say, without a doubt, that without her encouragement, I would never have considered doing something as crazy and intimidating as recording myself singing a capella.