“It’s your turn”, says the stage manager.

I am x years old and this is my first time performing. I walk up slowly and carefully. Uncertain feelings creep in. Thoughts of failure, shame or making a fool of me go through my mind.

I am finally in the middle of the stage as the presenter tells everyone who I am. What am I doing here? A round of applause start and I wonder are they applauding me? But I haven’t even sung yet.

I breathe deeply and take the view in: the large auditorium is filled with friends, family and people I don’t know smiling, the bright lights that highlight me, the large speakers. It suddenly hits me. All is exactly how it’s supposed to be.

This is where I should be, This is what I should do. Fear disappears and the music starts. Right on time.

I sing and give the best of me. The song is special and everything comes naturally. As I finish, I let a big smile express all my feelings. The crowd applauds and I bow humbled.

This is what I’ve worked for all these years. This is exactly where I belong and all my fear goes away.