The Universal Language

Do you know that nagging feeling deep in your gut? That feeling when you’re going on a trip and it gnaws at you like you’re forgetting something, like something is missing? Yet for the life of you, you can’t figure out what it is. You feel like there is a cavernous void deep inside of you. I used to feel this way continuously. Always searching for something to complete me. Always searching. Yearning for a purpose in life, my passion. One day, on accident, I clicked on the wrong song online. Yet, due to this seemingly insignificant mistake, everything changed in a split second. It might have been a fortunate stroke of serendipity, or maybe it was fate.

This night was a night that I had dreamed of for years. I was going to meet my idol, a singer whose music always had my back, even on the grimmest of days. Waiting in line to meet her, at the Air Canada Centre, was the most nerve wracking experience of my life. This was it. Days upon days of daydreaming had become reality. I had rehearsed what I had wanted to say too many times to count. Yet now when it counted the most, after first laying my eyes on her, I was already at a loss for words. I felt like I was in a daze, entirely dumbfounded. Holding my breath, I stared in awe, my heart racing a mile a minute. The happiness, the actual euphoria was overwhelming. I felt like a shaken-up pop bottle, bubbling with joy, ready to explode at any second. It felt like time had stopped when I looked into her eyes. I knew at this moment that I wanted to be this significant and mean the world to someone, like she did to me. I wanted to make people’s dreams come true just by meeting them.

Ever since I can remember, I have always dreamt of becoming a singer, but she made me realize the true power of music. Being an artist is not just about the fun or the money. They play an irreplaceable role in our world; they have a responsibility. Their music can mold us into the society we are. I want to be an artist with all of my heart. I want to be able to make people feel the way she made me feel just by seeing her. I want to create my own music. I want to become an escape for others, helping their problems fade away even if just for a few minutes. After all that music has done for me, I want to repay the favour and do the same for others. Whether happy or sad, it can connect to us all. Music is truly the universal language.

I had gotten seating on the stage itself. Right in the heart of the action. You could tell that the stage was her home, her heart lying with her fans. She was performing a sad song; I watched her pour her emotions out, her soul seeping through every word. Tears were streaming down my face thinking of how she and some of the people I know related to these lyrics, things I would never wish upon anyone. She put down her microphone, having the huge crowd swiftly take over, the swaying of the audience’s arms resembling waves; the sea of people screaming out the words she had written. Thousands of individuals, all united, merging into one voice, through the power of just one person’s music. I wanted to become that one person. I let the music engulf and take over me. Closing my eyes, I felt like I was being transported to another world, the audience’s chorus echoing around me. This was it. This was the true meaning of being an artist.

Music is the most important thing in my life. It has become a part of me, it has helped me grow and without it, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. It gives us all a voice. It can communicate for others what they can’t themselves. It can make you live life vicariously. It makes us connect. You know that someone is having a bad day when they don’t sing along to their favourite song. I want my music to lighten the mood, and already from the first word, fill a room with energy. I want my music to also be able to help others release their emotions, take a spiritual weight off of their shoulders. Music sets us free.

My dream is to make a difference, no matter how small. Just one smile is worth a thousand words.

My idol has helped me step out of my comfort zone, and take action for my dreams. I can daydream all day, but it isn’t enough unless I put in some effort. Don’t let your dreams stay dreams.

I am actively chasing after my goals; I’ve started performing and auditioning. The rush of stepping out on stage is unparalleled. The lights so bright that they blind you, the audience screaming so loud, loud enough to drown out your thoughts. Yet when I lift that microphone up to my mouth, the world disappears. Don’t dream your life, live your dream.

People tell me that this love for an artist is just a teenage phase. Maybe so, but it has opened my eyes and thrown me into a whole new world, helping me develop, motivating me to take action.

People tell me to choose a realistic career. Why should I care what they think? Anything is realistic if I put my all into it. Once you find your passion, and follow your dream there is only one thing left to do:

Never let go.