"Why not" by Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

In each of our lives, difficulty finds its unique way to make itself known. It comes in many different forms and knows no discrimination. It thrives on the seen and unseen moments of our lives and challenges the unrelenting spirit that dwells within us. It makes us question our resiliency and whether the strength in which we believe holds us together can actually endure the obstacles that reside within the past, present and unknown challenges of the future. It can harden our hearts to the excitement and beauty of this winding road of life.

But it’s in that difficulty we learn to adapt - to survive. It is in how we survive we find meaning and purpose. We learn to either protect ourselves from that place in which we feel most vulnerable - choosing to exist in a place of false assurances where we exist holding our breath, clenching our eyes tightly shut, gripping the steering wheel, and bracing for a road we cannot see and that we inevitably fear. We do whatever we can to avoid that place of emotional vulnerability within ourselves. That place where fierce honesty and boastful raw uncontrolled emotions collide. But, no matter how tightly we hold onto each breath, keep our voices tightly wound within ourselves, or blind our senses to the passing moments, an untrusting apprehension is always present within every step we take and every breath that gives us life. There is no singing at the top of our lungs. There is no dancing until our feet no longer touch the ground.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. We can choose to breathe bravely in the moments we are given - realizing that it is in the fear itself that we in fact learn just how much we are able to endure. It inspires us to either hide away from ourselves and the world, or cling to this adventure we are given - embracing the beauty that makes it our very own. It’s in that very place we learn not only to survive, but what it exactly means to live. We embrace the road ahead. After all, all that paralyzes and dares to keep us from living will simply happen, or it won’t. So, why not choose to sing along the way?

The most beautiful thing about this journey, however? Is that we have each other, this unprecedented beautiful community that includes YOU, to go through it together every breath of the way.

Please join us on Wednesday, May 31st at 8pm ET for the premiere of the sINgSPIRE Virtual Choir’s latest project, “It’ll Happen or it Won’t”. The debut will take place on Breathe Bravely’s Facebook page or youtube channel. This piece was specially written for the choir by brilliant composer, Jennifer Lucy Cook. It has been so special to bring to life and we cannot wait to share it with you.