Sing While There is Voice Left

Sing While There is Voice Left
by Trudy Boyle

I read a book, as a young 20 year old living in Montreal, called Sing While There is Voice Left. It was written by a theologian and I remember nothing specific about it, other than the title.  The title, however, has stuck with me my entire life.

I hear sing as a synonym for those things I consider important to do. Like writing my blog, as an example, or facilitating workshops; taking photos; spending time with my Grandchildren; saying thanks; walking, talking and cycling with my family and friends; having a nap in a hammock (when was the last time??) and always remembering when I say good bye to anyone that these may be my last words.

Sing while there’s voice left reminded me to take that cycling trip with my kids; ride in a hot air balloon with my Mother when she was 91 and I was 65 and move to Ottawa to help care for my youngest grandchildren. Now, almost ten years later, I have also immersed myself in the work of ToDo Institute, Wellspring Calgary and my interior life, while I have the chance.

As a maxim it is embedded in my operating system, and of particular help when difficulties assail me and my world gets turned upside down. In those times, with effort, I turn my attention to also include small joys where light filters in. I notice small ways, where I can contribute. And I take small steps towards changing what can be changed and doing what I can do.

We all have things, unique to each of us, that we want to do and consider important to do. In fact, I think we all have things that only we (as in each of us) can do. This very moment is the time to begin. Conditions will never be perfect so we may as well take advantage of imperfect conditions to get started, while we can. What do we have to lose?

I wonder what “Sing While there is Voice Left” might mean to you? 

Warmest greetings and enjoy these beautiful September days, Trudy