Chapter 1: The Fearless Child

There’s something inherently magical about recapturing the joy we felt as children, before the harsh realities of life dulled our spirits.

By Ari Welkom

In my youth, particularly in the years before my teenage transformation, I was unafraid of the stage. Whether it was singing a song, acting in a play, or dancing, I embraced every opportunity to express myself. This passion shone brightly during my grade school talent show when I belted out "Tutti Frutti" or when I showcased my rendition of Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" during a first-grade performance. Icons like Little Richard and Michael Jackson inspired me deeply, as their unabashed creative freedom resonated with my inner desires.

The thrill of witnessing Bruce Springsteen perform during his Born In the USA tour remains vivid in my memory. His uninhibited energy and connection with the audience were electrifying, filling the stadium with a collective spirit as fans sang along. These artists became my role models, demonstrating a blend of youthful exuberance and the mastery that comes with years of dedication.

However, as I transitioned into my teenage years, my confidence began to wane. Like many, I became overly self-conscious, preoccupied with others' perceptions of me. This shift was a natural part of growing up, intended to protect me from risks. Nevertheless, it was compounded by unkind remarks from those I respected, such as a family member who, after hearing me sing, told me not to "quit my day job." This comment, though just one of many, left a lasting impression, overshadowing countless praises I received throughout the years.

Such negativity chipped away at my self-esteem, leading me to retreat from opportunities to perform. Instead of embracing the spotlight, I began to avoid it altogether—until I graduated from college.

At my lowest point, which I’ve discussed in a previous article, I realized I had lost touch with the passions that once ignited my spirit. One of those passions was performing. So, I picked up my guitar and started writing songs. Initially, I kept my creations to myself, too afraid to share them. Yet, one night, I played one of my songs for my best friend, who provided a safe space. I was terrified, my body numb with anxiety.

"Not bad," he offered, being far too generous. It was rough, and later, he would candidly tell me how painful my singing was. Yet, he also noted that there was something special about my desire to connect through storytelling.

Months later, that same longing propelled me onto the stage for my first open mic night, where I faced intense fear but pushed through. This desire guided me through nearly a decade of performing with a band, sharing the stage with major acts like the Black Keys, Phish, and Muse.

Today, that same passion continues to draw me to perform, as I sing my songs and connect with audiences of friends, fans, and family. Rediscovering the joy we felt as children can illuminate our true purpose.

As I often do in my writings, I’d like to share one of my songs, "Bad Things With You." It explores the theme of letting go of inhibitions and envisioning the person you would be if no one was watching. Imagine: "What if I could be that person on stage before a thousand people?"

What if...

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