So, in this episode, our host Amanda uses this “opera”tunity to sit down with the power-house Katherine Merryman. They chat about the importance of those chill-out breathing exercises are and the secret super power of sight reading in music. They dig into creating our own paths and not letting standards get in the way.

Katherine’s got a burning passion for opera and helps us to understand the inner workings of opera, sight reading, and performances. A true fitness fan, she's all about breaking stereotypes and proving you can be fit, fabulous, and belt out an aria all at the same time!

The common saying 'no pain, no gain' is selected during Wordsmith Roulette. They give it a fresh twist by focusing on how to turn your struggles into stepping stones. To round it off, they champion the cause of celebrating those teeny tiny victories. Regardless of the win’s size, all have our moments of glory!

Key takeaways:

• Breathing exercises are important for relaxation and focus.
• Sight reading is the ability to perform music on the spot without prior practice.
• Ageism is a challenge in the opera industry, but creating opportunities and redefining perfection can lead to success.
• Fitness and self-confidence go hand in hand, and taking care of oneself physically can inspire others.
• Continually pushing forward and creating opportunities is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Acting as though you are confident can lead to genuine confidence.
• Difficulties can be leveraged for growth and development.
• Celebrating micro wins is important and can lead to greater success.
• Everyone has their own gold medal moments and can be proud of their achievements.

Contact Info

Holla at me! Instagram: BigShiftEnergy

World Wide Web: https://bigshiftenergy.my.canva.site/sillygoose

Connect with Katherine:

• Instagram: @thecatalystvoice
• Website: Katherine Merryman - Professional Vocalist | The Catalyst Voice
• Album: Frauenliebe und Leben, Op.42 (Robert Schumann)

Sound Bites

• "I wanted to show you can be a woman, you can be muscular, fit, and elegant, and an opera singer all at the same time.” -Katherine
• "I am proud of myself for choosing, for making a decision to actively listen to the person with whom I'm speaking." -Katherine
• “I’m going to call the mistakes as part of the music.” - Katherine
• "Confidence is something that is very internal and affected by the external factors significantly." -Amanda
• "A mistake is a miss-take. It’s a reset.”-Amanda
• “If I can dream that I have more confidence, then I already do. I already have it. Because I know there's potential and it's there.” -Amanda

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Big Shift Energy Podcast

02:54 Unleash the Benefits of Intentional Breathing

10:26 The Superpower of Sight Reading

25:01 Ageism? Not on Our Watch!

38:34 The Fit, Fabulous, and High Notes Lifestyle

46:07 Making Your Own Opportunities

47:38 Cultivating Confidence

57:26 Stepping Stones, Not Struggles

01:19:00 Celebrating Micro Wins

01:27:19 Your Moment of Glory