At 15, I entered the Rotary Music Festival again, determined to finally win gold after placing second two years in a row.

I had practiced for months. Memorized every note. Imagined the applause when I nailed my performance.

And then, in the second verse, I forgot the words.

Panic set in.

Embarrassed? Absolutely.

But I didn’t let that emotion take over.

My piano player quietly mouthed the lyrics.

I took a breath…gave that verse everything I had…and I won GOLD.

The judge later told me she was impressed that I didn’t give up.

That moment stayed with me – a reminder that mistakes don’t define you. Your response does.

You won’t always perform the way you want and that’s okay. You’re still worthy.

This is what I know: What matters most is what you choose to learn… and the choices you make next. And yes, being determined to win gold doesn’t mean you’ll never stumble – it’s how you respond that counts.

Until next time…