Is Your "Sound" Being Heard?

Do you feel invisible, ignored, or dismissed?

I asked that question recently in a post on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. In case you didn't catch it, it was about the fact that once you hit your 50's and beyond, it's almost like you're invisible. It happens in stores, in restaurants, and yes, even at networking groups. Why? And what can we do about it?

How are you showing up?

I remember back in 2009, when I went back to the work force. At 51, I was clearly older than every other person on the team (This photo is from about that time.). Instead of considering the fact that I had loads of marketing, sales, social media, and speaking experience, as well as an MBA, I was labeled “slow” by my young trainer!

This was because I wasn't catching on to their computer programs and kept taking notes during my training. My boss actually put me on extended probation! Ouch!

For the record, I was hired for my sales personality, not data entry! And I did eventually get those blasted programs but I just needed to have things explained differently.

It made me more aware that maybe we're not showing up as confident as we could. Usually, by this age, you don't really care what other people think. But maybe our “beat” or our “sound” is too quiet.

Facts and frequencies

As a musician, I know that every instrument and every note carries a certain frequency. This Is why I switch things up in my private and group sessions.

The switch to an instrument with a higher or lower pitch has actually helped clients experience a shift or a breakthrough. In some cases, I need to drum louder and instruct them to do so as well. They feel better and more confident.

Your body has a frequency, as does every organ in your body. If you're feeling sick or sluggish (or lack confidence), your frequency drops. This is science, not New Age.

Maybe it's not necessarily the age or the wrinkles. Maybe it's a confidence and an identity issue of not knowing who you are in this stage of your life. I discuss this in my book, Rise Up & Rock: Activating Your God-Given Purpose.

So, maybe it's time to change your sound...and crank it up!

What do you think? Drop a comment below! I'd love to know!

Dori Staehle lives in the Raleigh, NC area and is a certified drum therapist, inspirational speaker, mentor, author, and owner of Next Stage Drumming. Dori helps individuals and organizations find their rhythm, rise up, and move forward - FAST!