Sometimes, sharing your personal gifts with the world can be scary, and it can create a sense of vulnerability. Sometimes, you may feel as though your gift is not good enough. But it is important to share your gifts, no matter how imperfect they may be, or how inadequate you may feel.

So, I’m officially coming out of the closet! Here goes. I, Barry Vissell, besides being a counselor, author, doctor, and workshop leader, am also a musician!

There, that wasn’t so hard.

So what makes me hesitate to announce this beautiful, musical part of me? It’s quite simple: I don’t feel good enough. Even though many people love my singing voice, and I really enjoy singing, there is still a part of me that compares my voice to what I judge as better voices.

I accompany myself on the harmonium, an East Indian keyboard instrument that sounds a bit like an accordion. Again, a part of me compares my playing to more accomplished keyboard artists, even though many people love the simple way I play.

And then there are the songs I write. Nothing fancy. Just what I consider heartfelt messages of love and spirituality. And yes, again, people love my songs. And the most important person who is my greatest fan is Joyce. So why is there still a part of me that compares my songs to the elaborate and polished songs of “professional” musicians?