For the entire month of May, I am pushing myself to share my songwriting to get out of the habit of hiding. I am calling it my "I May" Challenge as I am shifting from waiting for permission ("May I ____?")to empowering myself to step into a dream that I've held for a long time, knowing that I don't need anyone's permission ("I May___."). So this playlist is my journey of developing my confidence to share my voice and my songwriting. I'm not just singing or playing my recordings. I'm sharing and storytelling and being overly vulnerable as I let you in to a space that I've kept primarily between me and "God."

I'm not requesting harsh feedback. That'll actually be counterproductive. I know the songs are incomplete. This is just a first step in letting what I've done so far see daylight to encourage me to continue working on them... rather than leave them to die in my Google drive. Thanks for listening and for being gentle and kind. Blessings!

#IMAYCHALLENGE Songwriting Journey w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

For the entire month of May, I am pushing myself to share my songwriting to get out of the habit of hiding. I am calling it my "I May" Challenge as I am shifting from waiting for permission ("May I ____?")to empowering myself to step into a dream that I've held for a long time, knowing that I don't need anyone's permission ("I May___."). So this playlist is my journey of developing my confidence to share my voice and my songwriting. I'm not just singing or playing my recordings. I'm sharing and storytelling and being overly vulnerable as I let you in to a space that I've kept primarily between me and "God." 

I'm not requesting harsh feedback. That'll actually be counterproductive. I know the songs are incomplete. This is just a first step in letting what I've done so far see daylight to encourage me to continue working on them... rather than leave them to die in my Google drive. Thanks for listening and for being gentle and kind. Blessings!

"Faithful" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 5

"Thanks to You" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 7

"Single Mom" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 8

This one is extra special. As you may know, for the month of May I am sharing a song a day to shake myself out of my fear of using my voice and sharing my music. It is my dream to be a "real" songwriter and this a big step. In this episode, I share a song that I came across in the most beautiful and magical way. You have to hear the story and definitely listen all the way to the end. Blessings!

To follow my daily journey and learn more about my #IMAYCHALLENGE check out my blog post, the "Shift from May I to I May" on #WordPress. https://mdillondesigns.com/2023/05/04/shift-from-may-i-to-i-may/

"No Name Song" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 9

Today's #IMAYCHALLENGE post is all about affirmations and owning my right to be a songwriter. This one is storytelling heavy but I think you'll get much value from it.

For the entire month of May, I am pushing myself to share my songwriting to get out of the habit of hiding. I am calling it my "I May" Challenge as I am shifting from waiting for permission ("May I ____?")to empowering myself to step into a dream that I've held for a long time, knowing that I don't need anyone's permission ("I May___."). So this playlist is my journey of developing my confidence to share my voice and my songwriting. I'm not just singing or playing my recordings. I'm sharing and storytelling and being overly vulnerable as I let you in to a space that I've kept primarily between me and "God." 

Thanks for listening and for being gentle and kind. Blessings!

"Affirmation Song" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 10

Nearly didn't post this because parts remind me of another artist's song. But it came to me in my sleep so here we are. I have to resist the urges to do what I always do—record a song, question the heck out of it, and never share it. That's the whole purpose of my #IMAYCHALLENGE. I'm not supposed to be burying songs anymore....

So what is my #IMAYCHALLENGE? For the month of May, I am sharing an original song... EVERY DAY! I am sharing these snippets of my raw personal recordings to shake myself out of the fear of sharing my voice so I can live my dream of being a professional songwriter. Join me on this journey by following me to catch my daily posts.

"You Got Me Open" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 11

So for today's #IMAYCHALLENGE song I attempted to write something new... while uninspired. It made for a very.... interesting... experience of storytelling that also may evolve into a song.... when I find a word that rhymes with warrior. LMAO

So what is my #IMAYCHALLENGE? For the month of May, I am sharing an original song... EVERY DAY! I am sharing these snippets of my raw personal recordings to shake myself out of the fear of sharing my voice so I can live my dream of being a professional songwriter. Join me on this journey by following me to catch my daily posts. Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

"Warrior or Whatever" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 12

That awesome moment when I discovered that I have two songs with same title! So fun. Led to me outing myself as a ... human. Not fully allowed as a "PK" but since I'm taking liberties to give myself permission to be a songwriter, I decided to also give myself permission to be a full on adult. lol This one is entertaining... at least it was for me. Today is Day 13 of my #IMAYCHALLENGE. Check it out.

So what is my #IMAYCHALLENGE? For the month of May, I am sharing an original song... EVERY DAY! I am sharing these snippets of my raw personal recordings to shake myself out of the fear of sharing my voice so I can live my dream of being a professional songwriter. Join me on this journey by following me to catch my daily posts. 
Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

Learn more about me and follow my work at mdillondesigns.com.

"You've Got Me Open... Again" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 13

Certain sounds inspire me to write. My washing machine has been the inspiration for many songs, lol, simply because the rhythm moves me. This storytelling and songwriting experience was a fun one. Wrote a quick melody during this recording. Would love for you to check it out. 

Today is Day 14 of my #IMAYCHALLENGE. For the entire month of May I have challenged myself to share an original song every day in an effort to get comfortable singing and sharing my music. It is my dream to be a "for real" songwriter and this is a big step for me. Building my confidence by sharing my voice freely. Thank you for listening. Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

"My Washing Machine, My Muse" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 14

Proud of myself. Sticking to my commitment to post daily. Healing the internal dialogue that makes that complicated. Amazing how something I enjoy so much can still be uphill. Started reading a new book today that is helping me understand the deeper reasons behind self-sabotage, as I am so in love with this process, but still find myself struggling to get these posted. I'm not giving up. Halfway through this challenge, and something tells me I'm going to keep going after May. Fingers crossed. Blessings

"Hmmm... What Should I Call This" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 15

On today's episode, I share a new song that came to me in a dream. I also share quite a bit about my ADHD diagnosis and you get to witness it. This is one of the clearest representations of how songs "come to me." Probably one of my most vulnerable shares. 

I'm so grateful that I gave myself permission to embrace #songwriting by doing this #IMAYCHALLENGE this month. For the entire month of May I am sharing original songs/song snippets that I wrote or received intuitively. I am committed to doing what I need to do to embrace myself and live my dream of being a songwriter. So these are my baby steps, as I get comfortable using my voice and sharing my music. You get to come along for the journey. Blessings. Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

"I Wanna Dance" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 16

Today is Day 17 of my #IMAYCHALLENGE. This song is one I've only shared with my dear friend and brother, the phenomenal musician, Michael Gardner. I nearly forgot about this song, but he reminded me of it several months ago. 

"Behold" is a song meant to be performed during "alter call." (I explain further in the recording.) This is one of my first songs that made me feel I have a gift worth sharing. So grateful that I shared it with Mike. Now, I'm sharing it with you. So please check out, by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist. Blessings!

"Behold" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 17

Today is Day 18 of my #IMAYCHALLENGE. For the entire month of May I have challenged myself to share an original song every day in an effort to get comfortable singing and sharing my music. It is my dream to be a "for real" songwriter and this is a big step for me. Building my confidence by sharing my voice freely. Thank you for listening. Blessings! Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

"Fake Gospel" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 18

Today is a bit of a celebration. I'm amazed that I've been doing this for 19 days! So proud of myself. In this episode, I share about why this is such a milestone for me and listen to the end to hear "My Daughter Is a H-A-T-E-R" lol. In this one, I'm both deep and absolutely not deep. lol You don't want to miss it. Press play. And please share. Blessings!

For the entire month of May, I am pushing myself to share my songwriting to get out of the habit of hiding. I am calling it my "I May" Challenge as I am shifting from waiting for permission ("May I ____?")to empowering myself to step into a dream that I've held for a long time, knowing that I don't need anyone's permission ("I May___."). So this playlist is my journey of developing my confidence to share my voice and my songwriting. I'm not just singing or playing my recordings. I'm sharing and storytelling and being overly vulnerable as I let you in to a space that I've kept primarily between me and "God."

"My Daughter Is a H-A-T-E-R" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 19

I was going to call this "If Imposter Syndrome Was a Person," but ended naming it after my song choice, simply, "Enough." Today was a vulnerable share, but I hope that it helps you or someone to better understand the journey. An epiphany occurred for me during the recording of this—a major piece in my puzzle of self-awareness was revealed....

If you are new to my #IMAYCHALLENGE, I have challenged myself to share a piece of original songwriting every day this month in an attempt to become comfortable sharing my voice and music as it is my desire to be a legit songwriter. Please check out today's podcast episode and listen to the whole playlist "#IMAYCHALLENGE Songwriting Journey w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist."

Thank you so much for your kindness and for listening.

"Enough" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 20

Today's Episode of Share & Let's Live: #IMAYCHALLENGE Songwriting Journey w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist is about stepping out of my comfort zone. This challenge is definitely stretching me and helping me to release the need to perfect things before I share. 

If you're unaware of what my #IMAYCHALLENGE is, I committed to sharing a piece of my songwriting every day for the entire month of May. Each day I share a snippet of something I've created and a story that goes along with it. I have really enjoyed doing this each day and hope to continue doing it after May. Sometimes we have to find a way to push ourselves to do the thing we've been wanting to do. I've wanted to be a songwriter and this is my permission slip... signed by me. Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist

"DooDooDoo" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 21

Today's #IMAYCHALLENGE #podcast episode is about not betraying myself. I've spent most of my life trying to keep everyone happy with me, doing all I could to ensure everyone likes me, and emotionally beating myself up whenever I fell short. I decided that ends today. Press play, to check out my story and song that came from today's discovery.

If you have no idea what my #IMAYCHALLENGE is, I decided for the entire month of May to challenge myself to share my voice. It is my desire to be a songwriter so as a step forward, I am sharing original songwriting (coupled with storytelling) in a daily podcast on #SoundCloud called #IMAYCHALLENGE Songwriting Journey w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist. I'd love for you to check it out. And if you find it inspiring please heart and share it. Blessings!

"I've Got My Back" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 22

Do you believe in signs, angel numbers, messages from the ancestors? I didn't always but on today's episode of Share & Let's Live! #IMAYCHALLENGE Songwriting Journey w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist I share about the emotional sign I received today.

"In Memoriam" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 24

So I'm back... well I'm back on the positive side.... doing my best to navigate life. On today's episode of #IMAYCHALLENGE Songwriting Journey w/ Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist, I share about the challenge of showing up authentically once I hit "record."

If you're wondering what to expect from my podcast, imagine that I'm riding along with you talking about my life and then I say, "Hey listen to this song I just wrote." It's very down-to-earth. It just feels like a conversation. I'm just talking to you and letting you hear me sing a little. So please, check me out on #SoundCloud. 

Visit the link. Press play.

"Finding My Authentic Voice" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 25

On today's episode of Share & Let's Live! with Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist, I share a song that came to me in my sleep. I also share about why I do what I do, and give some inspiring words on purpose. 

I created this #podcast as a way to push myself to go after my dream of being a songwriter. Through my #IMAYCHALLENGE, I am daily overcoming my fear of singing for others, and of sharing my music, and my hope is that as I overcome my fears to embrace my dreams, you'll be inspired to take some steps toward yours.... BTW I had a MAJOR epiphany during this so if you follow my work or have checked out other podcasts in this series, please listen 'til the end. 

Blessings!

Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist
#Podcaster #Visionary #Creator at @Share and Let's Live!

"Existing or Living?" by Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist #IMAYCHALLENGE Day 26

Marlene Dillon is a multi-talented single mom who's passionate about empowerment. Through her gifts of storytelling, songwriting, and her intuitive gifts, she shares insights on how to navigate life with more purpose. This podcast is called Share & Let's Live! because she believes that we all have gifts, passions, and interests that we came here to share. And as we release our reasons, beliefs, and hesitations, and begin to share them, we all get to expand. We are happier and we make our world a more beautiful place. So check out the podcast. Like, comment, and share. Oh, and a special thanks to Anno Domini Beats for the awesome track "Like That" which has become the signature sound for this podcast. Bless you for offering your music to creators like me. You're a blessing! 
BTW, I do cuss on this podcast, so you've been warned. These are my opinions and purely for entertainment and education. I speak freely. Share & Let's Live! with Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist's podcast and recordings are covered under the Privacy Policy, Terms, Etc. available on mdillondesigns.com. All rights reserved.