Katie O'Donnell | Self-confidence | With a song to sing

What happens to her self-confidence when a young woman confronts the adversity in her life? Katie, is in a position many of us would dread and comes out on top.

I am a 27-year-old Marketing Communications Manager for Variety WA, and a singer. I have been performing for 15 years both nationally and internationally - both as a soloist, and as a founding member of the popular Variety Youth Choir. I perform at both corporate and community events. I am based in Perth, Western Australia.

I live with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and as such, have been confined to an electric wheelchair since I was 12 years old.

I have overcome a loss of confidence by focusing on my strengths, looking back on previous times of adversity and realising that if could do it then, I can do anything.

Variety Youth Choir is a group of young Australian performers, some able bodied, some disabled or disadvantaged, brought together by a love of song, dance and musical performance.

If you are also facing adversity and need some confidence building, then we have a set of blogs for you: "Devastated? Rebuild confidence" .

If you long to sing like Katie does but fear takes over, the "Confidence in public speaking" CD set looks at how to overcome stage fright .

Comments

[Rachel Green, Founder, Confident Woman]

I am so thrilled to have you as a featured woman Katie - thank you so much. You shine the light for so many of us to show us that self-confidence in front of an audience is possible for all. Let us know your public singing engagements so we can come and hear you. Blessings, Rachel.

[Norelle]

Hi Katie, I can only believe that you are as talented a singer as you are beautiful and confident. I work with people with disabilties and have done for 9+ years and I meet so many who are "stuck" in their minds liet alone their bodies. I wish you could speak to those people and inspire them to strive for the best for that is what they are able to achieve!

Cheers
Norelle x

[Deirdre]

You know, when I looked at your photograph on Rachel's home page, I only saw your serenity and beauty. I never even noticed the wheelchair until it was mertioned in your article !