I Heard It on the Radio - “Come Blow Your Horn”

I Heard It on the Radio - “Come Blow Your Horn”

I LOVE THE CLASSICS. Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. The elegance, the clarity, and the beauty of the instrumentals played by big bands are such a refreshing reprieve from today’s modern scores. That’s why I often tune in to the Sinatra Channel on my satellite radio. Yes, there is something for everyone on the airwaves these days.

“Come Blow Your Horn,”^a originally recorded by Sinatra, was written to embolden an audience of young men. But this fun song provides a critical message for women of all ages today: “Make like a little lamb, and wham you’re shorn; I tell ya chum, it’s time to come blow your horn.”

There was a time in my life when I thought “blowing one’s horn” was unattractive, because I believed it implied bragging. But now I understand the value of networking, both in business and personal pursuits. I see that many of us were never taught the difference between boasting and horn blowing via self-confidence, self-assurance, self-promotion, and self-awareness.

Self-confidence allows us to operate with a feeling of abundance. The most self-confident people I know never feel cheated or like they must win. You’ll recognize self-confident people—they are the ones who walk away from an unnecessary fight.

Self-assurance allows others to disagree with us. The most self-assured people I know are never cocky and are always respectful of others’ opinions. You’ll recognize self-assured people—they’ve not only found their voices, they know how to use them respectfully.

Self-promotion allows our actions to speak louder than words. You’ll recognize accomplished self-promoters—they never talk about their personal success without attributing it to the skills, talents, and efforts of their team.

Self-awareness allows us to conduct ourselves appropriately by reading the conditions and needs of those around us. The most self-aware people I know are never called flakes or airheads. You’ll recognize self-aware people—they know everything about you.

Because so many of us were taught that meekness means being a doormat or that expressing one’s opinion will stir up unnecessary debate, many women are just now allowing themselves to express their thoughts.

Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. (Psalm 98:1)

Some of us have sat silently for so long that we’re having a hard time finding our voices. It might be a little squeaky at first, but the more you use it, the better it will get. Pick up your horn and pucker up.

^a Sammy Cahn and James Van Heusen, “Come Blow Your Horn,” © Maraville Music Corp., 1963.