No, I can't do anything, even as a hobby, because of the nature of my OCD and panic. I am planning on pursuing it when I'm able, though.

The voice can be trained, in most cases. The term "tone deaf" is misused, in most cases. It's used to describe just about anyone who can't sing well, but in truth, it means a person can't distinguish musical notes when they hear them, and can't reproduce them, whereas most people who can't sing can distinguish the notes when hearing music; they just can't reproduce them.

I've done a little research into singing lessons, and while not extensive, most teachers will say a person can at least improve their singing capabilities. There are different methods for teaching singing, and one of my favorites is called "speech level singing." You can find out more about that at SethRiggs.com.

You might want to see TheSingingVoice.com as well. I have other links as well, if you want them.

I know what you mean about the lessons. I hate practicing, but I know it's what's necessary, if you want to sing, and can't already, or if you want to improve your voice. Of course, part of it, too, is diet; certain foods and drinks can zap your voice.

I'm working on starting a writing career, in hopes of earning enough money eventually to move and pursue my acting dreams. It's much later than I wanted to start these dreams, but I'd rather start late than never, and live with more regrets than I already do. Of course, I need to make more time to research for my writing. I have several things I want to learn about for my writing.

There's nothing wrong with dreaming, but you have to work for those dreams to achieve them. And you have to stay positive and believe in yourself. There will always be people--even people you love and who love you--who will tell you to give up, you're being silly or impractical, the odds are so against you, etc. You just have to refuse to accept that. Just smile at the person and say, "Ok, you're entitled to your opinion and you've told it to me. That's nice. Now, go about your business and I'll go about mine.

And don't feel stupid. Let me tell you something an actor (I wish I could recall who it was) said on The Tonight Show years ago. He said (not an exact quote), "You have to be crazy to be in this business. It takes someone crazy to think you're going to be successful and beat out the thousands of people who want to be stars, because no one in his right mind would do it." So, be crazy! Be the one who is going to go out there and do what you have to do to make it. Because no one else is going to be successful at it, because they're not crazy enough to try. Maybe you'll make it, maybe you won't, but at least you tried. There's no regret in that. But somebody's going to be a star, so why not go for one of the limited shots of being one?

Even if fame isn't your goal, you have to go out there and do whatever it is you want to do. A few people are lucky, born to wealthy parents, meet the right people, win the lottery or a casino jackpot, etc. Don't count on luck. Work for it. You'll have a far better chance of making it, than if you wait around for luck to come knocking at your door.

If anyone thinks you're stupid or wasting your life...screw'em! Yeah, you have to be prepared for real life, for not achieving your dreams. You plan a backup career (and it can be in the field you want...maybe learn what it takes to manage a band, be a talent agent, work in a studio in some other field besides the one you most want, etc.), but you also try to find a job in the meantime that allows you time to pursue your dream.