u/itsa2ai

I just want to ask:

I was a highly functional stoner for most of my 20’s and some of my 30’s. College degree, married, career, it definitely cost me too much money, and some productivity, but it didn’t affect me the way it affected many of my friends.

I quit weed, lost all productivity, became crazy spaced out, and gained 45 pounds in the first year.

As I explained this to my doctor he put me on Vyvanse, noting I took adderall in high school, he thought maybe I was self medicating with weed.

I had not thought of that perspective, and had been feeling guilty for spending money on a recreational drug, but thinking back, it seems to make sense.

So my question is: Does weed affect people differently who have ADHD? Did you notice wanting to read or be productive on weed while your friends got couch locked? Just curious…

I’m (36m) determined to become a great singer. I’d say I’m “karaoke worthy”.

But if I tried to do a paid gig I’d look silly, I’m not venue worthy. My head voice is nasal or tense and just wrong. Above C4 I get into the throat I think.

My usable range: D2-F4, can get to G4/A4 with volume/pressure, but sounds strained. I cannot quietly sing above E4.

I’ve had ~10 or so lessons with a great coach, I know about the passagio. But I’m so systemically tight…

My jaws, under my chin, my larynx: so tight and protective from years of “chesting” that it’s hard for me to get into head voice some days.

A few days ago, singing lean on me at the low part, I sang “you know that there’s”, when I said “THERE’S” I hit some sort of mask or resonant space and it was easy. I put it in caps because that’s what happened, it got loud and pingy and my face got buzzy, and it was so easy to sing.

I rushed over to the piano and the G4/A4 was there and pretty and fairly easy. It sounds a little nasal but I’d pinch my nose —and no vibration, like I think I finally discovered mask?

So (thank you if you’re still reading) I have 2 big questions now:

How do I get rid of the tension in my jaw, under my chin, and keep my larynx relaxed after years of bad habits?

And how do I get back into this magical Mask resonance thing I finally found? I’m having a hard time repeating what I did a few days ago.

Looking for any and all resources about undoing the tension I created from trying to teach myself, as well as any tips on improving tone with using the mask, or better yet, when and where to use and not use it, etc.