I’d like to tell you when I faced my fear of karaoke that the stunning beauty of my voice brought a reverent hush to a crowded bar. But why add lying to a very long list of my personal shortcomings?

Instead, I’ll explain how a woman who cannot sing a lick and fears few things more than public humiliation landed on a karaoke stage in front of a bar full of strangers.

It’s all part of a plan I hatched upon turning 50. I wanted something to …