I did something brand new (for me, at least) yesterday.
I signed up for guitar lessons.
That little practice amp doesn’t go to 11. Sigh.
The greatest love of my life is singing. (Next to Sam the Wonder Pup, natch.) I’ve been singing and performing since I was little, and in San Francisco I had a band and put out an album. My strengths were vocals, as well as writing songs, particularly lyrics and melody.
My strength was not the guitar.
When I left the Bay Area and moved to Taos, I connected with some local musicians and would occasionally jump on stage for an impromptu song, usually Angel from Montgomery, since everyone knows that one. I just sang – no guitar, since my guitars were always at home, in the closet, unused and unloved.
But for years, I’ve missed singing for an audience. Singing – anywhere, not just publicly – is when I feel most connected. It’s as if energy is flowing up from the earth, through my feet and into my body, through my heart, throat, and out my mouth into the world. It feels spiritual, and I don’t experience it nearly enough since writing, photography, and travel have taken over.
I’ve never wanted to put a band together here – it’s like herding cats, to put it mildly – and even though I used to perform solo in San Francisco, I’m not comfortable doing it now because my guitar skills are so lame. My standards were lower back then. 🙂
(And don’t say to me, you’re probably better than you realize! I’m not, trust me. I’m lame.)
For years – years! – I’ve thought, if I were just a better player I could accompany myself and do open mics for fun. Not go pro again, just play out and scratch that musical itch. But I thought, I’m not good on guitar, so that’s that. Stash that dream in a drawer.
But. Yesterday Sam and I were running errands and I saw a sandwich board on the street in town. It said “Guitar Lessons.”
I turned into the parking lot, and talked with the man who gives them. He was friendly, accomplished, and available this week. Boom.
I’m beyond excited.
So my question to you is this: What’s stopping you from doing what you love? Really consider it, and get past the “I can’t do that because….” thoughts. It’s the “because” that I’m guessing isn’t real, it’s just a mental block. Like my lack of guitar skills.
Spoiler alert: you can take lessons! You can quit binge-watching Netflix and spend that time focusing on your passion! You can save $20/week toward your bucket list travel experience!
What’s stopping you? I challenge you to push through it. Remember my motto? Life is short. Don’t wait.
Start now.
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16 Comments
I love this for you, for me, for everyone! I thought photography and the beauty of Taos probably brought you here, but since the community has developed an exceptional music scene, maybe THAT’S where you are headed with your love and your skills. You go girl!
Susan – What a great comment, thank you! In truth, I’d like to do it all, but we’ll see. 🙂
Yipee tipi for you
You go guitar girl~good for you
Not sure what mine is this moment yet
THANKS for spurring us on
Youre such a role model (WO)MENTOR!
Love ya
****£¥NDA
Ps im thinking of you in your band and sheryl crow comes to mind
Lynda – My pleasure, and go us! Love “womentor”, and Sheryl Crow. 🙂
Sounds like it’s time for a cool change 😉
Susan – I love you. 🙂
The feeling is mutual <3
Thanks for the reminder…
My pleasure, Gary! Thanks for chiming in.
Excellent message here.
Thanks so much, Deborah! I’m glad it resonated.
Go Deonne! I love this post! Lovelovelovelovelove it! Making me think all kinds of things…. Thank you!
Oh, yay! Michelle, I’m so glad to hear this. Thanks for letting us know.
How fun! So glad you are giving yourself the gift of learning guitar. Maybe one day I will get to hear you play and sing.
How fun! So glad you’ve given yourself the gift of guitar lessons. One day I may have the chance to see you play and sing.
Emilie Vardaman recently posted…Corolla Wild Horses!
Emilie – Thank you for the kind words! I’m having such a good time with it, after only one lesson. Who knows, I may get back into it in a bigger way. Music really is one of the most satisfying things I do, and the album is the creation I’m most proud of. So far. 🙂