It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again

For most of the last decade, the piano in my home has remained quiet. I actually looked to give it away at one point because it was simply a piece of furniture to hold a few frames.

There are always “good” excuses for scenarios like this. For me, it was starting a new business, family concerns, and the longer I didn’t play, the more I felt like I couldn't.

When I did play years ago, it was always just for me. I have never been very good. I am not a person who can pick out a tune. Most of the instruction I received involved memorization, which means I am not able to turn to some new music and just play it with ease.

And then one day, a few weeks ago, I called a piano tuner and turned the piano into a legitimate instrument again. I am working my way through what had been my most proficient music. (I am glad it is still not open window weather!)

Despite my busy life, I have played every day since I got the piano tuned, usually about 20 minutes. I found myself at the end of a recent day without having played at all, and sat down to work my way through two pages - just once. But, it sounds better than it did just a few days ago just by remaining committed to dedicating time each day.

I also have been spending more time reading physical books. (I listen to 2 - 3 audiobooks a month while I drive.) I reminded myself of how much I enjoy the experience of holding a book, turning pages, and, when I am tired, checking to see how many pages the next chapter is! I bought myself a book journal where I am tracking the books I am reading and listening to and being more reflective on what I like and what inspires me.

There are times in our lives when there is a shift. Mine was following the passing of my Mom, which ended the years of caregiving for her and my Dad (who preceded her by two years). I also changed the way I complete some of my work which created some “room” in my life. I didn’t want to just fill that time with more hustle and bustle, so I reflected on things that I have claimed to miss about my life from a simpler time.

Adding in reading again wasn’t very confronting. But, thinking that I could play the piano again seemed risky. It has been so long. I wasn’t very good even when I did play. My fingers aren’t as nimble as they once were. And, as I texted my siblings the first night I sat down to play - “there are so many notes!”

I often read about people taking on new hobbies or new activities. I think there is value in revisiting what once was, especially if the reasons you stopped were more circumstantial than a lack of desire. I have already told the few people that know (until now) that I am playing again that it will remain a solitary activity. I haven’t had a recital since I was a child, and I have no desire to entertain others. But, I am enjoying the figuring out, and the reminders of how notes hit in certain pieces, and the evidence of improvement. Maybe I will get to the point where I will feel okay about playing, even with the windows open.