I’ve been battling some discouragement related to clarinet playing, professional development, and writing. As a result, I’ve avoided writing. I tend to write directly from my heart, so I feel threatened in this setting. I read a “tweet” the other day that got me thinking along those lines, again. It was really more of a rhetorical question-something along the lines of why there are so many delusional people out there. I don’t know the answer to that, but I certainly don’t want to BE one of those delusional people that puts myself out there as someone who has “something to offer the world.” What I have to offer may only be of interest to a few.
However, I was encouraged once again when I read a post entitled “Violin Surprise,” by my Twitter friend timtfj. (For anyone not familiar to Twitter, that’s his screen name.) Tim wrote in his post about getting back to his violin practicing after taking a couple of weeks off and the benefits he noticed. Well, I’ve been struggling to maintain a practice schedule for several months now, since September, for a myriad of reasons: a new job, personal and family issues, and just plain old lack of discipline! I had spent the previous two years practicing daily almost without exception and had made much progress. I’ve even been able to substitute a couple of times for 2nd clarinet players in a couple of orchestra concerts in the western suburbs of Chicago.
I thought I was back on track in late December, but had another week of no practicing soon after. Then I read Tim’s post. For some reason, it struck a chord with me (no pun intended!), and I practiced yesterday and again today. I know that’s only another start, but with any goal we set for ourselves, it’s the small steps we take on a daily basis that lead to the big changes.
I’m so thankful that Tim took the time to write yesterday. If I hadn’t read his thoughts on practicing, I might not have taken my baby steps over the last couple of days. I have no delusions that what I have to say is going to be for the masses, but maybe, just maybe, one person will read this and be encouraged.
I think that’s why I’m writing.
2 responses so far ↓
Tim J // January 18, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Thanks for linking to my post! It’s really encouraging to me that you were encouraged by it
And interesting reading about the background, too. Good luck!
Creative cycles « The Other Blog Without A Name // February 20, 2009 at 5:02 pm
[...] every day. She wrote in her blog about feeling discouraged at not managing to do it. (She also wrote very encouragingly about being encouraged by me! Thank you.) And as you know if you’ve read below, my violin [...]