Re-wiring my brain with four strings

I have always wanted to play an instrument but didn't know where to start. I'd always enjoyed singing but I thought that playing a guitar or a piano was beyond me. Chords, notes and strings was a language I couldn't speak.

When I trained as a therapist, my teacher encouraged us to all learn a new skill to create new neural pathways and to notice how learning happens. I bought a cheap ukulele and watched some videos on youtube.

This is the thing. I made a progress quite quickly, then realised something. If I wanted to get better this was going to be a long journey. I was a bit daunted so I picked it up then put it down for six months. I would lose confidence, concentration and then I'd have another burst of inspiration. I was doing well but then plateaued. I'd got into a safe pattern, amazed that I could play a few songs but was reluctant to leave my safety zone.

Some things change our lives in an instant, some take real focus and hard work. A few months ago, after a hiatus of 3 years, I picked up the uke again and I now play for thirty minutes every day. I realised that if I want to go up a notch I need lessons. I need someone with experience to guide me, so that's a New Year Resolution for me. If I was happy at the level I am at, I wouldn't bother, but I want this to be a satisfying hobby for years to come.

We all learn in different ways. I couldn't become a better player until I could take a deep breath and face the fact that I needed help. Okay, so this isn't the most sophisticated metaphor in the world but it's true. To learn, we need to put our ego to one side and accept where we are at. If it's important to us, we might need a teacher.