The Next Beethoven (Not)!

Do you have a dream that is yet to be fulfilled?  Well what are you waiting for?  You’ve heard the term ‘tomorrow is not promised’, right?  Can fear be the culprit that’s holding you back?

Well, Reba you talk a big game, but what proof do you have that you know what you’re talking about? 

Well, I’m glad you asked!

One of my dreams growing up was to learn to play piano, but coming from a single parent home with 5 children, piano lessons (much less the instrument to practice on) were not quite in the budget.

However, when I met my hunka-hunka burnin’ love (also known as my husband, since 1993), and I expressed my desire to play, he stepped right up and bought me a used piano.  SNAP – now I had to stop talking and start doing!

You best believe I was scared (and a bit intimidated) when I first stepped into that piano teacher’s studio.  Especially seeing that I was already in my 30’s and she was still going through her Master’s of Music program in college. 

What was I thinking? Am I too old to attempt something as complicated as learning to read music AND play an instrument at this age?  Fear set in, but I could no longer just talk about what I dreamt of doing, it was time to put the pedal to the metal (yes, the foot pedals on the piano (wink, wink)).  

So I buckled down and took my lessons once a week during my lunch break from work and would practice nightly. I know I drove hubs crazy, but I also know he was proud that he had enabled me to bring a dream to reality.  I was so proud of myself that I would call my mom who lives in another state, and set the phone next to the piano so she could hear me play.  Yep, she was proud of me too!

Were there more fears along the way – um, yeah!  Can you imagine being the ONLY adult participating in a piano recital along with all the children whose ages ranged from about 6 to 17 yrs?  Oh man, my hands were shaking! But I got through it and bowed to the audience, and they all cheered and gave me a standing ovation!!! 

I couldn’t believe the number of parents that approached me afterward commending me for having done something so courageous.  Wow – I could see that I had accomplished something they wished they could do – step out of my fear, leave procrastination behind, and go for my dream!

The experience was amazing, but I did find out something that I wish wasn’t true – I’m not a natural musician.  You know how some people can just listen to a song and their fingers float along the keys picking up the notes – nope, not me.  Once I stopped practicing, it was difficult for me to even play the simplest nursery rhyme.  

BUT, my dream wasn’t to become a concert pianist – it was just to learn to play, and for that – I succeeded!!! Whoo hoo!

Now it’s time for you to get out there and bring at least one of your wishes, dreams, or desires to life.  After all, that’s what makes life fun – doing things that take you out of your normal routine. Stepping outside of your comfort zone. Doing something unexpected that leaves you feeling elated and proud.

What have you always wanted to do, but have yet to get started? Do share in the comments below!