Ah, music—the universal language of the soul… or in my case, the sound of a midlife crisis hitting a high note. That’s right, folks. After 40 years, I’ve decided to pick up my guitar again. And spoiler alert: it hasn’t exactly been like riding a bike.
In this post, I’m diving into why I decided to torture myself—I mean, pick up this beautiful instrument after decades of neglect. We’ll talk about how it’s helping me manage stress, why I made time for it in my insanely busy schedule, and, most importantly, how this journey has become about so much more than just music.
A Love for Music That Never Faded
Let me take you back to a simpler time: the 1980s. Big hair, questionable fashion choices, and me, sitting in my room with this very guitar, pretending I was the next Clapton. Back then, music was my everything. It was how I unwound, expressed myself, and annoyed my neighbors.
But then adulthood came along like an uninvited party crasher. Marriage, kids, bills—the usual suspects. And somewhere in the chaos, my guitar got shoved into a corner and started collecting dust faster than my gym membership. I told myself, ‘I’ll pick it up again someday.’ Funny thing about ‘someday’—it has a way of turning into 40 years if you’re not paying attention.
Why Now?
Why, at 60, did I suddenly decide to become the guy at family gatherings who says, ‘Hey, wanna hear Stairway to Heaven?’ Well, let me tell you—it wasn’t just nostalgia. It was stress. The kind of stress that makes you stare at the ceiling at 2 a.m., wondering if you should’ve chosen a simpler life… like herding cats.
I realized I needed something that wasn’t about deadlines, responsibilities, or Zoom calls. Something that was just for me. And picking up this guitar felt like reclaiming a part of myself I’d left behind. Plus, let’s be honest—I needed a hobby that didn’t involve Netflix and carbs. Not that there’s anything wrong with those, but moderation, folks. Moderation.
The Struggle is Real
Let’s talk about the struggle. Because, oh boy, there’s been plenty of it. For starters, these fingers? They’re not as nimble as they were 40 years ago. Arthritis is like an annoying roommate that refuses to move out—it’s always there, making itself known.
But here’s the thing: Every time I nail a chord or manage to play a song all the way through without my fingers rebelling, it’s like winning a tiny, glorious battle. And that feeling? It’s better than any participation trophy.
Making Time for It
Now, let’s talk about the number one excuse we all use: ‘I don’t have time.’ Look, I get it. Life is busy. Between work, family, and pretending to be a functional adult, finding time for hobbies can feel impossible. But here’s my secret: I schedule it.
Yup, I treat my guitar practice like a doctor’s appointment—except it’s a lot more fun and doesn’t involve awkward waiting rooms. Even on crazy days, I carve out at least 10 minutes. Sometimes, that’s all you need to clear your head and reset. And on quieter days, I’ll dive in for an hour or more.
The Ripple Effect
Here’s the thing: Picking up the guitar has had this ripple effect on the rest of my life. It’s made me more disciplined, more patient, and—dare I say—more creative. Who knew strumming a few chords could lead to all that?
It’s also inspired me to try other things, like journaling, meditation, and even stretching. Because let’s face it—if I’m going to sit hunched over this guitar, I need to make sure my back doesn’t turn into a pretzel.
It’s Never Too Late to Start
Look, I know starting—or restarting—a hobby can feel intimidating. You think, ‘I’m too old,’ or, ‘What if I’m terrible at it?’ Here’s my advice: Who cares? Do it anyway. Life’s too short to let fear stop you from trying something you love.
It doesn’t matter if it’s music, painting, or macramé. The point is to do something that makes you happy. And if you mess up? Great. That’s part of the fun.
What’s Next?
So there you have it—my journey back to the guitar. It’s been messy, rewarding, and occasionally frustrating, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll even play in public… or at least for the dogs. They’re my biggest fans.
If you’ve got a passion you’ve been putting off, take this as your sign to go for it. And hey, if you’re already on your own journey, drop a comment—I’d love to hear about it!