I was recently asked this question in relation to an organisation that I am involved in. I found it quite challenging to answer as I knew I had only been around 70% committed to the obligations. It’s a great organisation and as I answered this question I had the realisation that I wanted all of the amazing benefits of being part of a community of like-minded people but hadn’t actually been putting the effort in to get even better results.
Although I knew this, it was still hard to accept that I was being a bit apathetic about aspects of my responsibilities and what was required of me. In hindsight, it was an exceptionally valuable question to ponder. It helped me reflect on the value of the people in this particular organisation and how, perhaps, I was receiving more than I was giving back.
A little bit humbling, for sure!
It got me curious about why we sign up for things but for one reason or another and don’t end up putting 100% effort in. The old adage ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well’ comes to mind.
I can sometimes be the queen of excuses and have the ability to think up the best of reasons about why I haven’t followed through on various commitments. There are family reasons, unexpected visitor reasons, I was sick reasons, it’s too hard, it’s too boring, I just didn’t feel like it reasons. All, well maybe apart from the last few, are perfectly valid. It lets me off the hook for a time, however, when I constantly use one or the other of these then that’s when I identify a pattern in myself and have to make some changes. At the end of the day I know in my heart of hearts I’m kidding myself and those around me who are relying on me to uphold my end of whatever the initiative may be.
So, given the gems of realisation I received from answering this question I thought I would pose it to you.
Why are you here?
What prompted you to pop your details into my website so you are now on this mailing list? Is returning to the piano something you are actually committed to? Have you asked yourself why this might be important to you and listed at least five reasons to help you make a decision?
Enjoyment?
Brain health?
New friendships?
Stress release?
FUN!?
Are you sure you want to learn a different way to what you did as a child. Does the thought of playing a large repertoire of different styles and genres from memory appeal to you?
My daughter had a birthday party recently and I played for the pass the parcel game. I felt so thankful for this program that I could do that for 20 minutes straight without the need for sheet music. I was able to concentrate on who hadn’t had a turn yet rather than squinting at all those black dots on the page. After 16 years of traditional lessons as a child. I was always tied to the page I didn’t develop this skill and couldn’t play much without my music in front of me.
So,
Where are you at?
Are you serious about making music a part of your daily life?
Yes, daily.
There is absolutely no point signing up if you’re only going to get to the piano once or twice a week.
No point.
It needs to be a daily commitment.
I’m letting you know now, up front, this system works its magic with those who are prepared to jump ALL in and make it part of their day.
Having said all that, it certainly doesn’t take hours a day.
Twenty minutes per day is all you need in the early stages to get you playing great sounding music from your very first lessons.
Is it time to make a decision one way or the other? I don’t know about you but I hate being in limbo and sitting on the fence.
Trust me. You will feel better once you have said yes or no to this opportunity.
This opportunity to LOVE through your music.
This opportunity to DANCE through your music.
This opportunity to CREATE through your music.
This opportunity to COMMUNICATE through your music.
This opportunity to TELL A STORY through your music.
This opportunity to CARE through your music.
This opportunity to PERFORM through your music.
This opportunity to CONNECT WITH OTHERS through your music.
This opportunity to FLOURISH through your music.
This opportunity to FLY through your music.
This opportunity to DEVELOP through your music.
This opportunity RELAX through your music.
This opportunity to LEARN through your music.
This opportunity to BE NOURISHED
This opportunity to LIVE
This opportunity to BE A LIGHT FOR OTHERS through your music.
This opportunity to DISCOVER through your music.
This opportunity to EXPLORE through your music.
This opportunity to IMAGINE through your music.
This opportunity to DREAM through your music.
This opportunity to ACHIEVE through your music.
This opportunity to find SOLACE & PEACE through your music.
Email your best contact number to joanne@rhythmandtunes.com.au I will be in touch.