Acoustic Insights: Life lessons from learning guitar

For years, the idea of learning to play the guitar had piqued my curiosity. I couldn't pinpoint exactly why, considering my last encounter with a musical instrument dated back to junior high school. And my early singing experiences, marked by a memorable performance of "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" as a front-toothless 3rd grader, had left me with a few musical scars.

Perhaps it was my self-image that kept me from venturing into the world of guitar. I didn't fit the typical mold of a guitar player, which may have kept me from giving it a go for quite some time. Almost six months ago, as I embarked on my guitar journey, my neighbor, a member of an actual rock band, caught me with my guitar one day and asked, "Oh, who's playing the guitar?" I glanced around, then replied with a sheepish grin, "Me...?"

The mix of supportive yet puzzled questions from close friends, neighbors, and even employees at the guitar store were both amusing and motivating.

My initial guitar lessons, grappling with the basics of holding the instrument correctly, choosing the right guitar, and fumbling through the learning process, had me questioning my decision. "What are you even doing here? You... and a guitar? You got bangs (curly ones!) last week, and a guitar this week. What’s happening, Holly?" It reminded me of how I felt—equally unprepared, ungraceful, and humbled—when I first started barre fitness.

But one enduring lesson from that and countless other life experiences is this: we are far stronger than we realize, both physically and emotionally. As the bridge in "Wild Horses" by Birdy, one of my favorite songs, goes, "Our human hearts forget how strong they are."

Just before I embarked on my guitar journey, something unexpected happened in my life that I wasn’t sure how to navigate. This uncertainty only fueled my determination to engage my mind in a new and creative way, something entirely unrelated to product design. With a strong support system, quality therapy, and this newfound creative outlet in the form of a guitar, I faced this uncertain period with intention, personal growth, and mindfulness.

Now, as I begin my sixth month of guitar lessons, I'm proud to have surpassed the point where I thought I might give up. I’ve committed to short fingernails which, for me, is quite the sacrifice. I even played “Happy Birthday” in front of people at my son’s 8th birthday party. This journey has been incredibly rewarding. My instructor, Bryson, has not only helped me start learning the guitar but also rediscover the beauty and magic in acquiring a new skill.

Each guitar lesson leaves me with moments of inspiration and life lessons that extend beyond the fretboard. In the weeks and months to come, I'd like to share some of these insights. Here are some of the topics I'm considering:

💭 How to Choose When Choices Are Endless: Whether you're buying a guitar or making a significant life decision, I'll explore the art of decision-making when the possibilities seem limitless.

↪️ A Secret to Easier Transitions: From mastering chord changes to navigating life transitions, I'll share what I’m learning about making transitions smoother and less daunting.

🔍 Pivot or Zoom In: Whether you're stuck in a song or struggling in life, I'll delve into some strategies to break through those moments of stagnation and uncertainty.

I'm excited to share these insights as I continue this journey. 🎸🎶

I’m curious, what have your creative outlets or hobbies taught you about life?