What Effort Builds, What Time Deepens 🎻

I recently performed in an orchestra concert, and it felt good to be back this fall! I started learning the violin because my mom wanted me to. As a child, I sometimes practiced five times and told my teacher I’d done all ten. 😅 Looking back, I’m grateful she got me started, even though I really didn’t want to practice back then.

Growing up, I heard it is good to have something you enjoy outside of work. I understand that now. Music has stayed with me through different schools, countries, and stages of life.

Every Wednesday evening, we rehearse for two and a half hours. I listen, count, miss a note, find my way back, and try again. Being completely absorbed in the music feels refreshing. After a full workday, I’m often tempted to stay home. “Maybe I’m not feeling well… should I skip tonight?” 😂

But once I commit, I show up, so I’ve never actually skipped just because I didn’t feel like going, haha. I always enjoy it once I’m there, and concerts remind me why I keep going. It’s like choosing exercise over lying in bed after a meal, healthy food over junk food, or reading over scrolling through reels. The easier option is tempting in the moment, but I often feel better after making the effort. I’m learning to enjoy that feeling, too.

I’ve also learned over the years that structure and routine help me stay consistent. I don’t have extraordinary willpower, but having regular rehearsals and concerts to prepare for keeps me showing up. Putting myself in a “system” works well for me.

Some growth comes from focused effort. Other growth develops through years of experience in music, work, and life. Over ten, twenty, or thirty years, we can develop perspective, judgment, and intuition that are difficult to gain all at once, no matter how hard we try. I’m learning to appreciate both the progress I can actively work toward and the depth that takes time to develop.

With each rehearsal and passing year, I’m learning to appreciate what effort builds and what time deepens. 🎻

P.S. I got to sit right next to the harpist this time. Hearing the harp up close was such a treat! 😊

#LifelongLearning #PersonalGrowth #Music #Orchestra #Consistency #LifeBeyondWork #DrLemon