Writer’s Block from August 14, 2010:
What cheers you up the most when life gets you down?
This is going to be a bit surprising. It’s not reading, writing or taking pictures. Nor is it volunteer work or prayer; and while I’m interested in world news (particularly healthcare related), that’s not exactly cheerful.
So what what do I do when I’m really down?
Sing or play an instrument.
That’s right: I like making music. I’m halfway decent at it though nowhere near professional, but the reason I do it is because I like it. One of my most frequent “cheer-up” activities is to get into the car, plug in the mp3 player, find an Interstate and sing along with the radio.
I’m a full soprano — I intentionally speak in my lower range — and I like pushing myself, so some of my choices are a little eclectic. I’ll also admit I’m showing off, but it’s only to myself. I very rarely sing around other people except in Church.
As far as instruments, I played violin and viola in grade school but I didn’t really keep it up. I have a guitar that I’ve never learned how to play, and a mandolin I’ve been trying to teach myself. I’ve finally admitted that I need lessons but I haven’t gotten around to scheduling them yet.
My mother tells me that I’ve always been like this. I used to get more relaxation out of a half-hour practicing for strings class than I did out of two hours with a really good book.
I never made it to first violin, never mind first chair. I never qualified for honors chorus. But I’ve never really cared about the competitive or performance aspects of music, and I’m no expert on styles or critical review. I just know I like making it, and doing so always cheers me up.
I try to sing every day, for much the same reason :)