I took up the double bass because my guitar teacher told me to pick another instrument; my hands, he said, just weren’t configured to play a guitar. That was a disappointment, but I took up the double bass and loved it. I have never been a very good musician, but love the camaraderie with others and the joy of creating music together. But, I had to get over my ego reminding me that if I wasn’t really good, I should either apologize in advance or just not show up.
To keep this reminder in my consciousness I wrote a song that said, in part, “If you don’t know how to sing, and you don’t know how to play, you can have a lot of fun, you don’t have to be good, just do it anyway.” (It actually sounds much better when set to music.)
How often do we avoid doing things unless we know we’re going to look good? Obviously in business we have to be prepared and be our best, but during free time–the incredibly important period that allows us to refresh, relax and rejuvenate–we need to cut ourselves some slack. Do whatever you enjoy, whether you’re dreadful or wonderful at it. I’ve been kicked out of tap class for not being good enough (New York City dance teachers can be a bit snobbish), humiliated on the tennis court, and gently nudged out of a bird watching group for impatience. Doesn’t matter, each activity was fun and just what I wanted and needed at the time.
May I gently suggest you decide what you’ve always wanted to do, decide no one’s opinion will matter except your own, and see what memories you can begin to create.
