Growing up, I always admired guitar players. There was just something about the way they could make something look complex and effortless at the same time. Then it was an admiration and nothing more. I may have wanted to obtain the skill, but it was never realistic for me. The fact that it appeared so intricate was intimidating and ultimately discouraging to even try learning the instrument. It wasn't until my sister got out an old guitar from our basement that my intangible interest became a legitimate goal.

Seeing my sister teach herself to play guitar was enough encouragement for me to try. I learned the basics in a rather backward manner. I began with learning the chord progressions of full songs when one would normally begin with learning individual chords and notes. I can't say one way is easier or harder than the other, but the way I learned sufficed.

To say learning guitar is easy, would be like saying stubbing your toe feels good. Becoming accustomed to this foreign practice is probably the most frustrating thing I have ever done. I was so determined on being as good as the pros right off the bat and it hindered my learning. However, through this emotional and physical struggle I learned a lot about the power of determination.

The early stages of learning suck to say the least. The worst part for me was the pain in my fingertips. The strings look like they are easy to maneuver and hold, right? Well, tell that to my fingertips that have inverted lines on them and feel as though I dipped them in kerosene and then high-fived a campfire. The best part is the only way to overcome the pain is to keep playing.

The tough experiences I endured made me stronger and more resilient. There were times where I wanted to smash my guitar against a wall because I couldn't master a chord progression or a difficult strumming/picking pattern. I shortly realized that would be counterproductive, so I took a deep breath and continued. This taught me to have patience with myself and my work.

Now that I am accustomed to various strumming patterns and I can play a plethora of chords, guitar comes a lot easier to me. I am through the steepest part of the uphill process that is learning the guitar. Instead of being tedious and aggravating, playing calms me. If I am stressed out after class, the first thing I do when I get to my room is grab my guitar. Focusing my mind and energy on playing a song is therapeutic. My breathing and heart rate slow down and my mind becomes clear.

Who would have thought that learning an instrument would have such an impact on my everyday life. It has given me a source of tranquility and clarity in my mind. Every time I look at the calluses on my left fingers, I am reminded of how far I have come and that perseverance pays off. I wanted to teach myself how to play in order to just be able to play. I didn't realize at the beginning of this process that I would learn about my ability to learn and find a calming outlet that will be forever evident in my life.