Here is Beethoven’s “Scene by the Brook”, the second movement of Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony, in my solo ‘Ukulele arrangement:
I had an attack of the “if onlys” this week, wishing the project would be farther along or done, thinking that if only the transcription was complete, things would be so much “better”, so much “easier”….
- “If only” I had the second movement completed…
- “If only” the whole symphony were completed…
- “If only” I had more performances of the transcription lined up…
- “If only” a full talk about the project was ready…
- etc., etc., etc…..
….THEN I’D BE HAPPY!
Have you experienced that before? Been impatient for something to be completed, thinking things will be so much better on the other side? Have you ever thought to yourself:
- “If only” I was done with high school…
- “If only” my undergraduate degree were finished…
- “If only” I was enrolled in graduate school…
- “If only” I was married…
- “If only” I had my graduate degree…
- “If only” I had a job doing what I love…
- “If only” I had a kid…
- “If only” I could play the ‘Ukulele…
- “If only” my kid was older…
- “If only” I was divorced…
- “If only” I had more money…
- “If only” I had a loving relationship…
….THEN I’D BE HAPPY!
Well, guess what? For me, all of these “if onlys” (and more) have happened. And you know what? EVERY TIME an “if only” came true, I was surprised to find that my life wasn’t better. It was about the same. I was happy some of the time, not happy some of the time. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar in your own life.
Here’s the truth: There is no “there” that is better than “here”. Right now is as good (and as bad) as it’s ever going to get. And you know what? That’s the best news ever! Because you can experience the beauty of the present moment rather than use the time you have now to wish for a better future.
So for me, twenty-five weeks in, I’m going to enjoy the process of putting a solo ‘Ukulele version of Beethoven’s Pastorale Symphony out into the world! Movement 2, page 6, baby. That’s what’s happening now.
THANK YOU for joining me on this journey! Let me know what you would like to see from this project. I love to hear from you, so drop me a line with any questions/suggestions or just to say hi!
And…when you’re ready, you can find out more about lessons with me online via Zoom or Skype (or in person, if you happen to be in Denver!) by visiting my lessons page.
all the best to you!
-James