Then suddenly, the past smacks right into the present.

In 2015, I learned to play the guitar. Over time, I had to develop calluses in the finger pads of my left hand. No easy feat, let me tell you. It was painful and grueling. I had to learn which string to hold as I picked with my right hand. I had to learn transitions and go over scales again, and again. Slowly, I got the movements down and muscle memory developed. Soon I was able to play simple songs then eventually, Wicked Games by Chris Isaak.

I realized today I haven’t picked up my guitar since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly three years. Maybe four. I forgot how much I enjoyed playing. I was looking at my guitar in its case resting against the wall. I need to start playing again. Not so much because I stopped, more for me. For my enjoyment, for my development.

One thing is for sure. I no longer have calluses on the finger pads of my left hand. This is going to be painful. It’s a lesson in consistency. Keep playing.

Despite everything, you have to keep playing regardless of a global pandemic or pain in my fingertips. One thing is true. If I kept playing, I wouldn’t be worrying about potential pain. Maybe I would be able to play something more than Wicked Games.