For as long as I can remember, probably since my teenage years or even earlier, I’ve been telling myself that “someday,” I would learn to play the violin. I envisioned a future where, once my children grew up, I wasn’t overwhelmed with work, had some extra cash, and plenty of free time, I would finally get a violin and take lessons.
I tucked that dream away and waited for that elusive someday.
In the meantime, life unfolded. I graduated high school, went through college, and then law school, got married, and juggled the responsibilities of work and raising kids. As my children transitioned from toddlers to teens, the idea of “someday” kept getting postponed.
I kept telling myself that it was just a silly aspiration. I didn’t have enough time after all.
Recently, during a family visit, I asked my niece to show me a few notes on her violin. As she played, memories of my long-held desire to learn resurfaced. Maybe I could ask for a violin for Christmas, I thought. If it were a gift, I could convince myself it was worth the time and money.
Last week in therapy, I brought up my wish to learn the violin. I felt it was too frivolous, too self-indulgent. But my therapist encouraged me with a simple, “Just do it.”
Later that day, I excitedly shared this conversation with my partner. While I was distracted by various tasks, I had found a local violin rental shop that offered instruments at the price of a few coffee runs each week. “Do it,” he urged. “Go get it now.”
I listed all the reasons why I shouldn’t: work commitments, lack of time, and the nagging feeling that it was too indulgent. But he persisted, “You deserve this. GO NOW.”
With that, he grabbed my keys and led me to the door. “Am I really doing this?” I questioned.
“Yes, and it’s great for you.”
Forty minutes later, I was back home with a rented violin that I didn’t know how to play and very little time to practice. But still… someday is today.
There were countless reasons not to take this step—too busy, too indulgent, lessons can be pricey, and it felt a bit selfish—but I’m grateful for the nudge from my therapist and my partner for pushing me to take the leap. Because, really, someday is today.
Many parents, especially mothers, often push their own desires to the background. “Someday” becomes our anthem. Someday we’ll write a book. Someday we’ll go back to school. Someday we’ll take a cooking class.
But why can’t that someday be today?
I’m realizing that there will never be a perfect time. We can always find excuses to dismiss our passions as frivolous. Our children will always need us, and while I hope they do for some time, we aren’t getting any younger. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
So whatever it is that you’ve been wanting to pursue, do it. It might not look like the perfect plan you envisioned, it might take longer than expected, or it might require adjustments, but these pursuits are important. You are important.
I’ve had my violin for a week now, and just seeing its case on the table brings me joy. I don’t know how to play yet, though I’ve learned a few more notes compared to a week ago, and I haven’t magically discovered “free time” to practice. But I love it and feel proud for taking this step towards learning something new. Looking back at those dreams of learning to play, I feel like I’ve truly achieved something.
Someday is today.
This is a great reminder to take time for ourselves; if you’re interested in related topics, check out this post about home insemination kits and the resources available for pregnancy. Also, for more information on healthy practices, visit this authority site and for excellent resources on pregnancy, check out this link.
Summary: The author reflects on her long-held dream of learning to play the violin, which she finally pursues after years of waiting. Encouraged by her therapist and partner, she overcomes her self-doubt to embrace a passion she once deemed frivolous. The piece highlights the importance of prioritizing personal dreams and reminds readers that it’s never too late to pursue what they love.