Today’s prompt was to write about a time when I began doing something daily. All day I have been thinking about creative practice and other endeavours that I have done daily for either years, or just a few weeks.
I received this bouquet after a successful choir term and concerts. The repertoire chosen for these concerts consisted of favourite choral classics from what the choir has performed over the past 40 years. This is only my 2nd year with the choir, but I have accompanied choirs of various types and abilities since I was 16. Often the reward is knowing that I have done my best, and receiving a bouquet.
Ever since the age of 8 when I began piano lessons, throughout most of my life, piano and now organ practice has happened daily. There have brief periods it wasn’t possible (camping trips, road trips, recovering from childbirth, etc.) but there are very few days where I don’t spend any time making some sort of music.
Other daily endeavours have included the 100 day challenge of the Isolation Journals (spring of 2020) as well as a long streak of 2060 days of DuoLingo. I am quite proud of that achievement!! Over the past 5 1/2 years I have spent between 2 and 20 minutes a day practicing French, German or Italian, and now Chess. There is no way I am going to skip a day now!!
I have tried to stick with a daily exercise program. Over a year ago I started walking for 30 minutes every morning. It was nice to get out before sunrise, before other people started walking (I like to avoid conversations with strangers…) but then we were warned about coyotes in the neighbourhood. So, the walks stopped. I don’t walk when it’s hot and sunny, and I don’t want to walk when it’s dark, as I am afraid of coyotes, people and angry deer.
Then I tried an exercise App. It worked for a while, but I find it quite boring. I know that I need to get in better shape so maybe it’s time to start a new daily exercise routine. If I have the discipline to reach 2060 days of language and chess practice, I should be able to stick with a daily exercise routine.
But…I would rather make music….
Reflections 