Letting go

I sold my guitar. Yes, you read that right. It was not an easy decision but a right one.

I am a music lover. I enjoy listening to rock and metal music. I loved how the guitar solo in music strikes a cord directly to our hearts. I could experience the pain that was carried by the musician through the strings. I was swept away by how the instrument was so powerful to convey the emotions. This is when I decided that I will learn to play guitar.

Twenty something old me stood right in front of a musoc shop. I asked for a basic guitar. I specifically asked for a guitar for a beginner. The shop owner, another music lover, a kind soul showed me the guitars. He suggested which one would be best suited for me. I was earning and was ready to spend my adult money on the very thing I love. I bought the guitar without a second thought.

I joined guitar classes too. I used to go directly to the guitar class after my office. I will not lie, guitar lessons were tough. Maybe my fingers were not flexible enough. Other young kids who learnt the lesson in 2 sessions, I took 4 sessions for it. I was not afraid or disappointed. But the reality was in front of me. I was practicing at home too. My progress was slow. "You should have joined earlier," said the instructor. I agreed, my hands and fingers were stiff because the computer use and air conditioning. Alsi the inevitable age (yes, 20+ years is not young enough to learn guitar).

I still was determined. I had dreams of performing on the stage. I wanted to be the next Slash or Carlos Santana. I wanted to see headbanging metal fans in my shows. But destiny had other plans. As days passed, my career was progressing too. I got a promotion at my office. With promotion came more responsibilities which resulted in more working hours. I missed one guitar lesson, then one more, then another. I will surely attend the class today, I would decide, but then a last minute meeting would destroy my plans. Due to work, I would not get much time at work to practice. Like this way, I did not touch the guitar for a whole month. One month turned into two, which finally resulted in one year. The guitar sat in a corner of my room. I would see it everyday. I would promise to play it the next day. Needless to say I would break that promise everyday.

Years went by. During the 2020 lockdown, I played the guitar a few times. But as the pandemic got over, I did not touch it again. I would look at it like a lost love. The one that got away.

Finally, a few days ago, I made a courageous decision. I had to let it go. What if there is a budding artist who needs a guitar more than I do? What if this guitar could serve an artist rather than collecting dust at my home? Maybe it is for the best to sell or donate it. May a deserving person own and use it. That is whenI dialed a few numbers and called a few people. A music academy expressed their interest. I immediately handed over the guitar to them.

When I gave the guitar to that musician, I felt lighter. I never knew the weight of that guitar on my heart, but it was all gone. I was delighted that someone will give this guitar a justice that I could not do. Letting it go was the best thing I could have done.

Now I understand why they say if you live someone let it go. That is the only way to find happiness. Not only for us but to them as well.

My dear love, serve your new owner well. I know that your new owner will love you as much as I did. Your new owner will take you to places I never could. You new owner will give you the respect you deserve. Serve then well, my love ❤️