For as long as I can remember, I’ve held onto the dream that “one day” I would learn to play the violin. This vision of my future always included me mastering this beautiful instrument, but I believed it was something I could only pursue once my kids were grown, my workload lightened, and I finally had time to fill with something just for me. I tucked this aspiration away, waiting for “someday” to arrive.
But life had other plans. I graduated from high school, then college, and even law school, got married, and juggled the demands of my career and family, all while pushing my dreams to the back burner. Each stage brought new challenges as my children grew from toddlers to teens, and yet, “someday” continued to linger out of reach.
I often dismissed my desire to learn the violin as something trivial and unworthy of my time. That changed recently when I was visiting family and asked my niece to show me a few notes on her violin. In that moment, the familiar longing rushed back. I thought about adding it to my Christmas list, convinced that if it were a gift, I could justify the expense and time.
During a session with my therapist, I shared my feelings about wanting to play the violin but hesitated, feeling it was too self-indulgent. “Just do it,” she urged. Later that day, I mentioned this conversation to my partner. While I was stalling over other tasks, I did a quick search and found a local shop that rented violins for the price of a few coffee runs. “Go get it now,” he insisted.
I tried to list all the reasons why I shouldn’t: too busy, too indulgent, too frivolous. But he wouldn’t hear it. “You deserve this,” he said. “NOW.” He took my keys and practically pushed me out the door.
Forty minutes later, I found myself home with a rented violin, a beautiful instrument I had no idea how to play. But it didn’t matter because today felt like the day I finally took a step for myself.
I could have easily found a million excuses not to go through with it—time constraints, feelings of guilt, the cost of lessons—but thanks to my therapist’s encouragement and my partner’s nudge, I embraced the moment.
As parents, particularly mothers, we often prioritize everyone else’s needs over our own, letting “someday” become our anthem. We dream of writing novels, returning to school, or trying new hobbies. But why can’t that “someday” be today?
I’ve realized there will never be a perfect time. We often dismiss our desires as inconsequential or selfish, and our children will always need us (at least for a while). Time moves on, and we deserve to embrace our passions now.
So, whatever it is that’s been tugging at your heart, take action. It may not unfold as perfectly as you imagined, but it matters, and so do you. I’ve had my violin for a week, and just seeing its case brings me joy. I may not have magically discovered extra time to practice, but I feel proud for pursuing something new. Reflecting on my dreams of playing, I feel as though I’ve truly achieved something.
Today is the day!
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Summary:
In this reflection, the author shares her journey of finally pursuing her long-held dream of learning the violin, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal aspirations. After years of waiting for the perfect moment, she takes the plunge with encouragement from her therapist and partner, realizing that today is the day to embrace her desires and passions, rather than waiting for “someday.”
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