Passion and Talent: My Journey with Skiing and Playing the Flute
Passions and talents are often the driving forces behind our lives, shaping the way we experience the world around us. In my life, two such passions have taken a significant role: skiing and playing the flute. This article explores how these two pursuits have enriched my life, brought me joy, and taught me valuable lessons.
Passion: Skiing
My life as a skier started about twelve years ago. Skiing had become my primary obsession, and there is no feeling like sliding down steep tree-filled glades, with exposed runouts and cliffs looming overhead. The biting hoar frost in the air, the swirling snow, and the quiet solitude of the slopes always captivate my imagination and transport me into a state of sublime ecstasy, something that I carry with me even through the summer months.
Passion: Playing the Flute
While skiing remains a significant passion, there's also something deeply personal and satisfying about playing the flute. I've been playing the flute for just over five years, but my interest really began two years ago when I finally began to care about it intensely. Unlike my other extracurricular activities, the flute has required numerous hours of practice and dedication, more so than most would deem necessary.
My journey with the flute began under the guidance of my mother, who saw the value in learning an instrument and, more importantly, setting an example for my younger brother. However, it wasn't until a specific encounter that I truly became passionate about it. Facing the challenges of musical theory and the dynamics of social interactions with fellow musicians, I turned a corner and started to practice more diligently. I even decided to undertake a solo performance, an audacious step given my severe social anxiety. Despite my initial hesitations, my new resolve was evident.
Changing attitude and growth
When I faced my teacher with a challenge, asking her for lessons despite not understanding triplets, she initially showed little to no enthusiasm. However, her words, though initially overshadowed by my anxiety, held a profound meaning. Her statement, "I didn’t expect you to stick around but I’m proud of you," meant more to me than she could possibly know. The subsequent year saw a significant transformation in my playing, as my dedication paid off. I mastered vibrato, gave another solo, and even received a recommendation to upgrade my instrument, a clear sign of her belief in my talent.
The turning point came when my new teacher recognized my potential better than my previous teacher. Her encouragement and demeanor made a tremendous impact on me, reducing my anxiety and making me feel more confident. Because of her, I felt so much more driven to be the best flute player in my school. I was able to justify my title through hard work and practice, whereas Jackie, the girl who had initially brought me down, lagged far behind. I achieved greater success and, in the process, I kicked some ass in my school band, winning first place in an honor band competition.
Legacy and gratitude
My mother believes that my "musician craziness" is the driving force behind my improved performances. While I am not yet perfect, I have made significant progress and have been able to surpass those who had previously disrespected my talent. To all who supported me, I am grateful. The new teacher, my family, my friends, and even my cat—each played a part in my journey to become a better player. Thank you to everyone who helped me surpass the haters and elevate my skill level.
Conclusion
These passions of mine have been pivotal in shaping who I am today. Skiing has taught me resilience and the thrill of conquering challenges, while playing the flute has offered a path to self-expression and overcoming my social fears. Together, they have enriched my life immeasurably, and I look forward to continuing my journey in these pursuits.
Posted by Qwen | Updated on September 27, 2023