Anxiety hierarchy: play at open mic.

[oak]

Thanks Manuel Moe!

22 hours until open mic. Pure panic!

Good:

I am committed to going, and anything I do, or don't do, will be a success, because I tried.

Bad:

I don't know the song as well as I'd like! I may need to bring the paper listing the chords, a shameful prospect.

I broke a string last night!

I hurt my finger while trying to pop the string-anchor thing out!

Summary

I am not ready.

But I always knew that if I waited until "I was ready", I would never do it (ie perfectionism becomes procrastination).

So, I am going tomorrow. I am filled with terror.

[manuel_moe_g]

Good luck! You are truly a self actualized man!

[rivergirl]

Sending my support & encouragement, Oak. I agree, whatever you do or don't do isn't as important as all of your efforts and in that regard you're already successful!

[oak]

I made it!

I made every mistake I anticipated, any mistake I could make it. But it was okay!

I read your lovely encouragement, MM and RG, right as I was walking in. I helped the organizer set up, and he was afraid no one else would show up.

I was terrified when any number of attractive women came in!

I volunteered to go first, and clutching my guitar I told the audience, "I am terrified. I have never done anything like this before. I am going to play a song called 'You Are My Sunshine'".

My A chord was buzzy, and I found the D chord slowly. I also had the sheet with the chords. But I persevered and got through the whole song.

The audience clapped for me!

[manuel_moe_g]

It is not hyperbole to say that you are my hero. The highest form of existence is to be a self-actualized person. The only way it could be sweeter is if we could have been there in person to cheer you on! Much congratulations!

[rivergirl]

This is so awesome, Oak! Congratulations!

[oak]

Thanks friends!

This very thread was the last thing I read before walking into the venue. I didn't turn around, because you encouraged me.

Ergo I am retiring this thread with gratitude.

I'll post again when I accomplish my secondary and ultimate goal: inviting a woman to watch the sun set while I play for her.

[oak]

Having successfully completed two open mics six months ago, I just gave my guitar to someone who can actually play it.

I say that not being self-deprecating: I couldn't play it. I couldn't get my fingers to work when fretting (left hand), and my mind couldn't conceive strumming. Those are important parts of guitar!

I immediately understood finger picking, or plucking with the right hand. Ergo I've ordered a lyre.

While I enjoyed the guitar, sort of, I came to understand that taking any more time, after a year of trying, to fit a round peg into a square hole was not an effective use of my time.

Still, I feel bittersweet: I now know how people can get attached to guitars. The acquaintance I gave it to was very grateful, and has plans to play it in the real world.

Sometimes we can be the conduit; something we have is attracted to somebody else. It is good to get with the flow.

My main/original goal of serenading someone, at sunset, is still alive. She (whoever she turns out to be) will have to accept lyre. Which is an ancient instrument, so I should be good.

[snoringdog]

Hey Oak!

Thanks for the post, it made me smile.

You're a lot further along in the music department than I am! Wanted to play lead like Santana, but never had the patience..... So now I just play air guitar when no one's looking

You're right - there are so many stringed instruments available, you should be able to find one that suits you better and lets you express yourself without getting in the way....

Regards

SD