Unfulfilled Dreams: Skills I’ve Always Wanted to Learn

Growing up, I had many aspirations and dreams that I wanted to pursue but never quite managed. One of the skills I’ve always wanted to learn is ballroom dancing. I was fascinated by the elegance and passion involved in dances like the Foxtrot, Tango, and Quickstep. The thought of becoming the best dancer and mastering these graceful movements has always held a special place in my heart. However, fate intervened, and due to circumstances beyond my control, I’ve never fully pursued this dream.

The Road Not Taken

Another childhood dream of mine was to become a pianist. The idea of playing the piano, much like pressing keys on a harmonium or a keyboard, appealed to me. I even had a few lessons with my aunt, a talented pianist, who reignited my inner musician. Unfortunately, it was discovered that my fingers did not have the necessary range to play the piano. My small hands, though nimble, lacked the width required for proper technique. This setback led to the end of my musical aspirations.

Baking and Beyond

There are two skills I would love to learn, both of which are quite common and appealing: baking and digital art and animation. I have a passion for creating and consuming delicious treats such as cakes, pastries, cookies, and scones. My love for baked goods initially led me to successfully bake bread. However, due to dietary restrictions, I am advised to avoid wheat, sugar, and dairy. This limitation prevents me from fully exploring the art of baking.

Another interest of mine is digital art and animation. With the abundance of user-friendly software available today, it seems within reach to learn these crafts. Yet, I have not taken the step to start. I find digital art fascinating, but the current reality is that my culinary limitations deter me from pursuing both.

Casual Hobbies and Lifelong Learning

While I have many interests, there are also hobbies I wish to explore and improve in, such as food gardening, woodwork, knots, guitar, voice impressions, breeding bugs for protein, and learning Latin. However, my current life circumstances and a lack of discipline and motivation hold me back. My focus is currently on maintaining my martial arts skills, with the hope of becoming a lifelong practitioner.

The Pursuit of Joy through Playing the Piano

One interest I have always held dear but have yet to fully pursue is playing the piano. The love for pressing piano keys and the appreciation for music has been a constant in my life. Even as a programmer, I found joy in the harmonium, sometimes playing it in school when no one else was using it. The key is not the technical knowledge of ragas and rhythms; it's the joy of producing music by pressing keys.

The ease of learning new things in today's digital age can sometimes make it challenging to focus on one pursuit, especially when it requires practice and dedication. I am certain that with the right motivation and resources, I can make progress in learning to play the piano.

Recently, I rediscovered my desire to learn the harmonica and have started playing. This experience has reminded me that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams. My journey to learn to play the piano continues, and I am hopeful that with time and effort, I will fulfill this dream.