When I left my teaching job in 2014, I suddenly had a lot more free time. I was able to devote blocks of attention to pursuits that had fallen to the wayside. I began earnestly practicing piano every day, mindfully giving myself assignments, improving my skills, probably to the highest level in my life. Over the years, I even felt qualified to write articles about How to Practice the Piano.

And then came the pandemic. My husband had a medical crisis unrelated to Covid-19, and it changed our lives. I’m sorry to say that I’ve hardly practiced at all in four years.

When I started to return to my pre-pandemic pursuits late in 2022, I also heard the wonderful musicians at my church playing their instruments, and I longed to play. I rejoined the choir and the hand bell choir, and our weekly rehearsals tire me out, as does my weekly Bible study. I don’t have the stamina I used to enjoy.

One of my goals for 2024 was to return to regular piano practice. I think I’ve practiced twice this year.

Back when I was practicing every day, I used to sit down after dinner to play.

Now I’m so exhausted with being Greg’s caretaker and doing all my chores and what used to be his chores, too, that after dinner all I can think about is napping, and I often sleep for three hours, then do the dishes, a load of laundry, and a few Duolingo lessons before going back to bed.

I don’t know how to break the cycle.

On those couple of days that I did practice, I had some energy after dinner. I wish I knew where that energy came from, because I could sure use some more.

***

Between writing the preceding paragraph and this one, I got up and played piano for half an hour. It occurred to me that if I really want to practice the piano, I’ve got to be flexible.

For years, I’ve earmarked mornings for appointments and errands and chores, and afternoons for writing. After dinner worked well for piano practice—until four years ago.

Duh—I need to reschedule my practice time. Maybe after lunch, or maybe as a break during my writing time. I can’t believe the answer is as simple as this. But I will try it. And I’ll let you know how it goes.

See, this is why blogging is important. When you write about your problems, sometimes the solution becomes apparent. Thank you, dear reader, for being patient with me.