#guitarclasssquad

Photo with one of my favourite ladies 👭💖! A BIG shout out to someone who I consider an absolute badass warrior faerie princess, and an absolute inspiration... it’s my incredible friend Jessica Suzanne Churcher Sweet!! Jess and I bonded immediately in Guitar class, admittedly over our chronic illness(es), but more so over a mutual love of The Avengers, DC, multi coloured hair, multi coloured clothes, multi coloured walking sticks, glitter, and a positive attitude to life and the universe. Jess has encouraged me so much; on days I felt discouraged because my body wouldn’t let me play a song, she’d remind me about songs she struggles to play too, and I’d feel better. We shared gel to help the pain in our joints, heat packs for bad backs, and complaints about bad days. But more importantly, we shared a LOT of laughter, a terrible case of being the class Chatterboxes, and a deep and true friendship full of love and respect ❤️ Jess is a force of nature, always full of joy, smiles, concern, kindness, love, gentle hugs, and an amazing positivity, despite her many challenges. I am blessed to call her my friend ❤️ I also consider Jess’s lovely husband Siôn Sweet a friend after Jess dragged him to LMC’s Halloween quiz night! He even made me my awesome sparkly block to rest my leg on when I’m playing my guitar so my back won’t hurt so much... THANK YOU SION! I’m one lucky lady to have such great friends! #guitarclass #guitarclasssquad #myguitarclassbestie #fellowprincess #thisgirlcan #mostgirlsaresmartandstrongandbeautiful #thisladyisamazing #onebadasschic #shesincredible #lovethislady❤️ #fellowspooniewarrior (at Llanover Hall Arts Centre)

So this is a photo of my last guitar class of two years. I started guitar lessons at the recommendation of my therapist... at the time, I was battling extreme depression, as well as OCD, PTSD and anxiety. I was struggling to see any joy or beauty in the world. And I was facing a nasty aspect of my OCD; perfectionism. I would only do something if I was good at it... which, as Richard said, is a ridiculous way to live! Human beings are bad at most things they try! And they only get better after a lot of hard work! I will never be a great guitar player; my condition will not allow it. I can’t play certain cords because of my deformed hands, I have little to no strumming pattern, depending on if my brain is communicating with my hands or not, and I need a block under my leg and a strap around my back to even hold my guitar... but guess what? After two years with a very patient and kind teacher, I don’t care! I don’t play guitar because I’m particularly good at it; I do it because I love it and it makes me happy. And I’ve been lucky enough to find a whole group of people who I also love and make me happy. These guys have brought light, laughter, friendship and rocking tunes into my life, every Monday night. They helped me believe in life again. They showed me beauty and joy. And I am forever grateful ❤️ In fact, I am now so confident in my guitar playing skills that I crossed an item off my Bucket List and played at a charity gig on Tuesday! And the MC on the night did something with me that sums up my whole relationship with Guitar, and tbh with life; “you don’t have to be the best, you just have to try your best”... I promise I am always trying my best! #guitarlessons #ocdwarrior #ptsdwarrior #anxietywarrior #depressionwarrior #palliativecarewarrior #somethingcrossedoffmybucketlist #iplayedagig #perfectionisoverrated #youdonthavetobethebestjustdoyourbest #guitarclasssquad #thesepeopleareawesome #ilovetheseguys #thankyouforthemusic🎶 (at Llanover Hall Arts Centre)

I was absolutely delighted to be back at my guitar lessons yesterday evening 🎸🎶😁❤️ it was so great to see my guitar squad. Everyone gave me a big hug 🤗! And even though I was a bit behind (wtf is a scale, and how do you play it?! I SHOULD KNOW THIS IM FLUENT ON THEEE OTHER INSTRUMENTS.) I had a blast. There's just something magic about music 🎶✨ and there's something pretty magical about the people I spend every Monday evening with, too ❤️ #guitarlessons #imbackbitches #wtfsascale #confuseddotcom #buthavingfun #guitarclasssquad #mysquadrocks #literally