[TPIN] How does one hang in there when really, really discouraged?

[CMH25 at aol.com]

I've found it's alot like golf.  All it takes is that one moment in  time 
where you make the perfect swing, perfect contact, and then you watch the  ball 
seem to fly for an eternity.  It's that one moment that keeps you  coming back. 
 I have been struggling with my playing now for several  years.  It's not 
easy an thing to deal with.  But each day I play,  there is that one etude, one 
solo, one good high note (for me!) that keeps me  coming back.  Ultimately I've 
realized that I haven't made the time to  practice that I should to see the 
results that I think I should be  seeing/hearing.  
 
What's kept me going is I found a great teacher in my area.  Do we  meet 
every week?  No!  Neither one of us have that kind of time.   But he's been a 
great source of encouragement and a great reminder of the joy I  can experience 
regardless of how I feel about my playing at the time.   Realize we all go 
through this and don't give up!
 
Sincerely,
Chris