From Songwriting to Home Improvements: Don Amero Shares His Passion Projects
Everyday life has always served as a source of creativity for me as a performer. All the individuals I’ve met, all the places I’ve been, all the things I’ve seen and done—they’re all reflected in my music. Now that I’m mature and have a family of my own, though, I’ve realized that my creative interests go beyond just music. In fact, I’ve recently discovered that DIY home renovation is one of my most stimulating creative outlets.
Improving my home isn’t just about making repairs or making it appear nicer to me. It’s a way for me to be creative, improve the quality of my home life, and make something of which I can be pleased. I’ve noticed a parallel between my approach to home improvement and the way I handle my music in that both require originality, effort, and attention to detail.
My kitchen remodel was among my earliest DIY endeavors. I wasn’t positive if I could handle the enormity of the task at first. My kitchen used to be dark and claustrophobic, but with some forethought and effort, I was able to turn it into a spacious, modern kitchen that I am happy to host dinner parties in. Moreover, I learned that it is extremely rewarding to take on a massive undertaking like this and see it through to its conclusion.
In addition to painting the interior of my house, I’ve also been working on an outdoor garden. A part of me has always wanted to do this, but I just never felt like I had the time or motivation to get around to it. However, I discovered once again that with some forethought and effort, I was able to construct a lovely and useful garden area that my loved ones and I can enjoy for years to come. This endeavor, like my music, has been a great source of satisfaction and joy for me.
But the most intriguing aspect of my interest in house improvement is how it relates to my musical interests. Initially, I failed to see the relevance between them. Both require me to use my hands and mind, but one involves creating music and playing it while the other involves creating physical objects. But the more I’ve studied both interests, the more I see the similarities between them.
One similarity between musical composition and house renovation is the need for original thought. While composing a composition, I use my creativity to think of interesting melodies, lyrics, and chord progressions. When I’m fixing up my house, I use the same imaginative spirit to think of fresh approaches to the project’s design and to address any issues that crop up along the way.
Even more significantly, though, both music and home improvement call for a great deal of effort and commitment. The lyrics or guitar riff for a composition I’m working on could take me hours, if not days, to perfect. And when I’m renovating my home, I can devote weeks or even months on a single room. But in both instances, I am rewarded with something lovely and complete of which I am proud.
So, what do I recommend to people who want to follow their own creative dreams, whether in the realm of music or house improvement or something else entirely? Don’t be afraid to branch out and attempt something new. You never know what you might be capable of until you give it a try. This is true whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or attempting DIY house repairs.
Don’t give up on yourself so quickly. There will be moments of frustration and discouragement in any creative endeavor. But if you keep going, you’ll accomplish your objectives and make something of which you can be pleased.
Finally, do not hesitate to seek assistance when you need it. There is no guilt in asking for help, whether it comes from loved ones, experts, or a combination of the two. The truth is that asking for assistance is often the first step toward realizing one’s complete potential and accomplishing one’s artistic ambitions.
My interest in house improvement developed similarly to how my appreciation for music evolved. Both activities demand originality, persistence, and commitment on my part, and yet they have each contributed significantly to my sense of well-being and contentment. While I recognize that not everyone will appreciate my tastes, I do hope that sharing my experiences will encourage others to follow their own artistic impulses.
In the end, we only have one life to live, so we might as well spend it doing what brings us the most joy and satisfaction. Everyone has the ability to make something wonderful and significant, whether it be music, home improvement, or something else completely. The best way to find out where your interests lie is to get out there and give them a shot. What you’re capable of doing might startle you.
