How did you get out of a mental rut?

[Sick Michael]

Get some lessons from Truefire or one of the other online instructional places.

Or get a girlfirend/wife.

Or Visit Tehran/UK

All will change your perspective, to varying degrees, mostly for the better

 

[matttornado]

That's a shame you left all that behind... I get that way too. I have to learn songs for the cover band I'm in and 90% of the time I couldn't care less and wait till a day or hours before practice. I have to force myself. I still manage to learn & go prepared though, more than the other band mates. LOL

Maybe you chose the wrong job? If you are that passionate about playing music and being in that great environment you had, consider moving back. Nothing will stop you if playing music is a top priority in your life, even a job.

I'd rather be living comfortably while playing music than making a lot of money and not.