Hi there.
Like ozmoid for many years, I piddled around with my guitar, mostly because it was a righty turned upside down. With that one I spent most of my time trying to keep the strings in tune, just a bummer.
A year and a half ago I was given a really nice lefty acoustic for Christmas from my hubby. Still I wouldnt stay with it. Well sibling rivalry was my turning point, lol. My big brother, also a lefty decided after open heart surgery to quit procrastinating, having realized he never finished any hobby he started. Sounding familiar to me, I agreed. Now I play on weekends with a group of real seasoned pickers ( our genre is country, gospel and a very small amount of bluegrass) . This has been an incredible help to me.
When I started with them 4 months ago, I couldnt even keep up with a 3/4 waltz style beat. Now I almost made it thru orange blossom special, boy did my arm burn shew.... By myself I still dont like what I hear coming from my guitar, however the other night my hubby (who doesnt like the music Im playing) says, dear is that ? And it was....yeah! I was so excited he recognized the song I was trying to play. He said that sounds pretty good. Wow, sweetest words I have ever heard!!
My poor brother lives 14 hours from me and doesnt have a group of people to play with on weekends he is needing some video's or people to play along with himself. If you look around you may find some folks that get together and play for fun. I will tell you for me that is by far the best decision I have ever made. Playing with these people keeps you motivated, keeps you from getting stuck on your learning scale. And most of all its free lessons and a bonus, some new pals. Best of luck to ya! DO NOT GIVE UP!