There is only one point to this post: A happy observation that I'm once again enjoying playing guitar.
Now, that may seem like a strange sentiment, but I gave up guitar playing for a long time because I got stuck in a rut, and then stopped enjoying playing. I got re-interested a few years ago after I found myself single again, but quickly drove right into the same rut.
Fortunately, in a decision that still baffles me, I decided to take guitar lessons. I feel very fortunate that I found a terrific and accomplished teacher in the person of Steve Tjernagel (read his "Reinventing Myself: My Journey Back to Music" here). I have to say I'm in no way at the same level of this Pat Martino/Jimmy Bruno-trained guitarist, but what I've gotten from my weekly lessons with him is a newfound ability to stretch myself beyond the rut!
I believe music lessons serve two purposes: To teach us the fundamentals (rules, harmony, scales, chromatics, etc.) and to help us find our own voices.
I'm enjoying playing again!