NYE IS DIY — Laughing My Ass Off

Dec 29

Dec 29 NYE IS DIY

Every year, at least one person gasps when I nostalgically claim that New Years Eve is my favorite holiday. "But why?!?"

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Yes, the bars are crowded. The Chicago weather can be dreadful. The drinks are overpriced or scarce from open bar lines. The taxis come sporadically. And people are often drunk behind any level of comfort.

Those are excuses for missing the moment. That 60 seconds between what you have done in your past life and the unadulterated bliss in knowing that you have the ability to take the next 365 days and mold them into your own creation. What happens in your life has nothing to do with the crowds, bars, drinks, or cabs...your decisions are solely yours.

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I am admittedly a person who struggles with change from the outside world. I have become confused and mournful between high school and college, college and graduate school, and in exploring new jobs. But, I warmly embrace any self-dictated changes. I've transitioned my personal style almost annually and currently, I've chosen to rebuild my body. Change is the only certainty in this world. The power to welcome it soothes the fear of the chaotic.

I overheard a man on the train last night. He was on the phone explaining, as he paced in circles, that he wasn't doing any more heroin after that night. He was off to rehab in the new year. But, he said, in this moment he wanted to enjoy his high because "28 days is a long mother fuckin' time, man". 28 days to turn a dire situation into a new life. I wanted to tell him that it's not that long and wish him luck. But I held my tongue and hope he takes his life back. If he has that opportunity to endure that pain and reemerge anew, you have absolutely no excuse.