Put the wheels in motion.
Move beyond your fears
and firmly close the door
on a very hard year.
Those lyrics are from a song called “New Year’s Eve” by The Nadas – one of my favorite bands (and somebody you really need to check out. Seriously. Do it.)
How can I put this politely…2011 was a complete and utter turd of a year.
Sure, there were definitely some great moments: I earned my first professional writing job, I started this blog which has been more enjoyable than expected, and there are thousands of smiles and laughs inspired by my wife and daughter. These things (and countless more that I am forgetting) make me a very lucky man.
Yet…when I look back on 2011, I’m likely to remember the bad things that happened, the sad things that happened, the unexpected things that happened. I won’t go into exhaustive detail, but the lowlights include: putting my beloved dog to sleep, being unemployed for over 2 months, having emergency back surgery (again), and learning of our failed adoption (and corresponding financial hit) via Facebook.
The sad truth is the bad outweighed the good this year. And I know that I am far from alone in that.
That is why New Year’s Eve really speaks to a lot of people. Yes, for most it is an excuse to go out*, fight the crowds, and spend inflated prices for deflated champagne.
*”Amateur Night” as my sister calls it. P.S – Get a designated driver or call a cab you lightweights.
But for others, it is an opportunity. A chance to erase bad habits, reboot your life, and “firmly close the door on a very hard year.”
I hope you’ll take four minutes to listen to the beautiful song below* and know that “everybody tries a little more on New Year’s Eve”.
*And if you wanted to buy/download their music – or check them out on Spotify – that would be okay too. This is some good music. If you’re not listening, you are missing out.
