I’m not too fond of New Year’s Eve. It might seem like a weird beef to have, but I have my reasons. Usually, I opt to fly back to Ireland on that day when I’m back in New York, so I have my celebration in the air. At least we get a little bit of champagne!
But last year (December 2020), I was home and didn’t do that. I wanted to extend my time because I wasn’t sure when I’d see my family again with the ongoing Covid situation.
I didn’t regret my decision, but I wish the situation that followed didn’t happen. Let me explain.
A Random Drive
As was the norm for me, I would take random drives to upper Westchester County because I love some of the scenery. I knew a few secret spots and wanted to see them.
Before I moved to Ireland, driving helped with my depression. So I made it a point to find small parks or lakes to sit and clear my head.
Although nothing was inherently wrong at this time, I wanted to go and reflect because it was New Year’s Eve. Everyone was out of the house, and it seemed like the perfect time to enjoy a moment to myself.
I hopped on the highway and was driving, bumping some music. There was a drizzle, which meant the air was light and crisp. My drive was going perfectly until it wasn’t.
As I was merging to get off my exit, I hit a small bump on the highway and lost control of the car. Since the tires were wet, I drifted to the left and right. It was a terrifying experience. I hit the guard rail, spun around, and came to a stop right in front of my exit.
Thankful, I hit no one and came away with no injuries, but I was shaken. Another New Year’s Eve where something life-changing happened (I’ll tell the other story another time). It felt like the entire process was a blur.
But I found myself back home after a few hours trying to piece everything together. I made plans to see my bros, but I didn’t want to drive. How could I? I knew they had no problem picking me up, but I also knew being in a car would be frightening.
Shoutout to my guy Collin. He came and got me, and I’m glad I went—however, my decision to go ties into a more significant theme.
Celebrate Your Victories
2021 beat me to hell; I won’t even lie to you. Like most, it was probably the most challenging year of my life. I found myself questioning most days because I didn’t know if I had the strength to make it through at all.
Sometimes I found myself in a dark place, and it was hard to find happiness. Although it felt familiar, I didn’t want to be there too long because it wasn’t an effective long-term solution.
But what I learned as a result was celebrating my victories, no matter what size. We get caught up in hitting a home run and overlook some foundational accomplishments in our lives. As a result, we may also forget that we have people in our corner supporting us each step of the way.
Take my car accident as an example. I was scared as hell when Collin came to pick me up, but telling him about it made me feel better. That was a small victory for me. Then when we met up with Mofya and Donnie, I shared everything with them. Another small victory.
Each of these small victories led to the most significant win, which was all of us being able to celebrate with each other on New Year’s Eve. Although “the other side” seemed scary, I took a leap of faith. I wouldn’t have enjoyed myself and created lasting memories if I didn’t go.
It also helped me get behind the wheel a few days after. I went and got some Chipotle, which was another small victory. So I’m grateful to and for them because I couldn’t have gotten past that event without their support.
2022 is Yours
As we head into 2022, I wanted to let you know I’m proud of you. It doesn’t matter how big or small you feel your accomplishment is; I’m proud of you.
2021 was a challenging year, and we made it through. It’s a blessing because many weren’t able to make it this far. But you endured. Each challenge you faced helped you develop a higher level of character needed for 2022, and I’m so excited to see the new you.
You got this.
We got this.
More life and blessings for the New Year.
CB
Conroy's Cosy Corner 