13 Comments
User's avatar
Jason's avatar

I remember in my early 20’s in West Hollywood, there was always this idealized concept that to be in one of the popular gay clubs at New Years, amongst your fellow LGBTQ community, was THE ONLY place to be.

After spending two consecutive New Years in a long line waiting to get into a club at the countdown, I realized how it was repeating an already familiar pattern of wanting to belong, and yet still managing to not quite ‘make the cut’.

Around that same time, an older and wiser acquaintance shared how he met with a group of friends and they meditated as the calendar rolled from one year into the next. I remember feeling a natural curiosity rise about how that could be a really kind and helpful option to consider myself. All these years later I still enjoy going into a softer, more spacious state and appreciate taking stock of my life and visioning what’s possible. I’m not a fan of resolutions but I do love the fresh feelings of inspiration. ❤️

Byron Lane's avatar

So cool, Jason! Yes and yes! A "softer, more spacious state"--Perfect. So much noise out there. How wonderful you found a meaningful path.

I might borrow it for next year. :)

Robert Walker's avatar

NYE is always anticlimactic. Going out that night has always felt like an expensive chore. Staying in with people who ask real questions, like you, is much more satisfying. Cheers to being nosy, and wanting to understand what makes others, and ourselves, tick. Miss you!

Byron Lane's avatar

Ha! Miss you too! Here's to more holidays together. And non-holidays! Just any day. An afternoon. A coffee break! xo

David Crowley's avatar

Had lovely NYE. Big feast with friends. Only problem is most of my friends are straight and are amazing but I need more gays in my life so I can meet more people to date. The apps scare me. I need to work on that in the new year. Happy new year to you and Steve.

Donna Hetchler's avatar

"Managing expectations." Simple but profound.

Byron Lane's avatar

Oh, Donna! The simple bits always hit me hardest. HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIEND!

BriGuyRN's avatar

I read this as I am about to step into the shower, crying. It is NYE and I am not enjoying myself, my love life is confusing, my work life is a toxic cesspool, and I am trying to move between houses. I just want to be content and peaceful. And to be able to make my needs known. NYE when it comes crashing around me and I am not anywhere where I want to be.

Byron Lane's avatar

Aw friend. I’m hugging you now. It’s a wild time these holidays. But tomorrow is on the way. And the rain is passing. And love and work and peace and contentment are weather inside just like weather outside. We don’t always get to be sunny. But it moves. It’ll come back around. Just sharing this with me warms my heart! In your gloomy day you bring others warmth. Hope to return the favor sometime.

Reis Daniel's avatar

You always say the quiet part out loud. As well as make me smile. Thanks for another wonderful entry.

Byron Lane's avatar

Love ya friend

Cathy Berner's avatar

Two things: Must remember to adjust expectations for the New Year. And cannot WAIT for the story of the church youth group coup! xoxoxo.

Byron Lane's avatar

Cathy! Happy New Year! You kind, brilliant soul! You've been waiting for that story since the beginning--the pressure, the pressure! Thinking of you as I write me. Maybe I'll text you some pictures I can't fit in the post. Loving you.