Well, here we are, the very last day of the year and what a year it’s been. I’ve been diagnosed with MS, had Alemtuzumab treatment, lost my job and started a new one. As one door closes, another one opens and all that. A whole fresh new year is ready to be discovered. Exciting!
So why oh why are two of the most miserable songs ever written all about New Year? Honestly, if I hear ‘Happy New Year’ by Abba one more time, I will be in danger of becoming seriously depressed and full of Nordic gloom.
And I’m dreading U2’s ‘New Years Day’ playing on an endless loop all day Tuesday. Where’s the happiness? Where’s the looking forward to a bright, shiny new year?
A random sample of Abba’s ‘Happy New Year’ lyrics include:
- Here we are, me and you, feeling lost and feeling blue
- It’s the end of the party, and the morning seems so grey
- Seems to me now, that the dreams we had before are all dead, nothing more
Makes you want to crack open the champagne and fire off some party poppers, eh? I guess New Year’s Eve can be a bit depressing – we look over the past year, sigh over some of our decisions and ponder our regrets. According to the newspapers, most of us will be at home, celebrating with a Marks and Spencers £10 meal deal. We’ll count down to Big Ben and toast the new year in with a shrug of the shoulders and head for bed at 12.10am.
But this year, I want to celebrate my achievements and the fact that I survived everything life and MS had to throw at me. I’m still here! And I’m stronger and happier than I have been in a long time. The MS community has embraced me and I have found incredible support from other MSers. My family and friends have been amazing. What’s not to like?
So, sorry Abba. I won’t be singing along to your dirge today. I will be having a nice glass of wine, chilling in a wine bar with jazz playing in the background. Goodbye 2012, I’m sure 2013 will be one of my best years yet….