I’m Trying to Not Be an Out of Control Mess This Year—and It’s Working

I’ve decided to stop living intoxicated, sleep-deprived, and spaced out, and start being the person I want to be

Photo: Westend61/Getty Images

For years and years and for better or for worse, I have maintained what I would describe as manic energy. Many other people would too. And it’s come to an end.

Or at least it’s come to some version of an end. I’m not going to suddenly be a sharply dressed mute expressionist whose only contribution to a conversation is the obnoxiously loud sipping of expensive tea. I’m just going to be a different, better version of me.

See, in January of this year, I basically took on the “Summer-Winter of Jake Kilroy.” (It’s like Seinfeld’s “Summer of George” episode, except it’s more lateral than opposite, and I take my New Year’s resolutions very seriously.)

This is me shortly before blacking out at my sister’s wedding—where I was the minister.

As of last month, here’s what I’m doing with my life:

• I go to weekly therapy.
• I don’t drink.
• I’m taking a break from drugs.
• I exercise more than usual.