Embracing the Lunar New Year with a solo celebration

For as long as I can remember, the Lunar New Year has held a special place in my heart. Every year since 2008, I’ve made it a tradition to celebrate the occasion with a meal at one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in my town.

This year was no different. I reserved my spot in advance, ensuring I’d have a seat for the highly anticipated Lion Dance performance, a spectacle I look forward to every year.

When I arrived at the restaurant, I spoke with the manager to confirm my reservation. “Just one?” she asked, and I nodded with a smile. It was a simple exchange, but I couldn’t help but notice a woman standing nearby, listening to our conversation. Her eyes flickered with curiosity, and I could sense she wanted to say something.

After I was seated, she approached me. Leaning forward slightly, she said, “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I just wanted to say that you’re so brave!”

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I looked up, surprised. My first instinct was to wonder what she meant. Did she recognize me from my advocacy work? Before I could respond, she elaborated. “I’m just here to pick up my food. I wasn’t brave enough to go out and dine alone. But you, you’re here, enjoying the experience by yourself.”

I smiled at her, nodding as she spoke. But long after she’d picked up her order and walked away, her words lingered in my mind.

Brave? Was I brave for dining alone?

Table for one, among the many

As someone living with Huntington’s disease, I’ve had to redefine bravery in many ways. Since my diagnosis in 2012, my journey has been filled with challenges — physical, emotional, and social. The idea of being alone has taken on different meanings throughout my life.

In the past, I might’ve viewed solitude as loneliness, a space filled with longing for company or validation. But over the years, I’ve learned to reframe it. Dining alone isn’t a sign of loneliness; it’s a testament to my independence with Huntington’s. It’s a celebration of my ability to still move through the world on my own terms, making choices that bring me joy.

There I was, at a small table, physically alone but not isolated. The restaurant buzzed with energy, filled with families, couples, and groups of friends sharing laughter over steaming dishes of dumplings and noodles. The anticipation for the Lion Dance filled the air, and when the rhythmic beat of the drums signaled its start, a collective excitement swept through the crowd.

The Lion Dance has always been my favorite part of the Lunar New Year celebration. It’s not just a performance; it’s a symbol of new beginnings, of driving away negativity and welcoming prosperity. As the vibrant lion weaved through the restaurant, interacting with diners and collecting red envelopes, I felt deeply connected to the shared experience. I was able to give the lion an envelope! Even though I sat at my table for one, I was part of something bigger — a community brought together by tradition, culture, and joy.

In that moment, I realized that my Huntington’s journey has been much like this experience. There have been times when I’ve felt alone, navigating a path that others may not fully understand. There have been moments of doubt, of wondering whether I could continue to travel, celebrate, and embrace life the way I always have. But here I was — celebrating another Lunar New Year, keeping my tradition alive, and feeling immense gratitude for the ability to do so.

Gratitude has been a guiding force in my life. I’m grateful that, despite the challenges my disease presents, I’m still able to experience the world in meaningful ways. I’m grateful for the strength that allows me to walk into a restaurant, order a meal, and immerse myself in a cultural celebration that’s become my annual tradition. I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers, for the small interactions that make me reflect on my life and my perspectives on it.

As I sipped my tea and savored each bite of my meal, I felt nothing but appreciation. This Lunar New Year was not just another date on the calendar; it was a reminder of resilience, of the beauty in embracing life’s moments, whether in company or solitude. The woman’s words stayed with me, but not in the way she may have intended. She saw bravery in my decision to dine alone, but I saw it in my ability to continue celebrating, to continue finding joy in the things that matter most.

Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.