Not everyone can make it in this city. It’s a big town full of big dreams, and I’d like to say it’s easy around here, but that’s just not the truth. Ask anyone on the street and they’ll tell you — New York City will build you up just to tear you down.
But I guess I’m one of the lucky ones, because moving to Brooklyn really gave me the kick in the ass I needed to finally start wearing this hat.
It’s been a fantasy of mine for as long as I can remember: move to the Big Apple and start doing big things. And, yes, I had my fair share of doubters. I’ll never forget Mrs. McCarthy in fourth grade saying, “Bryce, take off that hat! You can’t wear it in class, and you certainly can’t pull it off!”
I was crushed. Heartbroken, even. But did I stop? Of course not! I knew that one day — maybe not one day soon, but one day — I would find it within myself to gird my loins and wear this hat. Then I did. I don’t know what I did to be so lucky.
But it’s not just luck. It’s a combination of luck, hard work, and good ol’ fashioned perseverance. The results speak for themselves. I’m wearing this hat and I don’t know when — if ever — I’ll take it off.
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If I had one word of advice for people it would be this: tenacity. People will try and tell you, “no.” They’ll project their own insecurities and say things like, “Bryce, we’re inside for Christ’s sake, please take off your hat,” or, “I wouldn’t have gone home with you if I knew you were going to wear the hat in bed.”
Just shrug ‘em off like they’re nothing. Because they are nothing.
It’s you and your hat versus the world. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.