Jesse Vitelli Newsletter Chaos End of The Year Edition

This is the last newsletter of the year and that comes with a lot of sappy bullshit!!

The end of the year always elicits a lot of reflection. Remembering every cringe thing you did and every somewhat awkward interaction you had with another human throughout the calendar year.

It’s been a pretty terrible year for most people I know. I want to take this time to acknowledge that I see you, I’m here for you, and I love you.

I’ve learned a lot about community this year. I’ve learned how important it is to have a support systema round you in times of need, and how filling up each others cups when we responsibly can is how all of us move forward together without leaving any one behind.

I’ve done a lot of really amazing things this year and even in spite of the hardships, I’m really proud of all that I accomplished in the year 2024.

I finally took a chance on myself and made some risky plays. Some that paid off and gave me new bylines at different internet websites (and some print magazines too!) I traveled the world and took stock of how many friends I have all over. It’s been an experience to explain to folks that I have friends in most parts of the world, and traveling there means I get to spend time with the people I care about while also exploring some new location.

I wrote a lot! Not just in this newsletter, but creatively as well. I worked on personal projects, got paid to write at some of the biggest gaming outlets in the world, and attended some of the biggest trade shows around. I’m really proud that I figured out how to make it work. Oh, I also helped open a new Broadway musical, and that shit never gets old.

This isn’t about bragging rights though (although it’s good to gas yourself up sometimes.) It’s about acknowledging that even if the road is difficult, you won’t get anywhere without your friends and family. I’ve always prided myself on trying to give as much of myself to others as I can. To always be attentive, practice active listening, and give my support system whatever I could offer to them in times of need. I rarely asks for things in return, I’ve been fortunate enough to not need a lot in this world.

This year though, I needed a lot and I asked for a lot, and I was given a lot. Something I don’t take for granted. Every move I’ve made this year was to try and put myself in a better position so I could return to helping others the way I used to. It’s something i’m still striving for in 2025 and I hope to get there.

Last night I was recounting the year that was 2024 and all of the amazing memories I have from it. The memories forged in-between the last night anxieties, the unending shame I felt from being a burden on everyone, the crippling self-doubt. Through it all I think back to my 30th birthday, another milestone for me this year. Being able to facilitate an event that brought some many distinct parts of my life together for one night was magical. Looking those who orbit me and realizing how lucky I am to be more than the sum of my parts.

I write all of this as I get ready to board a plane to Kansas City to simply thank every single one of you. You have all had a tremendous impact on my life and I am forever grateful to all of you. Thank you for sticking with me and I hope to see y’all in 2025.

Now here’s some other bullshit.

End of Year Writing

I wrote some really good end of the year bullshit. Even if you don’t like games you should read it because I talk a lot about other cool shit!!!!

I got asked to write another list for hit website Giantbomb dot com. A group of folks I owe some much of my year to it’s crazy. I love them all so so much.

I ranked all the weird little guys in video games this year!!!! (Sorry Ben Starr)

Contributed one of the 102 blurbs to Into The Spine’s end of year celebration.

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year celebration. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything in 2024. Cheers to a new year and a probably same me!!