Again this year, I watched my favorite New Year’s film.

Whatever Works is surprising uplifting—considering that it’s written and directed by Woody Allen and stars Larry David as a mercurial, name-calling genius with a massive superiority complex and a lame leg.

Near the end, the David character, Boris, botches his second attempt at suicide.

But in that self-destructive act—as in so many others, in life and in film—there is redemption.

Boris lands, literally, on a beautiful, even-keeled psychic. And they fall in love.

Did I mention? This film is set in Manhattan.

Though I can recite many of the scenes by heart, this feel-good story sneaks up on me every time.

In other words, it works. Especially Boris’s closing monolog:

“That's why I can't say enough times, whatever love you can get and give, whatever happiness you can filch or provide, every temporary measure of grace, whatever works.”

For me, that’s a message that bears repeating.

So, for 2018, may we all do “whatever works.”

Open a can of worms and throw away the top.

Use your get-out-of-jail-free card.

Or stay right where you are and revel in the imperfection.

Because, as Boris says, “Love, despite what they tell you, does not conquer all, nor does it even usually last. In the end the romantic aspirations of our youth are reduced to, whatever works."

So, my fellow inchworms and cretins (Boris’ words) let me know how it goes.

And in the meantime, I will keep on keepin' on: Hacking Away at Happiness.