For most people, regardless of appearence, preference, or position, something about 2016 was terrible. I had my share of the feast, as I'm sure you did. It's hard to think that, from global affairs to personal moments, so much could be thrown up in the air.
Yet, this has been the most important year of my life, and a lot of good has come of it. Usually people classify their years as good or bad, but honestly, this one is just neutral. It feels right, like this is how life is supposed to be, a mix of pros and cons.
This one is going to be short, maybe that's a reflection of how short this year felt, but more than anything it's because my message today is as simple as it gets.
Don't lose faith in the world because it didn't do you all the favors it could this year. Don't assume that it's all for nothing. I'm looking forward to 2017—I honestly am—and every time I find myself at peace in 2017, I'm going to remember that 2016 was the key.
A year like 2016 teaches you better than anything else how to enjoy the good amongst the bad. That's a skill I'll gladly carry with me for the rest of my life.
