Goodbye, 2016

So here we are, at the end of 2016. For many, this year has been nothing short of catastrophic. The number of celebrity deaths, the election of a sub-human man-baby cheeto-demon, and other terrible issues have lead most people to refer to this year as the proverbial dumpster fire. Ever seen one? I have. They're smelly, dangerous, and really there's nothing to be done with one except to watch it burn.

Pictured:  Your year.

But I have a very different perspective on 2016. Yes, we lost Prince, Princess Leia, and Debbie Reynolds (among others). Yes, tiny-handed megalomaniac Trump got into office. But for me, it wasn't the last half of the year that defined the year. For me, it was the first half. Specifically, one day.

March 12, 2016, began a new and amazing chapter in my life. That was the day that I donned kilt and Prince Charlie Jacket, stood in the Seven Sisters sacred druid circle, and professed my love and dedication to a wonderful woman named Lily Kaitlyn Coy. That's Katie, for the rest of you. A white owl flew our rings to us, and we were married while six of my best friends (who were, truly, the best men) stood for me across from Katie and six of her besties (including both of my daughters). Here... Have a look. 

Groomsmen on the left, bridesmaids to the right. 

That one day, that one moment where she said "I do" and kissed me, made the rest of the year worth it for me.

Other good things that happened:  Zoe learned to drive (and I've got the gray hairs to prove it) and got her license. Katie graduated from Texas State University. And I completed (but haven't sold yet) three novels. 

So while many of us are fixated on the negative aspects of 2016, let's not forget that there were personal triumphs that marked the year as we look forward into 2017. I don't believe in "resolutions" so much, but I do have things I want to accomplish. 

• Finish two manuscripts
• Get at least one book sold
• Get into grad school
• Pet my dog more
• Continue to grow and be a better person
• Continue to heal and learn to have self-forgiveness
• Get healthy (or healthier) by exercising and eating better
• Better handle my finances (directly tied into that whole "selling a book" thing)
• Cherish my friends
• Respect, and be respected by, my family
• Spoil the hell out of my wife
• Spoil the hell out of my pets
• Maybe spoil my daughters just a bit

That's it. That's my to-do list for 2017. Modest goals, if I do say so myself. But, starting midnight tonight, it's time to get cracking. 

What do you hope to accomplish in the coming year? What triumphs did you have in 2016? 

May 2017 bring you love, success, and happiness. May you prosper, and may your loves be many. May your triumphs outnumber your tragedies, and may you approach 2017 not with fear in your mind, but with determination and a song in your heart. Much love to you all. 

Blessed be. 

SAJ