Farewell to 2016

Here's hoping all of you had a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Fun New Year.

In reflecting upon this past year, I realize that I've come across quite a few people during the course of my flaneurie for whom 2016 could simply not end soon enough. Whether it be due to personal issues, the passing of seemingly so many well-know people this year, the current political state of the world, or a combination of all three factors, I have found many walking around in a state of zombie-like shock or depression.

For me, 2016 was a very good year. It was by no means a perfect year - but a very good year nonetheless.

It was the year in which I finally defined how I wanted to live the balance of my life; the year in which I launched this blog - as a direct consequence of my life decision; but perhaps more importantly, it was a year in which I either met, or re-connected with, a number of truly fine and amazing people who have added an extraordinary richness to my life that is simply breathtaking.

No matter how dark, lonely or dreary - if you wait long enough and don't give up hope, the dawn will come.

I followed the principles of American flaneurie that I outlined back in March of last year, and I can tell you that the people I either met or brought back into my life over the past year have changed it forever - all in an absolutely wonderful and personal way. Each person, whether they be writers, bloggers, co-workers, bartenders, aspiring actors, fellow commuters, old friends or even Goddaughters - all brought their own unique qualities and richness that have blessed me immeasurably. I only hope that I have been able to return some of those blessings in some small way.

And so 2016 has certainly not been perfect. I wanted to retire to devote my full-time to writing and the study of music and dance - and I could not. I wanted to travel more than I did, and I was not able. And the state of the world is not the best. But I did try to be a rigorous engager with all of those around me during the course of my daily life, and I was rewarded in ways I could not imagine. 2016 has given me new relationships that will hopefully last for the rest of my life.

So I look forwarded to building on what I started in 2016, living 2017 to its fullest, with as pure a heart as I can muster, and resolving to wasting as little precious time as I have left, to living the life of an American flâneur. I'll be sharing my experiences here throughout the year. I hope you'll continue to join me.

Happy 2017 everyone!

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