In the lead-up to the New Year, I spent quite a bit of time reflecting on the old one – and reading people’s posts about what a disaster 2016 has been – and their fears about the year ahead.

The election looms large in our minds and hearts – along with the more personal “feast of losses” we have experienced – loved ones – public figures – beloved entertainers and artists and athletes that have left us.

But for all of that – which I know is true – it is equally true that in many ways 2016 was a phenomenal year…

It was a year of awakening… and reflection… and growth.

And growth can be messy… and painful… but no less miraculous as a result.

In 2016 I started asking more questions…

And did more listening…

I learned more about what women go through…
And Muslims…
And Immigrants…
And Jews…
And African-Americans…
And Native Americans
And my fellow LGBTQ brothers and sisters…
And older folks…
And the unemployed…
And the disenfranchised…
And the disillusioned…
And…
And…
And…

I learned more about people’s struggles.

I started finding my voice… and my boundaries… and my place to say “no”

And I found my “yes”…

And my inclusion…

And my compassion…

And my courage…

I celebrated my friends achievements… And they celebrated mine.

And we held hands and held vigil during tragedies personal and public.

And we will again.

I watched, with joy, my friends with babies – seeing those babies grow into healthy, happy, toddlers.

I watched with joy, my friends with children – seeing those children grow into healthy, happy adults – and move to college, or an apartment – or a love relationship of their own.

I watched my young gay clients – finding their voices and their courage – and their boundaries – and their “no.”

And their “yes.”

I watched my new clients – reaching out – for hope – and for change – and for human connection.

It still takes my breath away every time.

I watched a woman, for the first time in United States history, lead a major party in a presidential election.

And that woman won the majority of the popular vote in this country with a platform of inclusion and compassion and ingenuity.

Amazing.

I – struggled – to understand – my country and – the experiences and attitudes of my fellow citizens. And in that struggle, in that Herculean effort to find our common humanity, I found people’s fear – and pain – and occasional cruelty.

And I found some of my own.

And that is a wondrous, miraculous thing.

Knowing. Even painful things.

Is a gift.

So we can – confront them. So we can move through them.

Through the course of our struggles this year, I became closer to people I might not have.

This year has brought not just emotional and political journeys – but journeys around the globe – experiencing other cultures – and finding and exploring our differences and similarities.

And 2016, through social media, through this election, through our struggles, brought me closer to you.

You brilliant friends – intellectuals and artists and agitators.

In 2016 you pushed yourselves and you pushed me and you pushed each other and you pushed our world.

And together we – rose up – and we fell down – and we are rising again.

2016 was not an awful year… It was a year in which, facing the most challenging of circumstances, we found some of the best in us.

Think about the change in our discourse.

Not the discourse of those that fear change – and fear each other – and fear you – and fear themselves.

Our discourse…

Think about the things that now occupy our hearts and minds…

Each other.

And the care and well being of our most vulnerable citizens… and our country… and our world… and our planet.

Our growth, our expanded view, our determined humanity, our call to action, is 2016’s greatest gift.

Be proud of that. Hold on to that.

I wish you love and peace and friendship in 2017.

We are blessed indeed to be traveling this journey together.

Happy New Year!