Through a year of rambles, some serious news with some a bit light, constant admiration of Kanye “Yeezus” West, and my attempts at humor, we reach our end, my friends. And it’s been fun. I give you my thanks here, in case you don’t make it past the opening paragraph.

I’ve never been that great at leads, and that may show in how I write, so thank you for bearing with me and believing there may be an ounce or two of substance in the remaining body.

But this is it. I’m moving on, as I’m sure some of you are in the next few weeks and/or months. And if you’re still stuck here, never fret, as your time will come to leave the nest and feed off the world as you please.

A lot can be said of moving on and moving forth and I will briefly toss some debatable wisdom at you.

If you wish to strive for perfection, know firsthand that nothing is perfect, and nothing will ever be perfect. And that’s OK. It’s how it should be and should always be.

If everything were perfect, there would be neither fun nor room for progress to reach its universal absolute.

And who doesn’t enjoy the occasional bad decision? I revel in the bad choices I’ve made, some more than others, and some left in the vault to never be reopened and talked of again. But therein lies a great story someday as I sit and watch the world continue on.

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t dish a little Kanye at you.

First let me say, “bravo to you, Bruce Jenner.” I have many things I could say in support, being true to himself, but that brings a different article.

What I want you to read is Kanye’s beautiful remark to his wife, Kim, in support of Bruce:

“Look, I can be married to the most beautiful woman in the world, and I am. I can have the most beautiful little daughter in the world, and I have that. But I’m nothing if I can’t be me. If I can’t be true to myself, they don’t mean anything.”

And if this is the only thing you take away from Kanye in your entire lifetime, though I’d feel sad for you if you did, then good, I’ll support that.

Staying true to yourself is the only way you’ll find your true happiness. With that in mind, therein lie many opportunities to make this happen.

For me, my happiness comes from having my books and records around, a nice cup of coffee, a job that I enjoy but gives me ample opportunity to creatively write on the side, continuing my dream of being an amateur chef and being with my lady and friends.

I’m a simple man who needs not a lot to keep sane and grounded.

We all have in mind our dream happiness, and continue to strive for it. But consider what it is that will truly give you personal joy and accomplishment and hold it close and tight, never letting go of what lights up your core and makes you glow.

Thank you for a fine year, my friends, and I will surely see you again as our time marches on.

Editor’s Note: Since Bruce Jenner has not indicated a preferred name or pronoun, The Kent Stater will use his birth name and male pronouns until otherwise announced.