This is 2020. Every time I say that I hear Barbara Walters’ voice in my head (for those who are confused by this reference she was the long-time host of the news show 20/20 and would begin every show stating that!!) As we clean up the empty champagne bottles, remnants of fireworks and noisemakers and look toward the future, I feel I must take the time to thank you, all of my readers, followers and fellow writers who have been so instrumental in my writing journey. And what a journey it has been, lined with smooth paths, bumps in the road and some very significant potholes. But such is the way of any interesting journey and I have no regrets and a lot of gratitude.

Many of us are taking this day to reflect on the past and look toward the future. I once read that a windshield is bigger than a rearview mirror because the way ahead should be regarded through a larger, clearer lens than what is behind us. That always stuck with me although I fully believe it is necessary that we look at the past to learn from our mistakes and choices and to take that insight to navigate the future better or at least different. But we shouldn’t dwell there. The past is set in stone while the future is a lovely blank canvas, a place to grow and rectify mistakes and paint another picture of our hopes and dreams. It’s the chance to be a better person. A new year holds another 365 opportunities to laugh and love and bloom.

So I take this time to thank each of you for your attention, your feedback, your advice, your reflections, your writings, your support and for sharing your own stories so that mine is richer. 2020 is looking pretty good so far. Here’s a toast and a wish for the best year ever to you and yours! May your own journey be ever enlightening. Namaste!