This has been quite a year, one filled with highs and lows just like any other year. Let's face it, life will always be about ups and downs and there's nothing we can do about it except look through a positive lens to change our perspective.

Now that 2019 is coming to a close I'm going to try something new to me. Instead of looking back to ruminate about all that's happened, I'm going to look forward.

I look forward to the possibilities of what 2020 will bring, working on new opportunities that I hope will fulfill some goals in both my personal and professional life.

I look forward to better and far-reaching research to insure that millions of people around the planet can leave the burdens of disability behind for a slow yet steady path toward a healthier future.

I look forward to a peaceful world with less violence, homelessness, and inequality. I look for more inclusion and an increase in, well, all the overused buzzwords I know some people roll their eyes at - happiness, compassion, understanding, tolerance, joy, gratitude, prosperity, and bliss.

I'm sometimes accused of having one foot in a world that doesn't exist because I often say I dream of Utopia. I certainly do, and I'm unapologetic about it. I hold tightly to hope because without it I'm not sure what I'd do. I latch onto a Norman Rockwell-ish vision of people getting along without judgment. Our differences make us unique, not wrong.

This short post is to tell you that in this new decade I hope you receive the possibilities you dream of for yourself and your loved ones. I look forward to a year of knowing the good that comes your way, and the light that shines within you.

I hope next year your health will be better than the last. I will attach that thought to my heart.

I am grateful for you being here, and for being exactly who you are. I thank you for your support and encouragement, and feel blessed to have you with me here in this space.

I hope I've enlightened, empowered, inspired or educated you in some way in 2019.

Before I get too soupy (I think I already passed that point, eh?) here's my wish for you:

Happy, Healthy and Joyous New Year! As the clock strikes midnight on Tuesday I hope you have some laughs, enjoy good food and drink, and experience hugs from those you love, including furry friends. There's no better way to begin a new decade!