This year has been one of the most unique years in our lifetimes. Whoever thought that we would be in the middle of the worst pandemic in a century? We all want to turn the page and move on. We also had to deal with a rambunctious election and issues dealing with race.  Instead of wanting to turn the page, just accept the fact that this period of time is part of our life experience.

 Over the years and dealing with my disability, I have learned that challenges need to be accepted and dealt with, not avoided. Some have dealt with it by denying it or blaming others or other countries. I look at the pandemic as a once-in-a-century occurrence and, for a couple of decades, the experts warned us that something like this could and probably would happen.

 Although my lifestyle changed a lot this year by not traveling, by not watching sports at my local watering hole, by not being able to go to the mall, I choose to focus on the blessings in my life.  This year was one of the most amazing years because my kids and my family are happy and healthy. I always worked from home so that was not a big adjustment.

 I am aware and sensitive to the fact that many people are not as fortunate as we are. There is real suffering caused by the pandemic. However, if you are someone that was only slightly affected, then just COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS.

 Where do we go from here?

 We have a little while longer to go before we can go back to normal. A healthy society relies on the collective understanding and respect for each other. Also, it’s having common goals and, more importantly, a basic roadmap that we mostly agree on. This is true in a family, a company, a community, and society. Right now, it’s time to get on the same page and crush this virus.

 Right now, it’s a good time to design and plan your life for post-pandemic success. What do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? What makes you happy? These are all questions that we should all ask ourselves.

 One joy of life is having something to look forward to. This could be an upcoming vacation, a dinner with friends, a holiday, a sports game on tv, basically anything we can get pumped up about. Perhaps the best example of this is all the activities, big and small, that we have been missing over the last year. This includes hugs, crowded bars, vacations, movie theaters, malls, theme parks, parties, gyms, casinos, just fill-in-the-blank. We want to do all of this safely, or without masks. Anytime you get discouraged, just imagine how good it will feel to go back to normal.

 GO BE AMAZING!