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Wishing a Happy and Healthy New Year to those who celebrate. I know. It's a weird time to be celebrating when we are forced to be distant. Holidays mean hugs, and whether you're social distancing or miles from loved ones, it's a bit awkward and lonely. Our twins were supposed to be here with us, arriving today, when we received the call that one of them tested positive for COVID. Thankfully, he is asymptomatic, though we know many are not as fortunate. Our hearts and prayers go out to you or anyone you know who is suffering.

“What if the terrible year is not 2020, but 5780, and starting this weekend everything is okay?” My friend Allison Winn Scotch shared this tweet by @mrotzie regarding the Jewish New Year. I’ll play along. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if turning the page could turn things around? This year, month, week…..yes, it’s hard to keep track anymore….has been tough. But these High Holy days, Rosh Hashanah leading up to Yom Kippur, are a time of reflection and forgiveness. You don’t have to be Jewish to participate. These are universal themes which provide valuable lessons. Maybe Mother Earth was sending us a message. Maybe a return to our homes and simplicity was necessary. Think of it as a major reset. And if that doesn’t work, we always have December 31st to try again.

I am sorry to those I have hurt or wronged. Please forgive me for anything I might have done that caused you unnecessary pain or suffering. Having just turned in a book about holding onto pain, sadness, anger, etc., I know how dangerous these emotions can be. So let’s together let go of the things that weigh us down, the things we can’t control. Let’s focus on what we can. And let's focus on what we have and what we've learned. Yes, I talk about gratitude often. It’s because it matters to me. And while 5780 has been long and strange, I'm grateful to be here and able to connect with you.     

When I received this email from my publishing house, I actually called Gabe to say they'd made a mistake. That's how shocked and surprised I was to hear the news. Anyone who understands this business knows how difficult it is to succeed. For most of us, the path is challenging and filled with rejection. THANK YOU to every single reader who picked up This Is Not How It Ends. There are so many choices out there, and I’m grateful you chose Philip, Ben, and Charley.

This week we had our Women of Tomorrow mentoring orientation. When I'm not writing, I am volunteering in a Dade County classroom in a program designed to inspire, motivate, and empower at-risk young women. Because we normally meet the girls in person, we have had to adjust to a virtual model. If you're in the Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach counties (FL), WOT is looking for classroom mentors. 

Please consider this worthwhile program. 

We have been fortunate to be here in the mountains during the pandemic, and we are as equally grateful to be able to give back. Now it’s your turn. 

Tell me the kindest act you have experienced from a complete stranger. I will choose a random entry and make a monetary donation to a charity near and dear to your heart.…in your name (non-political). Must be able to donate on-line.

RANDOM DRAWING WEDNESDAY, 9/23/20

Please excuse any typos. I'm old and blind.