With only a few days left until the end of this year, it feels appropriate to reflect on the last twelve months and about the direction we're headed. We can do this individually, as a community and as a country. Benjamin Franklin famously said, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let every new year find you a better man.”

But this new year seems more significant than the usual song and dance we do at the end of every December. We stand at the beginning of a new decade full of uncertainty and possibility. What will the next year, and even the next decade, have in store for us?

The 2010s certainly had their highs and lows. It's been a decade of social upheaval, political strife, war and terrorism.

It's also been a decade of incredible scientific and technological advancements. For the first time we saw up close images of the planet Pluto and the first photograph of a black hole. For many, images like these put the problems we face here on Earth into perspective and remind us of our place in the universe.

It's been a decade of inspiration as people in countries around the world take a stand for democracy and human rights - from the demonstrations in Hong Kong to the social change of the MeToo movement.

The challenges we face next year and in the years ahead are not entirely unfamiliar to us. We must address the effects of climate change which jeopardize our future way of life. We must work to heal the political divisions that threaten to tear our country apart. We must do our best to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate than us and to create a more just and equitable society.

No pressure though. Let's take it one day at a time.

This is typically the time of year when people make resolutions to better themselves, but we submit that self-improvement should be a year-round, life-long endeavor. It's never too late to change the path we're on or to seize an opportunity and make things better.

Here at the Democrat, we look back at 2019 with a sense of accomplishment. We have been the recorder and permanent record of another year of Sullivan County history and for that we are humbled and very grateful

We have big plans for the year ahead and truly appreciate all those who continue to support local journalism.

If the 2020s stand to be anything like the 1920s, then we're in for a roaring good time.