Although these days have been filled with cold weather, I am grateful for another new year of grace with new beginnings, good health, family, and friends. I can see this new year has been a mix of strange weather and I delight in the warmth of the sun as the snow chills the ground on which it lays.

I have also found myself just a little indisposed by physical ailments and some bouts with depression. As things have changed for the better, I’ve had wonderful holidays with my family and extended family. The time I’ve spent this winter with my kids and family has been so good. I have also had a chance to see or talk to loved ones I haven’t seen in a long time.

Sometimes when I am stuck at home for long durations, it can feel like a prison of my own doing. At the same time, watching my children grow and make decisions in their daily lives leaves me feeling sad but happy that they too one day will leave the nest (so to speak) and make lives for themselves. My grandson just turned four in the new year. He loves Christmas and thinks his birthday was another Christmas!

Lately, watching movies and having family time mean a lot to me during the winter. I hope one day I can be outdoors enjoying more activities such as skating or snowshoeing. I am going to be paying close attention to what activities are available in McCauley.

Another thing I have been doing indoors is trying karaoke (or, “scary-oke,” in this case!) at the sober club called the Arc. I’ve had a long journey of sobriety for approximately eight years now. The seasonal changes, as I said earlier, can be hard on my emotional state but with vitamins and the right medication, it is bearable and backed by prayer can be overcome. Bouts with depression can be a tough roadblock in life but one can move mountains by faith and good support from others. So, as I say, don’t despair but remain in prayer – its going to be okay.