It has been a hard year. All the plans I had laid out got sidetracked, derailed, and long ago abandoned. With it, my motivation got stomped out too. I have never hidden my battle with depression either, and while I have mostly kept my head above water throughout this year, it has not been without its challenges. There have been many (many) nights with my body planted firmly in front of the television, nary another thing going on. Which, friends, is a rarity. It is extraordinarily uncommon for me to just sit and watch TV. I am usually reading, crafting, writing, editing. Something else is usually always happening, but this year? Just TV. But I couldn’t really tell you what I’ve watched.

Don’t worry, my month long quest to journal won’t be just me dithering on. I do have a focus this month. Thirty one days of organized, focused writing. I hope. Writing is centering for me.

Today, I’d like to reflect on September and on three wins from September Now, big or small, a win (to me) is a win. All things should be celebrated.

First, we finally got out camping in our RV! Not once, but TWICE! For a family that often camps from April to October, to not get out until mid-September is a crisis. In June, we discovered our RV had been broken into and vandalized. We also learned that the police (and the storage place) both failed to notify us of the break in! We were heartbroken. The vandals had broken and ripped apart almost half the dashboard in an attempt to steal the stereo (face palm). Which would have been worth nothing as it has the back up camera screen attached. However, they managed to get it out, rip apart the wiring, only to abandon it in the snow beside the unit. *sigh* After weeks of looking for a place, arguing with insurance, we finally got it in to be repaired. Huge thank you to Edmonton Fibreglass & Collision Repair. You cannot tell what happened – and, the backup camera has voice capabilities! Who knew! Now my husband can HEAR me giving him directions… Which may or may not be a good thing!

Second, I started my yoga teacher training! In which I learned I am really, really out of shape but up for a challenge. I learned my body doesn’t work like it used to. I learned that I am very ready for new things, and I learned that it has been a long time since I have been so excited for something. Incredibly nervous would be a good way to describe how I felt walking through the doors to the studio on Saturday afternoon, but I am pretty sure I can do this. Only eight or nine more weekends (over the next eight months) to tackle. Plus every Wednesday day night. It is a big committment, but I am ready so proud of myself to this challenge and ticking the “win” in my colomn.

Finally, my son started grade 12. The month hasn’t been without its challenges, as has the entire year, but we got here, we got him started, and we are still working on moving forward. One day at a time. One moment at a time. He started. That is the win. We will keep working on the rest.

Much peace and love to you all. Thank you, as always for reading and allowing me to be heard. ❤