So, it’s been a while. I know. I look back at my last post – Oct. 2016! – and even then I’d said it’d been a while. And I explained what was going on, why I’d basically gone off-grid with my writing and publishing. So much has changed since then, and I’m happy to say, mostly for the better.

After several months of struggle with giving up my home, depending on family more than I ever have, and pulling myself out of some of the deepest pits of depression I’ve ever been in (which is saying a lot), I’ve launched into my new life full of hope, faith, and some amazing plans. It’s been quite the journey, full of a lot of soul-searching, learning and forgiving, and more emotional pain than I wish on anyone.

But through the storms, I strengthened and grew. And that’s what life’s storms are all about, right? Like nature’s storms do for trees – the winds either knock them down or force them to build their strength and resistance; the pelting rain gives them a beating but also nourishment and cleansing; and the lightning is frightening and dangerous but provides necessary nitrogen. As rough as they are and as much as we’d prefer fairer weather, life’s storms are for our greater good. I’m not quite fully through this one – there are still some lingering bands of winds and rain – but I see clearer skies ahead. Something I hadn’t been able to do a year ago.

So I just want you to know, if you’re going through your own life’s storms right now or when you do (because it’s inevitable – 45 years on this planet has taught me that, if nothing else), stand tall, stand strong, and have faith that you’ll see clear skies soon. And when you do, you’ll be a better person for it, you’ll be more appreciative of the good times, and you’ll know you can weather the next storm life sends your way because you’re even stronger.

Now that my skies are clearing, my hopes and dreams have had room to grow and soar. While hunkered down, I evaluated everything about my life, from my personal relationships and my relationship with myself to my work, my writing, and my contributions to society. I questioned what I really wanted to do with my life and if writing and publishing was really still my thing or if it was time to move on to the next thing. Good news! Writing and publishing are definitely still my thing!