I’ve read more than account by people saying things like, “Sure, that was the most difficult/challenging/awful time of my life, but now, I’m grateful for it!”

I kept thinking that there was something wrong with me, because I didn’t feel that way about last year. Not at all. It was a horrible. Period. Both Blaze and I are still recovering from it.

I finally figured out that this wasn’t just an atrocious year, it was actually traumatic, physically, mentally, financially and emotionally.

I never, ever, EVER have to be grateful for trauma. I just don’t. There’s nothing wrong with me feeling the way I do.

What I will say is that I have been finding silver linings as a result of that time. For example, because I was so stressed out, I’ve done so much work on lowering my baseline stress level. That really came into play this last week and I’m quite frankly proud of how I’ve been able to bounce back from an ongoing stressful situation.

There have been other silver linings as well. Things I learned, both to do as well as to never do again.

I already knew that I had fantastic friends. This last year has certainly proven that as well, with people stepping up, calling to check on me, offering help.

So thank you to everyone who’s been patient with me and given me grace to get over this time. As I said, still healing, but getting so much better finally.