Love Actually is All Around

I was talking with my family yesterday about my depression and my sister-in-law noted that she had never heard me speak so frankly and directly about it, which gave me pause. Yes. I struggle with depression. Perhaps it is something I have kept hidden or quiet over the years, fearful of the judgment and assumptions of others.  I don't know that I've had language to talk about it until recently. And I still don't fully understand it. Over the past two years, I have come to know depression as my constant companion. I didn't invite it along for the journey. I don't want it. But there it is. Always present, and always eager to take the starring role if I will kindly move back into the shadows. We wrestle. If I try to ignore it, it makes itself known with a loud roar. I must be vigilant and attentive. I must acknowledge it. Some days it is more powerful than me. Those are very dark, scary days. I have a toolbox, though, that helps me deal with it. I try different to

I'm a little late in the game for the New Years reflections, but I suppose I just found my inspiration. I've decided to look at some of the moments that changed my life in 2016. Dramatic? Perhaps. But also true. Here we go: DC with Mom: Mom and I were both eager to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture as soon as we heard it was open.  "Well, why not plan a trip?!" So we did.  We booked our flight and hotel and were there about 3 months later. This was the first trip I had been on with my mom since my college orientation - so, a long time ago. I realized how rare it was to spend such extended time with Mom one-on-one. We had a blast, and it was a gift. Life-changing how, you ask?  This is a trip I will always remember - this special time with my mom. So that is life-changing in and of itself.  Also - the museum was a life-changing experience. Go.  It was hard to walk through the darkness of our nation's history (and present). I