A new beginning…here I stand fresh, recharged and happy.  However, a few weeks ago, I was absent from the world.  Due to a significant depression I was forced to take 2 weeks off work and it was the best thing that I could have done for myself.  Over the past month I have realized that depression is not JUST fuelled by the arrangement of chemicals in the brain.  It is so much more.  For myself, as many of you know I had been going through a break up and even though it had been 5 months, at times it had felt like a day.  Then I met the most AMAZING person – Sami.  We met at a writing workshop and hung out plenty of times since.  It is wonderful how a new friendship helped pull me out of a nasty depression.  I am so grateful for his presence in my life.  I am also grateful for my friends such as Jennifer Davies who stood by my side during the toughest of hours.  It seemed that having positive people in my life truly helped lift my depression.  Although I didn’t really exercise all that much, my psychiatrist recommended it.  I tried to muster up the energy but small walks were all I could bear, which is better than nothing!  I always remind people not to be hard on themselves for not running a marathon and a brisk walk can at times make all the difference in the world.  I began with a lot of sleeping and slowly worked my way back up to a schedule and now I am back at work.  It seemed I had really needed the sleep, but also realized that I couldn’t sleep too much as it zapped my energy.  My body came around when it was ready.  So here I am, New Years 2012.  I am so happy, excited and hopeful.  New and old friends, family that makes a difference and my strength and perseverance that always pulls me through.