Originally Published: December 21st, 2024

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2025

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It is fascinating for me to read this Daily Prompt, to see where I was emotionally and physically this time last year.

Now, this year in 2025, I am working at a different school and am almost through the Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) work with my therapist at Community Mental Health & Addictions (CMHA).

I enjoyed the last week of school celebrating Christmas with students and staff, before the start of the holiday break.

I am still struggling with motivation to exercise as we move into the 3rd winter in the RV while Michael builds our dome home. My loss of motivation has to do with physical abilities and space to exercise that fits my limitations.

This morning, I have a head cold. Nothing too serious. Just annoying.

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I have come a very long way, meaning inner growth, since last year.

CPT has really helped, as well as a new work environment with lots of continual school spirit and fun.

So, thinking about this Daily Prompt question this morning is very different from last year.

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When am I most happy?

I’d say when I am home with my husband Michael, our dogs Vinnie and Pebbles and Georgie our cat.

I am also most happy when our RV is clean, organized: everything in its place – a place for everything.

This morning’s photo of Michael, Vinnie and I makes me laugh!

Pebbles is already outside, and Vinnie wants out with her, his expression says it all as I take a selfie of us for this blog!

S, 🌻

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2024

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I’m just coming out of a mental health low of inner-conflicts along with a physical body low that looks like exhaustion, hot and cold flashes and minor belly cramps.

As a result of being at a mental and physical low, I struggled not being at work during the last few days before Christmas Break. I missed being with the kids and coworkers during this exhausting festive season.

This past Thursday evening, I had a supportive Zoom therapy session with my fantastic therapist at Community Mental Health & Addictions (CMHA).

She encouraged how I honoured what my mind and body needed by staying home to rest.

We also discussed my applying for a Cognitive Processing Therapy Group (CPT) at CMHA.

I have to meet a certain number of trauma criteria for it to be a fit for me. I am quite interested in this.

CPT helps with “stuck points” and starting to feel safe in the world.

This morning I feel lighter, and freer from the thoughts in my mind that tell me – I am in trouble, I am not enough or doing enough, or I am the reason for others imagined sufferings because I am not doing enough to make them happy.

Using Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)’s skill of mindfulness to observe these thoughts with curiosity, I realize just how much power I give away to others and what little self-confidence I have.

Then I think about aligning myself with my values. This helps me gain confidence again.

Writing helps to process what my body is trying to tell me. Sometimes, it takes a few days to get discover my truth.

And that is all part of the process.

So, to answer the question of “When Am I Most Happy”, I would say when I feel safe and free of my mental health conflicts.

S, 💚🎄

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