Well, the past year has certainly been a doozy.

I haven’t written here in months. And, in truth, I haven’t written at all in months. That’s not like me. I’ve always turned to words to feel better, or when things got really bad, just to feel something.

But lately, writing has been less an escape and more a reminder of what I don’t do anymore.

I’ve always looked to writing as a way to express my truth. But what happens when the truth is too painful to look at? What happens when it hurts too much to open those wounds?

It’s been more than a year since I sat down and let myself articulate the insanity of life through story and prose.

Over a year of wanting to write and not having the strength to.

Over a year of letting the fear of what might come to the surface dissuade me from even trying.

But now I’m back. Now I’m staring at this page saying to myself that the only way out is through, that the only way to get past a thing is to really let yourself feel it.

So here I am writing. Here I am feeling.

Oh, and if you want to catch a little more about mental health, life, and dealing with trauma, check out the podcast I started with my friend Tim, all about first responders, PTSD, addiction, and more. You can find it here on Facebook, as well as on TikTok and Instagram, and soon, on the Everything Frederick Live! Podcast network.

And as always, if you want to check out my books, head over to Amazon, where you can find The TLY Series.