Dear Francesca,

Stability seems to be sticking around. My mood has been much better these past few days. I finally feel like the darkness is behind me.

I have decided to go back to work part-time at the same place. I didn't think I'd want to go back, but I am actually looking forward to it. And I look forward to being back in a city where there are more things to do.

I think these two months have been good for me. I've gotten some rest, which I really needed. I have been able to make some progress with my health. I've learned a few other things, among them that I am probably in the career I need to be. I had thought about working from home, but I don't think I would enjoy that right now. I need more of a schedule. I had thought I'd like to do some freelance writing, but when I learned how much I'd have to market myself I shrank away. I also think I need to keep writing as an interest rather than a career, because I can be so emotional about it. I am so happy when I finish a piece satisfactorily, but when the words won't come I feel down or upset. The job I am going back to will be what I need: the more stressful aspects of my old job will be gone (i.e. phone work) and the part I enjoy will be my sole focus (me at the computer). It is work I enjoy most days and is not tied so strongly to my creative interests that I get emotional ups and downs from it.

Franney, I feel my old self returning. In my mind I see her walking closer to me, waving slowly. I know she has been there all along, but I am only now beginning to see her again, unshrouded by the fog.

Yours,
Hannah Iona