It’s been a busy few weeks of working on the house, getting ready to host Misty’s sister and family. The attic had never been completely finished and it’s been nagging. The pending arrival of guests was the deadline, or catalyst needed to complete much of the work. It’s by no means finished but significant progress has been made.

Trying to convince myself that something NEEDS to be done when I think it doesn’t? (Or don’t want to) That’s hard. But knowing that people are coming and young children could get hurt? Yeah, I’ll close some areas off. So I built some shelves and then undertook the multi-day task of building a railing.

It’s five degrees outside right now. Yesterday was a scramble to build an enclosure inside the goat barn (shed) that would consolidate their heat. My son and I built the box, put insulation in the eves, boarded up the soffits and gave them a thick layer of dry bedding. The temperature dropped 20 degrees while we were doing all that and another 20 last night. Lazy farmers work twice as hard at all the wrong times… I should’ve done this a month ago.

I pray for all the people without power, heat, and family this Christmas.

Normally at Christmas time I would find some provocative topic to write about but I’ve been too busy. As it is, I’ve been interrupted a ton of times and assigned multiple tasks that I’m shrugging off so I can write this.

If you’ve been reading Mental Grenade long, you’ll know I take my mental health seriously, and so putting off riding my bike to get these projects done has been difficult. I’ve got a workout plan I’ll be starting in January. It’s not a New Years resolution, it’s a decision I made awhile back to get healthier. I’ve decided I’m done drinking and am looking to lose a few pounds and get way stronger. As a coach, I need to show these kids how to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus, If I don’t up my game, I’ll never keep up with these younger riders. I’ve already lost 5 pounds and gained muscle and a little balance.

So I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! May God bless you in 2023. I challenge each of you to find a better version of yourselves. Eliminate what’s holding you back and maximize your efforts for self improvement. Remember you shouldn’t try to do it alone. Isolation is bad. Reach out: If you need someone or if you want to be a friend. Find a community, get face to face, and live life to the fullest.

Thanks for reading, sharing, caring, and daring to destigmatize mental health.

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