I have traveled more in the month of December than I can remember traveling in the last five years.

It’s been invigorating and fun to let loose and see the world a bit.

In my final spiral of alcoholism, I was traveling nonstop with a toxic boyfriend. I literally lived out of a suitcase and always had my dog carrier on wheels to bring my pup, Blossom, with me.

She sure put up with a lot from me during that dark and desolate downward demise of my physical and spiritual being.

I am thrilled that my boyfriend at the time finally dumped me. It was a blessing. I wasn’t going to leave him. I just couldn’t. I was as addicted to the false love we had as I was to the drink.

And so he dumped me.

And I had a chance to get sober. It took a while, but I finally did it.

And I didn’t travel for the past five years, except to Arizona to see my family.

I feel like 2017 has been the year of my life. I have been blessed with unfathomable gifts that have transformed my life and my thinking.

I have been set free. I will have four years sober in less than a month. And each year has sort of had a theme.

This year the theme has been faith.

And from the faith, I have found freedom.

And I am only realizing it now, as I write this in a cozy Victorian home, nestled into the majestic mountains of Colorado.

I bundled up this morning to walk to the local coffee house and fetch us a jolt or two.

This quaint town of Breckenridge is sparkling with white twinkle lights. The air is brisk and the sunrise looks like a kaleidoscope of sherbet. It is absolutely beautiful.

Traveling this past month of December is so different from my harried and hurried life in 2012.

It’s been serene and fun and joyful. It feels peaceful and relaxed.

I am enjoying this new freedom, and I can’t wait to see what awaits me today. It’s always a miracle.

Each new day is a gift from God, and I never know what I am going to get. I go into the day with my eyes wide open with wonder and delight.

I am grateful for this newfound freedom.