I was explaining to my mother about the wheel of the year, and when I spoke of Yule and its significance, it occurred to me that just as Yule is a time of needed hibernation, a time to rest and heal and prepare for the coming growing season, my time on Manitoulin Island has been the Yule of my life-- a much-needed period of recuperation and healing. I'm finally recovered from my mental illness and ready to move on with my life. I've learned to let go of pain, of anger, of sorrow. I've learned to stop worrying. I've learned to take life into my hands and live it, instead of just surviving it.

So, the next stage of my life will be Imbolc. I am going to have a sort of farewell ritual on Yule to deal with the end of this situation, and then start researching how Imbolc will apply to the next phase of my existence.

Goddess and God, thank you so much for always guiding and loving me. Your help has been so invaluable during this time. I'm so glad I realized that you are always with me. I love you.