I know I have mentioned stress management often; however, I feel it is incredibly important to discuss it again. We are isolated from one another due to this pandemic, many of us are facing financial and employment troubles, and we are seeing discomforting news regardless which media outlet we consume.

Oklahoma continued on its criminal justice reform journey last year with State Question 805. While the result was not what we had hoped for, over half a million Oklahomans voiced their support to end extreme sentences for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses, make better use of state resources and increase investments in treatment, mental health care and services for survivors.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, was Organizational Day at the Oklahoma Capitol, marking the official start to the 58th Legislature. This day is required in the state Constitution and is set for the Tuesday following the first Monday in January every other year following the statewide election.

Six-year-old Johnny longed for, prayed and dreamed about getting a pony for his birthday. In his eyes, he truly NEEDED a pony. Uncle Jim knew all about Johnny’s dream. But he also was very aware of the prohibitive cost. Being a realist, he despised the weak, hopeful attitude of his nephew. So he set about teaching Johnny a lesson not to be forgotten.

Those that have some experience with recovery are familiar with the term Adult Child. An Adult Child is a person who grew up in a dysfunctional home and adopted maladaptive internal language, regression, and ineffective thinking and behavior to cope, and has carried those traits into adulthood.

Man, who’s ready for 2020 to be over? I am. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on this year in so many ways.

Warning: New Year’s resolutions are coming! The day after Christmas, I opened social media and various shopping applications, and was flooded with advertisements for athletic wear, cosmetic surgery, gym memberships, cosmetics, expensive skincare regimens, and diet supplements promising a “New Year, New You.” Friends, this is your reminder that you are enough. Your body as it is does not add to nor take away from your value as a valid, worthwhile person.

I write this article on Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, which also has a very special element to it—the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter to the southwest. The constellation Orion sits low to the east.

Christmas is here and it is important to remember that alcohol can be a part of the celebration for many Americans and over consumption of alcohol combined with driving can be disastrous. During this time of the year, people tend to drink more alcohol; there are increases of drivers on the road, drivers late at night and in bad weather, according to a press release from Red Rock Behavioral Health Services.

Cordell accountant Marla Ellis Harper announced the sale of her firm, Marla Ellis Harper, CPA, to Karen Hoover. “It is very exciting and a fantastic way to ensure the continued commitment to excellence for our clients,” Ellis Harper said.