An award-winning journalist from southeast Saskatchewan is sharing her story with hopes of inspiring others.

Christalee Froese of Montmartre has written her first book, earning a Creative Saskatchewan grant to help get it published. "Journey to Joy" went to print last week with the help of publisher Heather Nickel of Your Nickel's Worth Publishing in Regina.

"The most important thing about this book is that it's a bit of a blueprint, or my story, of how I survived depression and anxiety and I'm hoping that it will be an inspiration to other people who are struggling with similar circumstances," explained Froese.

The book chronicles two years Froese spent restoring the joy she'd lost. 

"I basically made up my own joy project, taking on a topic of happiness every month," shared Froese. "By month 24, after immersion in subjects like creativity, food, fitness, photography, faith, love and gratitude for 21 straight days each month, a whole new me emerged - one who was finally joyful."

She's planning a book launch at the Montmartre farmers market on April 28. The book is available online and will be in Chapters bookstore mid-may. It will also be available at a fundraising event in Vibank on May 4 called "An Evening of Joy". The fundraiser will benefit Racers for Orphans with Down Syndrome, which some of the proceeds of the book will also go towards.

Froese said the organization, Racers for Orphans with Down Syndrome, is featured in the book.

"It was an organization I came into contact with while writing the book and we worked together to get a Chinese orphan out of China and that's part of the story in the book."

Froese is planning several book launches, fundraisers and events throughout the southeast. Find out when and where HERE.