Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving Day last week on Monday October 12th. How we celebrated the holiday looked very different (as did most holidays of 2020). The year has been hard for everyone but there is still so much to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving Day in Canada is a holiday to reflect on and celebrate all the blessings received over the past year. To me, this holiday is about more than the one day we spend with our loved ones. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy gathering with family and feasting on turkey with stuffing among other delicious plates. I consider all that I have to be grateful for while finding a spot to sit and succumb to my gluttony. Thanksgiving, to me, is the day that sparks reflection of our blessings and, in turn, initiates our expressions of gratitude typically displayed in the season of giving.
So here, a little later than anticipated, is a written reflection of the blessings I have to consider.
My Relationship with God
I have spent the past year strengthening our bond, reading His word and putting absolute trust in His plan. I worry less knowing He has and continues to protect and guide me through all of life’s ups and downs.
My Spouse
My best friend, my confidant, my rock. He has travelled with me through storms and sunshine. We push each other to be better and together, stay focused working on our goals. Living our best lives together is a true blessing.
My Children
My spouse and I brought three beautiful girls into this world. They are my motivation to be better and to do better.
My Family
My mother and two older siblings continue to be a major support system my life. They are always there for me, to set a good example, to help in times of need, to celebrate victories with. I never question the love between us and am so grateful for them.
Close Friends
I met each of them in a particular phase of my life and it is obvious why our paths crossed at those specific times. Each one of my friends has taught me something I needed to grow into the next level of my life. My circle is small but loyal and will always have a special place in my heart.
My Health
It’s scary to think about going broke trying to overcome illness like some people in the U.S.A and other countries have experienced. I am healthy, active, and dedicated to my well-being. This is all thanks to the access Canadians have to free healthcare and therapies.
Freedom
I have rights and freedoms that I would not have in other parts of the world simply because I am female. I am so lucky to be living and raising three daughters in Canada.
Our First Home
My partner and I purchased a pre-contruction house in 2017. This year we finally moved into and took possession of our first home. After years of renting and crashing with family, we are here. Ownership is an important goal for us so this happening was a really big first step.
New Experiences
The thought of moving to a small town, in comparison to the rapidly evolving Greater Toronto Area was an unpleasant one. I am not a country girl so moving to a place surrounded by farmland was a big adjustment. I now love the quiet and the change of pace of small town living. My favourite part is trading traffic for long stretches of unoccupied country roads; less stress when driving.
Discipline
My mom instilled this in my siblings and I from a young age. It has helped me to stay focused on my goals. Grateful for the discipline I have to budget, to save and to put in the work it takes to get the results I want.
Silver Linings Found in the Era of Covid
Covid turned 2020 into a very hard year but I am grateful for the positive that came out of it. Being forced to stay home created the opportunity to spend more time at home with my family. Time away from people and the outside world pushed me to get to know myself better. I pinpointed areas of my life I wanted to work on and was granted the time to work on them.
Clothes on My Back
The simple things in life we take for granted may be the things others wish they had. This goes for all of it, clothes to wear, food to eat, a bed to sleep, a roof over my head and everything else we forget are luxuries in other parts of the world.
The list could go on with so many more things to give thanks for but these I felt were the most important. What are some of the things you are grateful for this year?