Giving Thanks This (Canadian) Thanksgiving

Every year around this time, as the leaves turn brown and the nights are long, I start reflecting on everything in my life. From serious things like work and relationships to silly things like is it time to re-read Harry Potter? There is just something about the crisp air that gives me clarity.

The fun and whimsy of summer is over and it’s a good time to reevaluate before the cold of winter sets in. Not to mention this weekend in the Great White North, it’s Thanksgiving and as I gather at the table with family and friends, I can’t but help reflect on who I am, where I am and how thankful I am for everything in my life.

This year I am thankful for a passport that allows me the freedom to travel to 172 countries and territories.

Where to next?

To be able to live a life of travel involves a lot of luck and most importantly, the passport I carry. The nationality that I was born into was just pure luck. I could have just as easily been born in Hong Kong, my ancestral home, the United States or anywhere else my parents wanted to settle, but I wasn’t and for that I’m thankful.

This year I am thankful for a family that supports my wandering ways.

Exploring the campus at Harvard University in Boston

My parents have always supported me through all my adventures. From allowing me to go on a humanitarian aid trip to Cambodia at the tender age of 17 to living abroad for almost two years in Budapest, they have always respected my desire to do things on my terms and see the world.

This year I am thankful for a job that allows me to have a good work-life balance

I adore my job and what I do. Every day I get to talk to people on social media about food, look at food photos and connect people who share a love of food. What can be better? With three weeks of holidays (more than any previous job I’ve held in Canada), and the ability to work remotely, it has given me the freedom to set my work hours (within reason), work independently and balance everything else going on in my life.

This year I am thankful for a partner who loves to travel as much as I do

Sure, I can go travel on my own (and I still do that), but it’s such a fantastic feeling to be able to experience new things together as a pair. The silly antics, travel mistakes and even frustrations along the road help grow the relationship and are fun memories to revisit together.

This year I am thankful for this blog and those who read and enjoy my travel tips and stories

I started this blog as a form of self-therapy, but it has grown into so much more. I’m always thrilled when I receive a comment or an email from someone who has used my experiences to help plan their trip. This blog has been a constant in my life for the past three years as I changed jobs, started and ended relationships, moved out all while continuing to push me to explore the world. Sure, sometimes I just don’t feel like writing and that’s okay, but I know that it will always be here ready for me to rave about my latest favourite discovery while traveling.

My Thanksgiving dinner spread. Yum!

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians!

What are you thankful for this year?