Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Each year, I spend some time thinking about the things I take for granted.
I’m thankful for my home and city.
It’s been exactly one month since I came back from seven months in China and although I felt like home living in Beijing, there’s really no place like my home city, Vancouver. For everyone who goes travelling often, don’t you feel so relieved when you land at YVR airport? I feel so at home when I’m out of the airport and I see the blue North Shore Mountains overlooking the city, the Beautiful British Columbia license plates on the cars in front of me, and that flat thing called Richmond—I can say that because I grew up in Richmond, haha.
I’m thankful that I breathe air that meets the World Health Organization’s standard for excellent air quality. I’m thankful that Vancouver is never too hot or too cold—yes, I can forgive those rainy days. And I’m thankful that I study at one of the most beautiful university campuses in the world.
I’m thankful for friends and family, at home and abroad.
I’m thankful for the people in my life who have been there for me. You guys make life worthwhile. There’s not much else to say here because I couldn’t possibly explain how much you guys inspire me to become a better person.
I’m thankful for health and mobility.
This is a big one I take for granted. I’m thankful that I can go wherever I please because I have two legs that can walk me to new places. I’m thankful that I can go running in Central Park every day without any problems. I’m thankful that I don’t have any health issues. I’m thankful that I could run a half marathon if I wanted to—maybe I will this year!
I’m also thankful for my Canadian passport. I can travel to many places without a visa. If I do need a visa, it’s usually not a huge hassle. I’m thankful that I have so many opportunities to go out and see the world, and that I have had some wonderful experiences seeing parts of the world.
