Today and tomorrow Canadians are celebrating Thanksgiving, I have always loved the holiday. Honestly, I don't know the origins and I will make a point of learning that this year because if we have learned anything over the past several years it is that history matters and learning it is vital so we don't repeat the mistakes of the past. What I love about this holiday is the food, the time with my husband and girls, the fall weather, the change of season setting in and the reflection that comes with thinking about what we are most thankful for.
This year it is easy to reflect because it has been a year unlike any other. With COVID19, there are some things I have been acutely aware of in a way I wasn't before.
I am grateful for every easy breath I take.
I am grateful to live in Canada and have access to public health care.
I am grateful for employment insurance, mortgage deferral options, and access to debt instruments.
Mostly I am so grateful for my family's health and well being. I feel I appreciated this before but I will never take it for granted again. I am so very thankful. Immeasurably thankful.
I spent my summer focusing on building a new future for myself and my family. One where I get to show up as a mom in a way I haven't got to before. Where I can scoop my kids every day after school and drop them off in the morning with no stress. Where I can make family meals and move my body. And though it doesn't happen overnight, I am getting there. Little by little each day and each week I am showing up and working towards something great.
This year for Thanksgiving, I want to recognize all the people in my life that support me and cheer me on whether I am feeling low or feeling amazing. The people that believe in me and the people that fill my bucket.
In gratitude and with many thanks,
-Amanda.
