Being grateful

by Rita Nguyen

As another Canadian Thanksgiving approaches, I look forward to my first real turkey dinner in years!

Aside from dreaming of the impending gluttony, I’ve also been thinking of the things I am grateful for. This year has, without a doubt been one of the best years of my life. I wrote earlier in 2016 that I was trying to be mindful of what it is that makes me happy and to consciously focus on that, rather than getting distracted by just getting through the day. I’ve spent too much time simply coping and it feels good to be living again.

This has been on my mind a lot lately and it really comes down to one very simple thing: I have surrounded myself with the most amazing cast of characters. My people are there. They are present. And most importantly, they want to be there, no work required. At 40 I’ve finally learned how to be protective of my time and part of that is not wasting it on relationships – friends, colleagues or otherwise that take a lot of effort.  You know the ones I’m talking about. They are the ones that fuck with your mind and drain your soul. Instead, I allow a lot of time and personal space for those who enrich my life and help me to live as large and boldly as possible.

So on this Thanksgiving I extend a deep and heartfelt thank you to those around the world who let me part of their lives. I know I can call on you when I need. You are all readily available with a raucous beer, a celebratory champagne or a commiserating whisky.

Happy Thanksgiving!