Gratefully Overwhelmed

Have you ever been stuck in a slump and not been able to see any of the positive things in your life?? I've found a great way to snap back into the good life is to make a "Grateful List", or keep a "Grateful Journal"... I'm certain you've heard of the concept: Writing down at least five things you're grateful for each day. This technique has come in handy for me a number of times.

Over the past few days I have felt extremely overwhelmed, appreciative and grateful. Buy why, you may ask, am I feeling so grateful and overwhelmed?? Well, my birthday was on Tuesday. Before it arrived, I felt a little strange about celebrating away from home (Ottawa) and from my family for the first time... my first birthday actually living somewhere else. Not backpacking around Europe, not driving across Canada, not gallivanting around Peru. Nope, living in Calgary. Permanently, or thereabouts!

Having just come back from an incredible 2-week family vacation in the Maritimes, I felt a bit of that slump when reality hit, and I was back into real Calgary life. But not for long!! To bridge the large distance, my family and many friends called, snail-mailed, e-mailed, and msn'd me. I was completely overwhelmed by everyone who thought of me, even though I now live 3000 km away. All the connections and communications, across the miles, really made my day special. I guess the cheap-asian-spa-pedicure-treat-to-myself with Laura, and of course the home-cooked-romantic-candlelit-dinner prepared by my beloved didn't hurt either! All in all it was a fabulous day, and exactly perfect for where I am right now in my heart.

The whole thing helped me realize something important... Calgary IS my home now. Perhaps not forever, but right now it is. And I am going to do everything I can to enjoy, discover, and make the city feel just as homey as Ottawa felt. Without severing any important bonds to other places or people, of course!

To everyone, thank-you from the bottom of my heart for reaching out to me this week. I am the luckiest 27-year-old alive for the beautiful family and friends that I have... across Canada and around the World! My grateful list this week could probably wrap around the planet once or twice...

Yup, I am a very lucky & happy girl indeed. Gratefully overwhelmed and overwhelmingly grateful. Goodnight!