I realized this morning that it is Thanksgiving – not really a thing in Europe, so I very nearly forgot. Even though I’m grossed out by the origins of this holiday, I love it for what it has become. I wanted to take some time to think about the things that I’m grateful for, especially the ones that have come into my life recently. This is going to be pretty corny, just so you know.
First of all, I’m so grateful that I had and have the means to be able to travel. I’m able to do it financially, and I don’t have responsibilities at home. I am careful with money, but if I want to do something, I can.
I’m also grateful for all of the people in my life. My family and friends, who have been nothing but supportive of me leaving everything and figuring my life out. The new people I’ve met during my travels, who have taught me things about the world and myself, who have made me laugh, who have had my back, and who have become friends.
I’m grateful for the help I was able to get this year. One year ago today, I was sick in my bedroom in my parents’ house, unable to hang out with some of my favorite people in the world, because my anxiety got too bad for me to handle anything. But I started therapy and medication, read some self-help books, and changed things in my life that were making me unhappy. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for all of these things coming together.
I’m grateful for my backpack. I carry my home on my back now, and it is hardy and trustworthy.
I’m grateful for beer. It has made my adventures a hell of a lot more interesting.
I’m grateful for the internet, so I’m able to stay in touch with all of my friends, old and new. I can call my parents from across the ocean for free. I can write blog posts. I can look up translations and directions. Also Google Maps. I would 100% be dead without Google Maps.
There is more, a lot more, but I am sleepy.