O Canada

I find myself lately thinking often about how grateful I am to be Canadian, and it's not just because it is acceptable to wear lululemon leggings, a plaid shirt, a toque, and blundstones as a complete outfit.

I could have been born anywhere, into any life. The one I got is pretty amazing. When I was younger, I remember being asked what my top value was in school. "Saftey" was one of the top options, and I remember dismissing it. Because I could. I grew up getting tucked into the my own bed every night with only the monsters under my bed to scare me, not real terror in the streets. Now more than ever I am so appreciative for what seems like a simple everyday truth, when in fact, it a grand privilege. 

I think about how this time in history will be taught years from now. I think about how I am going to impress upon my children how lucky they are to have safety and what we can do to never take that for granted. And also to keep in mind that we are part of a history that in itself is not entirely pretty; no country's is. Canada has had some dark days and I look forward to the work being done to move forward. 

I could go on and make a long list about all the things I love about this country . How friendly we are, toques, maple syrup, the mountains, forests, and oceans, Ryan Gosling AND Ryan Reynolds (How does one choose?! Because that will ever be a real problem...), health care,  and so forth. I feel the real tribute will be to get outside today, hug a few trees and a few fellow citizens, and enjoy the beauty that I am so blessed to be surrounded by, eh?