What I am Thankful for this year:

As some of you may know, 2012 was life changing for me. I went through hell and back, and experienced more emotions than an after school, made for tv, teen drama. It was definitely a roller-coaster ride that could have fallen off the track at any moment. It took me a year to realize that things in life sometimes do get bad – worse than you could imagine – but as painful, lonely or hurtful as these situations may be, life goes on and you will come out on the other side a better, stronger and wiser person.

I do not regret anything and I am just thankful for so much that I have in my life. I now have the strength to go out and get what I do not have, and help others along the way. That is what I am writing about today – in the spirit of (Canadian) Thanksgiving, I am writing about all the things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for my family; my mother, father, sister and especially my 14 month old nephew. Liam (my nephew) has brought so much light and happiness into my life. He is the happiest baby I have ever seen and his smile and laugh is so infectious. As for my other family members they stood by my side through my worst days without judgement. Any written or spoken words would not be adequate to express my appreciation for their support and love.

I am thankful for my friends whether they live close by or are far away. I have several friends that even though I may not see them often, no matter how much time has passed since I last saw them, it as if I had seen them yesterday. I am lucky to have such great friends in my life. I have also made several new friends that I am thankful for – they have all brought their own uniqueness and diversity to my life. Though they may be a little rough around the edges, inside they definitely have a warm heart. It has restored my faith that there still are great people out there.

Over the past year I have grown to appreciate good health –so to speak. I have lost over 110 pounds and have never felt better. I had not realized what a difference it could make in one’s life. People talk and you hear things on TV infomercial or on the radio but it is one of those things that you have to experience to believe it.

The last thing I want to mention that I am thankful for – there is certainly more – is the LGBTQ Youth Centre, the youth that attend, the volunteers, the board members and the coordinator. It has been such an extraordinary experience working with everyone. I have learned so many things and enjoy every single Wednesday and Friday evening. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to work with such awesome people. This might sound sappy but I really think it was meant to be. I had written another youth organization about volunteering with them since I use to be a member when I was 15-17. They did not have anything for me at the moment and since I was living in Beaconsfield, told me (actually reminded me) about the youth centre in the West Island. It just so happened that they were looking for someone at the same time. People have all sorts of opinions when it comes to religion and God so I will try and be as neutral as possible (in the debate) but I really think that this was more than just a coincidence.