Gratitude Journal: July 2, 2018

The first half of 2018 flew by and here we are – July 2. Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians! I’m proud to be a Canadian. I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to many new, exciting places. There’s so much to experience in other places and so many awesome people all around the world. But each time I leave I always look forward to coming home to Canada, specifically to the Canadian Prairies. You’re not going to find a better place to live. Big land, big sky. This is home. So with that said, I’m thankful to be a Canadian and live on the Prairies.

Here’s what else I’m grateful for:

• Birthdays. When you become an adult birthdays become much less exciting. Another year older, and probably grayer. But celebrating a birthday also means you’re still breathing and that’s always something to be thankful for.
• Baseball season! I love team sports. I strongly believe that playing team sports teaches you important life skills. In a workplace, knowing how to effectively work as a team is so important. And I love being active and getting fresh air. 
• Speaking of activity – golf! I love going to the driving range. It’s great stress relief.
• Making new friends, including those from other countries like France.
• Experiencing my first cattle branding. I love getting dirty and working hard, and that’s what we did. I was also really impressed with the sense of community – rural neighbours helping each other out.
• Growing stuff! This year my neighbour and I planted a few things in a small community garden. I love getting my hands dirty and watching things grow. And vegetables straight from the garden are the best.
• Long weekend trip to Seattle with a good friend. It was my first time visiting the city and we had a great time exploring the sights.
• A work trip to beautiful BC which included rafting as a team building activity. I love adventure!
• The opportunity to attend a conference with other women in agriculture and hear from several female motivational speakers. Inspiring.
• The opportunity to travel with my work. Yes, it can be exhausting and I’m usually happy when it’s time to head home, but I enjoy spending time with colleagues and meeting with friends in other places. I’m also very thankful for safe travels during these trips.
• Rain. It continues to be dry across some parts of the Prairies including my family farm in Manitoba. Very grateful for any moisture we receive.