“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” ~ Pablo Picasso

An Unexpected Gift

Unlike other years, this Thanksgiving in 2024 comes with an unexpected gift—time. Thanks to an extra day off from work, I’ve been blessed with a four-day weekend to enjoy on my own and to recharge. No endless errands to run, no guests to entertain, no turkey to roast, and no inevitable post-party cleanup. It’s just me, the mountains, the flowing streams, and the winding trails of Squamish, British Columbia.

As I walked along the Squamish Estuary, I breathed in deeply, filling my lungs with the crisp autumn air, and exhaled, releasing the typical holiday hustle. I was eager to open my mind to receive what nature must teach me. It’s the first Thanksgiving in over thirty years where I’ve had this kind of freedom. Instead of frantically coordinating a family feast, I found myself diving into my dissertation research on urban minimalism, reading Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki from Japan, watching a random interview with a Hong Kong movie star on YouTube, cooking a simple lunch of tofu soup and pork chops, and—wait for it—cleaning my kitchen at my own pace. (Yes, sometimes cleaning can be its own quiet rebellion.)

I’m thankful for this time alone. It’s not just a break from the usual chaos—it’s a special kind of treat, the kind you don’t realize you need until you have it. As I reflected, three questions bubbled to the surface:

Do I miss my big family?

Absolutely. I miss every single one of them. Even though I’m miles away, our connection doesn’t wane. Thank goodness for WhatsApp, video calls, and the lively photos that somehow always devolves into emojis. They’re all busy living their lives, and I take comfort knowing we’ll reunite at Christmas. Until then, I pray for their safety and well-being.

Why is this alone time a treat for me?

Funny enough, it feels like a sneak preview of my future. You know, like one of those movie trailers that tease you about what’s coming—except this one’s probably scheduled about 20 years ahead. It’s a glimpse of what life might look like when I’m blessed with old age, much like my mom.

My mother, despite having five kids, ten grandkids, and seven great-grandkids (with more on the way!), has lived alone for over a decade. Visiting her in her condo or at the long-term care home, I’ve come to admire how grounded she remains, even in solitude. This time alone is teaching me how to embrace that future. It’s preparing me to live life to the fullest, even when life slows down.

What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Autonomy – I’m deeply grateful for the freedom to choose how I live my life. Moving from Ontario to Squamish, British Columbia, at a time when many people my age are winding down, I’m starting fresh—with a new job, a new home, new connections—and that’s a privilege I don’t take for granted. I’m thankful for the energy to balance my work, life, and studies with (mostly) grace. I also appreciate the unwavering support from my husband, who has been instrumental in managing our home in Ontario, preparing our new place in Squamish before my arrival, and always being there for me.

Achievement – A big milestone in my Ph.D. journey at Wilfrid Laurier University! My dissertation proposal has been approved, officially making me a Ph.D. candidate. It’s been more than two years of research, study, and diving deep into subjects like Indigenous Wisdom and Philosophy. I’m on track, and if all goes well, I’ll have my research wrapped up before Thanksgiving 2025. (Mark your calendars!)

Relationships – I am grateful to have welcomed my fourth grandchild last month (September 2024). Children truly are blessings from the Almighty, bringing immeasurable joy into our lives. I also cherish my husband, children, my mom, my siblings, and my extended family, each of whom holds a special place in my heart. I deeply appreciate their unwavering support, love, and presence in my life. The person I am today has been shaped by our interactions, and those moments become even more precious as physical distance separates us. The bonds we’ve created are unbreakable.

So, what about you? Did you spend it in the bustling company of loved ones, or did you, like me, find a rare moment of solitude? Whichever it was, I hope you found something to be thankful for—big or small.

What are your Thanksgiving reflections this year?