Surreal

First of all, WOW! Thank you to everyone who clicked, liked, read, and commented on last week’s blog post. There were over 300 visitors, over 550 views, and at least 1 view from over 15 countries from the release day alone. The total number has grown a little bit since. This is more support than I anticipated and was very, very heartwarming to receive. Not to mention all the messages of congratulations and well-wishes.

I’m very humbled and touched by this, and cannot fully express my gratitude to everyone for their words of encouragement.

That being said, none of this feels all that real. I changed my twitter handle (follow!) which, while you’re reading may think, “ok, calm down big shot”, actually makes an impact. Being part of a new community both career-wise and now virtually starts to shift everything around. Social Media responsibility has never been more important in this day and age, but now being associated with a recognized and respected name, makes it that much greater. Every time I’ve told someone I moved across the country to be part of CTV News (starting Wednesday!), the more I feel like I’m going to wake up from a dream and this will all go away. I’m humbled and grateful to be in this position.

Then there’s being in the City of Lethbridge. The city is known for being a student town. It’s similar to London, ON and the Kitchener/Waterloo region. It’s got a decent population and certainly has every element to provide city familiarity, especially moving from the largest municipality in the country. There’s a definite beauty about this place, with how quiet it is and how much less the traffic impacts you. Everywhere you want to go via personal car is within a 15-20 minute radius. It’s amazing that I can drive across Lethbridge without using a crazy amount of fuel. The slow pace of life is quite something. I’ve noticed how slightly aggressive my driving is because it doesn’t fit here. There’s no need to rush as if you had some place urgent to go. Nothing is too far and time moves slow.

The people I’ve been meeting thus far have been incredibly warm, kind, and true to the Canadian spirit. This is where you see Canada’s colours shine and where the Canadian kindness stereotype is absolutely true. I didn’t know what to expect but I can tell you, you’re sure glad to be in this country. The charm to this place are the people.

Also, the team here at CTV Lethbridge is doooooooooope! If you haven’t heard or seen them, then hop on twitter and check them out. Amazing group of people that make me even more excited to be here.

In terms of dealing with moments of isolation and having the need to become familiar with my environment, I can feel it coming. The good thing is, I’m prepared and need to let my routine kick in. Once that all becomes sorted out, it’s a matter of letting things fall into place and letting the adjustment take its time. Thus far, everything feels right and I could not ask for more.

This is going to be life for the next however long. It’s so surreal to think that any of it is really happening. But like I said in the last blog, leaving comfort pushes growth. This is what I’ve been working towards, what I’ve been hoping for, and now I’m here.

The only direction is forward.