“How was your Thanksgiving?” people ask me.

“I didn’t eat any turkey. I just fried some eggs and made toast,” I respond, knowing that I will elicit feelings of sympathy.

However, I had an invitation for Thanksgiving dinner that I did not accept. Instead, I stayed home and thought about what I was thankful for. Peace and quiet were high on my list of things to be thankful for and my recent trip to Thailand really instilled a feeling of peace in me. No turkey, just thanks. Writing down what I was thankful for made me realize once again that I am happy person with a great community around me.

A week after returning from Bangkok, I attended the memorial service for my friend’s twin brother who was killed when his Coast Guard plane crashed with a Marine helicopter on a night patrol in San Diego. Though the occasion was tragic, going to the memorial on that rainy Friday made me feel a strong sense of community. I saw people at the memorial whom I hadn’t seen in years, including my friend, the twin brother of the deceased, who was one of the first people six years ago who told me to get off my butt and publish my writing. I am very grateful to him for kicking my butt when I needed it.

Ever since returning from my much needed trip to Southeast Asia, I’ve felt enveloped by my friends and community and it gives me a strong sense of foundation. For a globetrotter like myself, knowing that my friends “have got my back” (are there to hold me in case I fall) is of utmost importance.

Thank you!