Finding Home: A Psychotherapist’s Journey of Success and Belonging in Canada

Reflections on Assimilation, Resilience, and Gratitude

June always feels like the perfect time to pause and reflect. For me, it marks an anniversary. A deeply personal milestone that reminds me of how far I have come, both as a professional and as a single mother of three. Many years ago, I arrived in Canada, wide-eyed and hopeful, with my children in tow. I was stepping into the unknown, leaving behind familiar landscapes to build a life in a country I long admired yet knew little about. Today, as I celebrate another year of calling this beautiful country my home, I feel compelled to share my journey of assimilation, resilience, and belonging.

The Power of Perspective and Positivity

When I first arrived, the challenges were as real as the dreams that motivated me to leave. As a single mother, there were moments when the weight of responsibility felt almost insurmountable. But I knew that success in a new culture required more than skill or hard work; it demanded an open mind and a positive attitude.

I embraced every opportunity to learn about Canadian culture, from understanding the nuances of small talk over coffee to navigating the seasons (winter, especially, had its lessons in perseverance). I made it a point to approach every interaction with curiosity and humility. I quickly realized that assimilation is not about losing who you are; it's about adding layers to your identity, layers that reflect the richness of the culture you are now part of.

In my practice as a psychotherapist, I often counsel clients on how to cope with change, loss, and adaptation. Little did I know that the advice I offered would serve me so well in my personal life. Viewing challenges through a lens of growth made all the difference. Each obstacle was an invitation to grow stronger, more compassionate, and more attuned to the world around me.

Moments of Belonging: A Trip to Remember

Recently, I had the privilege of joining a group of Canadians on a trip that left me profoundly moved. This group, diverse and vibrant, welcomed me with open arms and hearts. We explored breathtaking landscapes, shared meals filled with laughter, and exchanged stories that bridged our varied experiences. It was one of those rare experiences where you feel not just included but genuinely cherished.

What struck me most was their authenticity: their willingness to listen, to engage, to appreciate me not despite my differences but because of them. It was a vivid reminder of why I fell in love with Canada in the first place. This country has a way of making you feel like you belong, no matter where you come from. That trip was a microcosm of my larger Canadian journey: one of understanding, acceptance, and mutual growth.

Canada: My Adopted Home

As much as I cherish the opportunities to travel and explore the beauty of this world, no place tugs at my heartstrings quite like Canada. I think of it often as my adopted home, a country that has embraced me and my children, offering us stability, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

Wherever I go, I carry Canada with me. I miss the maple-lined streets, the warmth of community events, and the way even strangers will offer a kind word in passing. I cherish the values of inclusion and mutual respect that define Canadian culture. And I care deeply about this country, not just as a place to reside but as a place to thrive, to grow, and to contribute.

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude. I think of the hurdles I’ve overcome, not just as a single mother raising three children but as an immigrant building a career in a foreign land. I marvel at how my children, who once looked to me for guidance, are now flourishing young adults who wear their bicultural identities with pride.

To my fellow immigrants, I offer this thought: success is not defined by the absence of struggle but by the presence of perseverance. Open your heart to the culture around you while staying true to your roots. And to Canadians who’ve extended their kindness and friendship, thank you for making this country a haven for so many like me.

As another June unfolds, I celebrate not just my anniversary in Canada but the incredible journey it represents. Here’s to embracing change, to finding home, and to the unyielding spirit of belonging that binds us all.