M: I was thinking about what parts of Thailand I’ve taken home with me, things that have stayed with me while other things start to fade into the ether.

One thing that’s really stayed with me is a compassion and open mind about the people around me. In Thailand I wanted to smile at every person, to study their face, maybe talk to them a little about what life is about for them. I was open to all travelers, it was so easy to start up a conversation when you know you’re in the same boat. I’ve really tried to bring that compassion home, just because all these humans happen to live in Chicago and speak my language doesn’t mean they aren’t worthy of my compassion and interest. I’ve noticed that I’ve been striking up conversations with strangers more than usual. I like that.

I’ve also been trying to keep my eyes more open here. There are so many things in my own neighborhood that I see and don’t really see on a daily basis. I need to keep myself so open here, ready to see what makes Chicago amazing to other people, to see this city in a fresh and new way. It’s kind of fun to see it that way.

And the one thing I hold on to is gratitude. My goodness am I a lucky girl. For some reason I get to be one of the people who gets to ride my bike on a Sunday afternoon instead of working 8 jobs. I get to be a woman who is an equal of her husbands. I get to go out with the greatest people in the world and drink vodka and 7-Ups and no one can tell me not to. I have food and clean water and a dog. I am somehow able to go to the movies and to laugh truly and honestly at anything I choose.

These are not small things and it is for me to honor them and cherish them and remember them.