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My husband, Ali, and I arrived in Toronto during what people describe as "Canada's worst winter in 30 years." Having emigrated from Dubai, where it's perpetually summer, we didn't mind the snow at all! In fact, we loved it and enjoyed every minute of winter! Perhaps it was this level of enthusiasm that other people saw in us, which ultimately attracted positive energy.
My husband, who even during snowstorms would go out and attend training and seminars at non-profit job placement agencies, was able to get a job in less than three months after arriving in Canada. It was definitely an emotional and proud moment for us. Despite his prior worries about possible language barriers, he was able to prove that perseverance wins over apprehension all the time.
My own blessing found me in a very unlikely place – the library. While Ali was at work, I would go to the library and just revel in the company of books! I can say that when I first saw the Toronto Reference Library, it was love at first sight. Toronto has the best public libraries and I feel so fortunate to be living in a city where reading and the arts are given so much credence. I eventually visited other libraries, and found my calling in St. James Town.
As I was returning a book to St. James Town Public Library, one member of a community outreach organization invited me to join their lunch get-together. In Dubai, if a stranger asked me to join a group of unfamiliar people for lunch, I would have outright said no. But because I was willing to open myself to new possibilities, I accepted the invitation. That was around one month ago. Now, after being able to connect to the people in my community, I am part of that same group who generously invited a newcomer to a free meal. As a volunteer, I’ve unwittingly unlocked a whole new world of opportunity, while allowing me to have a new perspective in life.
The moral of this story is quite clear, but this quote from Marcus Aurelius eloquently captures it: “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
My husband, who even during snowstorms would go out and attend training and seminars at non-profit job placement agencies, was able to get a job in less than three months after arriving in Canada. It was definitely an emotional and proud moment for us. Despite his prior worries about possible language barriers, he was able to prove that perseverance wins over apprehension all the time.
My own blessing found me in a very unlikely place – the library. While Ali was at work, I would go to the library and just revel in the company of books! I can say that when I first saw the Toronto Reference Library, it was love at first sight. Toronto has the best public libraries and I feel so fortunate to be living in a city where reading and the arts are given so much credence. I eventually visited other libraries, and found my calling in St. James Town.
As I was returning a book to St. James Town Public Library, one member of a community outreach organization invited me to join their lunch get-together. In Dubai, if a stranger asked me to join a group of unfamiliar people for lunch, I would have outright said no. But because I was willing to open myself to new possibilities, I accepted the invitation. That was around one month ago. Now, after being able to connect to the people in my community, I am part of that same group who generously invited a newcomer to a free meal. As a volunteer, I’ve unwittingly unlocked a whole new world of opportunity, while allowing me to have a new perspective in life.
The moral of this story is quite clear, but this quote from Marcus Aurelius eloquently captures it: “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
