Today, January 12, 2020, is the 8th anniversary of my arrival in the UK. I’ve reflected on and tried to write about this anniversary every year. (In 2017, I wrote a little essay, which I’m still proud of, with an accompanying still-awesome playlist. Scroll down or find it here.) Some of my friends will know that the number 8 is meaningful for me, so I am compelled to reflect and write a little more today than in previous years.
I spent this afternoon doing two quintessentially British activities: seeing the William Blake exhibition at the Tate Britain museum, followed by a Sunday roast lunch. The former is significant because I learned that William Blake was born in London in 1757 and spent most of his life in the city. He wrote that only in London could he pursue his “visionary studies… see visions, dream dreams… and speak parables unobserv’d.” Same goes for me, good sir.
It’s interesting to reflect on the person I was when I arrived in 2012, relatively ‘bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,’ no idea or plan for what the future held. In these eight years, I’ve faced challenges head-on, had innumerable experiences of all varieties and qualities, and carved out an unprecedented adult life for myself. In conversations with people about my chosen home, particularly when I’m back visting Canada, I’m quick to highlight the many confounding and contrasting aspects of life in the UK. It’s something I am reminded of every day: I’m a foreigner, in a truly foreign land, and it’s strange and surprising; ultimately, I am privileged to be here. It’s astounding that I’ve lasted this long, and now I don’t intend to leave. As I wrote in 2017, living in London is the single greatest achievement of my life.
In the spirit of reflection and celebration, today I want to highlight the singular thing that makes London my home and a place of great happiness: my friendships. From my mother, I learned the importance of surrounding yourself with lots of amazing people – and celebrating them often and enthusiastically. From my father, I learned that every person you meet has the potential to teach you something about yourself and the world. I think those lessons from my parents are reflected in the people I’ve befriended over the past eight years. My London friendship circle has expanded steadily with each year and is full of fascinating, diverse, dynamic and inspiring people.
One of the best friends I made in high school, Nick Poisson, visited London this past summer and remarked how proud he is of what I’ve accomplished here and the high calibre of people I’m surrounded by. I knew this already, of course, but it was refreshing to have it reflected back at me by someone I’ve known for twenty years. Just as William Blake thought over two-hundred years ago, London is the best place for me to pursue my goals, dream my dreams and become the truest version of myself. But none of it would mean anything, let alone be possible, without my friends.
Thank you to my many friends in London who have supported me, strengthened me, and positively contributed to the person I am today, the 12th of January 2020 (UK-format!)
The only way is forward and the only direction is up, dear friends!
Much love,
Josh