Alone In Canada - Celebrating your achievements

"I like to eat. Each time something good happens, I eat with my friends. We know lots of cheap restaurants. Even better are the all-you-can-eat places and the ones that serve breakfasts all day." - Antonio, from Angola

Celebrate the things that you have achieved in Canada. It could be that you found a volunteer job that you enjoy, or that you understood a joke in English the first time, or that your immigration hearing went well. These are all victories and proof that you are adjusting to life in a new culture. Celebrate them with your friends. Or treat yourself to something to honour the event.

Another way to celebrate is to remember your many skills and talents. Immigration has not changed these. You may want to start a list of all your skills. On the days that you are not feeling positive about yourself or about life in Canada, go through your list to remind yourself of the things you have to offer. Do the same when you are going for an interview; it will give you a boost.

To start your file, try this exercise. Ask three friends to write on a sheet of paper the things that they like about you. You may feel embarrassed about asking, but try it. You can then do the same exercise for your friends. You might discover hidden things that people appreciate about you.

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