#belfastdanincanada

[belfastdan]

After almost 3 years living temporarily here, I am thrilled to announce that I have officially become a Permanent Resident of this great country I call home today, Canada. 🇨🇦 It wasn’t an easy process proving my worth, sometimes soul destroying, but I made it. Thank you, Canada for having me. I’m excited to start building foundations.

[belfastdan]

Beautiful Vancouver Part One

[belfastdan]

Nothing is Guaranteed

Bonjour à tous.

Ça fait longtemps que je n'ai pas écrit.

I write this as I fly back to Ireland for the first time since arriving to Canada in May 2015. I am very much excited to see my beloved Belfast, family and friends for the first time in far too long.

Nothing in Life, is Guaranteed

I’m currently on an unknown path that is both exciting and testing.

I’ve literally no idea where I’ll be this time 6 months. My two year visa end date is creeping up and I’ve nothing yet sorted to remain here. I’m currently doing my part to remain here but if it doesn’t work out, I’ll have to leave for a new unknown adventure.

Just recently I was reminded that nothing is for life and that nothing is guaranteed. I went to work as normal one day and left work that same day unemployed. The company made many cuts without notice and I wasn’t fortunate to be saved. This is the first time I’ve ever been put in this position.

At first I was shocked and for a few days I sulked and moped around a bit - struggling to understand, accept and believe what had just happened.

What a Difference a Week Makes

I’ve already turned this difficult news into a positive experience. The first thing I did was to take advantage to head back to Ireland for Christmas earlier. This helped transition my negative energy to positivity with the excitement of seeing my niece, meeting my cousin’s new baby and spending Christmas with my family and friends that I’ve missed so much.

It has reminded me that ‘things’, jobs and security are just small ingredients for happiness. Happiness is so much more than that and off course must be challenged. True friendships, family, love, rich experiences, culture, health and the power of music are so much more stimulating and important to me.

I’m so lucky to have such incredible friends and my Mum, who have always been there supporting me. We must ever be afraid to reach out for help sometimes.

Loosing Fear Helps Challenge the Soul

Stability is gone, but freedom and curiosity has arisen and it’s time to embrace the unknown again.

I had a really brilliant year at the company, meeting new friends, working in advertising, commerce and publishing that I’d never experienced before, having a professional lifestyle in Canada after my 8 months vacation and off course enhancing my design experience - always pushing new boundaries and learning new skills daily.

Maybe I was getting too settled, but what I have realised is that job security entitles someone to fire you. Either you are working to build someone else’s dreams or building your own.

Maybe it’s time to start building my own, as you can fail at what you don’t love, so you might as well take the chance in failing whilst trying to do something you do love. That’s so exciting.

I have no fear. The next 6 months will determine a lot of things which are yet unknown and I’m excited to see what’s next. What I do know is that if what’s ahead is anything close to my last year and half in Montréal, I’m in for a treat.

I am in charge of my own destiny and am ready for the next challenge. I am eternally grateful to be on this earth and to be healthy and able enough to enjoy all that life brings and throws my way.

Time to enjoy my beautiful Belfast and New York before returning to ma belle Montréal.

Health to enjoy, a peaceful 2017.

Merry Christmas - Joyeuses fêtes à tous et bonne année.

Namaste,

Daniel

[belfastdan]

Je suis très excité. I’m going home for Christmas! Argh!

Just days till I see my beloved Belfast and this wee bake, after 1.5 years.

[belfastdan]

Autumn in Quebec is very special.

[belfastdan]

Thirty1 - 24 September, 2016

I brought the night in doing what I love best, dancing to techno under Stereo's disco ball and am just waking up to the hundreds of HBD messages now.

I am overwhelmed by the love.

How lucky am I to have so many amazing humans in my life? Whether close or far physically, today reminds me just how lucky, with the generous kind words, photo memories, little stories and compliments.

I often get melancholy around my birthday, this year has been harder as my dearest Mum who came all the way to see I was doing okay, left Canada this week. It was hard, as the realisation that I’m here and not there really set in for the first time.

Being away from home on your birthday is hard, but I’m so so happy and blessed to have made so many wonderful friends in the place I now call my home from home.

I’m being taken for a romantic dinner soon by a handsome man, before my birthday party unfolds later.

My 31st year has literally been the best year of my life thus far. I’ve definitely grown as a person, learned to be completely in the moment, experienced so many new things and met so many great people and had so many special moments, that I can’t begin naming. At the end of it, my heart is full of love.

Thanks to each and every one of you.

With sincere gratitude and love. X

[belfastdan]

Went cycling and camping this weekend. So much fun to be out of the city exploring the best of Canada and Québec at Oka by vélo.

[belfastdan]

1 Year! 🎉

One year ago today I left Belfast for Canada, starting in New York. Overall, it has been the best year of my life hands down. Thank you friends of Montreal for welcoming me with open arms. Here's to the next 12 months of parties, smiles and great moments of self discovery, starting in DETROIT next weekend for Movement Festival. I'm following my dream. Onwards.