I recently returned from a 16-day trip to the United States, visiting 11 states and districts.

From our first step(s) south, there was an easy feeling that continued for the remainder of our trip.

Why is this notable? Because from where I live in Canada, the US is portrayed as a nation in crisis, divided on every level, yet this was not my experience.

I’ve struggled to write about my experience because so much information wanted to be expressed, yet the story was not complicated. Boiling syrup to get something sweet has been my challenge.

It forced looking at America and feeling into this brotherly dynamic we share. Looking at the deep roots that connect us and how we’ve grown to become who we are.

We are both free and sovereign nations, yet we express our freedom and liberty quite differently.

What I was expecting to see in the US were cracks in the fabric of this deeply patriotic nation and yet there were seemingly none. Back home in Canada cracks are everywhere, so what was happening?

At the core of it, Americans know who they are, and deep down they are all on the same team. Putting aside divisive talking points, there is pride in tradition, a warm handshake and smile as their trademark.

As a Canadian, I’ve always admired this about our American family and was pleased to see that regardless of stripes, America hadn’t spun off its axis or lost this foundation.

There was an unspoken rule afoot I was being reminded of. It wasn’t about money or material things but rather an innate knowing deep within “all” Americans. They understand freedom.

Americans were not letting things slide, their bootheels dug deep. Freedom was not negotiable.

America works hard, plays hard, and loves hard and this can’t be dismantled or changed. Where other countries have let the slider move, Americans will have none of it. The swagger in their walk told you so!

This was not hard to see but hard to write about.

America is a country of service and great hospitality. There is a competitive spirit, like it or not that leads to strength of character. This character created those “innate rights.”

As Canadians, we wonder why our family south of the border does everything so big.

What we forget, is that a “big” personality is usually linked to a big heart, which is certainly what I felt. It was exciting to witness this strength and potential, knowing that people, not news outlets will dictate the path forward.

Americans don’t complain but rather do something about a situation they don’t like. And they bring kindness and a smile to life as a whole. Little things matter, like opening the door for a stranger.

America could sense I was not local but instead of turning the cold shoulder, I was invited to the party and made the guest of honor. There is such hidden beauty here.

Also.

I believe the United States holds the potential to seed and balance profound energies in the days ahead. A unique string of “light” is available and they will commit to anchoring it.

I sense great pride as you all lean into this challenge and I’m excited to stand beside you as family does.

TK

P.S. I thought this story would be the last thoughts from my trip but my team said no, there will be more.

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