Hello Steemit community,

Today is my very first day here and I'm already excited! My name is Kellie McRae and I left the US last year in October for Chiang Mai, Thailand. I'd never been here before, I sold all I owned and decided to move abroad. I actually went to Nicaragua first, I was there for 30 days (I'd never been there either) but found that was not the home for me.

In February 2016, I was diagnosed with an incurable disease called Lupus that flipped my entire life upside down. I'd been selling homes happily in the Florida sun and all of a sudden I could no longer walk and talk at the same time. I was told that the disease required me to stay out of the sun but I love the beach and the sun. So I actually started researching places that were warm, safe and had both quality and affordable healthcare. Thailand was that place.

Since arriving here, the people are wonderful, the culture while different is truly amazing. I love that there is such a high level of respect for all people. No one yells at one another here, they rarely even blow their horns in traffic. It is such a night and day difference from being in the US. I've learned a lot about myself during this journey and have come to appreciate so much more. I left the US as soon as I had enough energy to do so and since moving to Thailand, I have become a vegetarian and my energy levels are much better than they were in the US.

It was tough moving so far from my family but I am so happy for the new friendships and experiences since arriving. In a lot of ways, the connections I have made here seemed to be stronger right away than some of the connections I had been nurturing for years back home. Others living abroad away from their families seem to bring out the best in people. I am truly enjoying my new life in Thailand (I'm even learning to speak the language).

I am what I like to refer to as a joy junkie so I spend most of my time trying to infuse some laughter, joy and common sense perspective into the lives of those around me. I look forward to sharing with you all and seeing what you are sharing as well! I'm excited to be here :-)

If you'd like to see what kinds of things I share, please check out my youtube channel, I'd love to have you visit there as well.