Congratulations to Tracy Wilson for Winning the November 2017 Barefoot Writing Challenge! (Your $100 prize is on its way!)
The Challenge was to write an essay that answered this question:
In what ways are you fortunate? List five things you are grateful for.
Tracy gave a frank summary of the many things she’s grateful for, and we enjoyed the happy, honest picture she painted with her words. Enjoy her winning submission:
5 of the Many Things I’m Grateful For Every Day
Some days it may seem like everything is going wrong. But do you ever stop and think about all the things that are going right? For example, you probably woke up, got out of bed, and ate breakfast in a warm home.
In my opinion, it’s important to be thankful every day for the little things as well as the big.
I have so much to be grateful for… even though I’m not rich. My life’s not perfect. But I’m exactly where I need to be. It’s hard to name just five, but the things I’m most thankful for today are:
- My children… your typical face-in-electronics kids. We have challenges like all families, but they are beautiful inside and out. They make me want to be a better person. They inspire me to do and be my very best because I want them to always do and be their best…to reach for the stars.
- My husband… works three jobs and still cooks dinner a few nights a week. In the winter, it’s dark when he leaves and dark when he gets home. When something needs to be done, he’s on it. If a friend calls with a problem, he helps fix it. He’s the most reliable person I’ve ever known. He’s not perfect, but I don’t know what I’d do without him. He makes me strive for success, to make more money so he doesn’t have to work so hard.
- My home… a few years ago we decided to abandon suburban life. We wanted 10 acres, a big house, cows, chickens, and a huge garden. We got two acres and a smaller house, fresh eggs from our own chickens, and space for a modest garden. When I look at the lush green trees and the star-strewn night sky, I’m so thankful we’re here.
- My health… like other people my age, I have aches and pains. I figure out what’s causing them and make changes to lessen them. I have eyeglasses that allow me to see the twinkling stars. And I just paid a doctor to tell me my heart was ok. I’m thankful for my health and the resources to take care of myself.
- Freedom… our country is in a state of turmoil and uncertainty. But in spite of the chaos, fear, anger, and frustration, out of 195 countries on this planet the United States is still one of the greatest. I’m thankful to have been born here, in a country where I can still share my opinion freely, and speak up for myself and others without fear of vanishing or some other terrible thing happening. And where I can raise my children knowing that if they put in the work, they will succeed.
I could go on and on with this list, but you get the idea. There’s just so much to be thankful for.
