Hey Alex!
The beginning of break has been pretty nice. It’s been uneventful, other than going bowling with Jony and a couple other friends from high school, but I am definitely enjoying the opportunity to relax. I really enjoyed your challenge for this week; I didn’t come up with a large list, but rather spent a longer time focusing on the blessings I found to be the most significant:
If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be lucky. After working on this challenge, I’ve realized that the blessings I value most are things that are completely out of my control. It’s sort of weird to think this, especially considering that I am rather obsessed with making sure that I am in control of what happens my life. Nevertheless, it is humbling and refreshing to remember that the vast majority — and sometimes the most important — things are up to conditions beyond my reach.
First and foremost, I am thankful that I belong to such a loving family. I had no choice in this placement, but am glad that I ended up in ours. I feel that us and our siblings started off life with very strong support. For example, as soon as I got home on Saturday, mom and dad told me how happy they were to see me. I can’t imagine how my self-esteem and life would be different without having parents that expressed love as freely as mom and dad.
Along with mom and dad’s support, growing up with Parker, Madeline, and you have also contributed a great deal to who I am. We all may have not always gotten along, but this taught me early in life that people can have very different values and ways of communicating. Having some many siblings has ensured that life at home was far from boring as well; I couldn’t imagine our car trips to Colorado any other way than with six of us packed into a minivan. Finally, our family also includes an awesome older sister who puts up with my inconsistent posting. 
The luck of being born into our great family has given me another thing I am thankful for: I have had many opportunities that are not available to everyone. Due to the affluence of our family, and mom and dad’s generosity, I have had the opportunity to travel abroad multiple times. Even more importantly, I have been able to attend college and pursue my dream to teach. It is unfortunate that not all people have these opportunities and comfort in their lives, and I hope to remember that when serving my students.
Another blessing outside of my control is that I am physically fit. I could have been born with any number of physical difficulties, or gained them in an accident. It’s weird to think that when I planned our last challenge, I took for granted that both of us would be able to do yoga. Having a body with no significant issues allows me great convenience in doing whatever I wish.
My physical health also allows me to participate in something else I am extremely grateful for: being able to participate in music ensembles. People play music for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest things for me is the community that forms around it. I think I’d probably be much lonelier without everyone that I’ve met and regularly spent time with through music rehearsals. Even though my time spent in Jazz Combo, Jazz Ensemble, and percussion quartet may make my weeks more hectic, they are definitely worth it for the feeling of belonging I receive in return.
Thank you for choosing this challenge; it has really helped me remember how fortunate I am. I love you, and really look forward to seeing you at Christmas!
Love you,
Chase
