1. I am thankful for all the loved ones in my life.

First, and probably most important, are those loved ones in my life. My older sister, Sarah, will forever be a positive influence in my life. I haven’t always gotten along with my parents, but I am grateful for them as well. My brother is schizophrenic, but I know deep in my heart he could be happy if he only took care of himself.

I have been blessed with some of the most awesome friends I could ask for in my life. I feel guilty because I’m so busy and we don’t get to hang out much. One of my best friends I have known for almost eight years. She’s been a positive influence on me, and I appreciate her so much. There are other people as well, but too many to name in one post. I love everyone who has came into my life. I have learned to take nothing for granted.

2. I am thankful for God in my life.

Religion and God may be two separate things to many people. In my life, these two words are interchangeable. I am a strong person in my faith and I believe God does work miracles. He has not only worked miracles in my life, but in the lives of others around me.

It is God that keeps me patient and kind when I want to be negative and hurtful. It is God who gives me strength to wake up every day, take my seizure medication, and be happy I am healthy. In my life, it is God which gives me love to those who are most difficult to me in ways I can’t find words. In the end, God will be my Savior and he will keep my soul for eternity.

3. The right to live the life of a free woman in a controversial world

I feel blessed to live in America. I realize in other countries of the world, I would not have the freedoms and liberties I do here. These other women suffer greatly for freedoms they may never know and their lives are sacrificed in vain for freedoms I was entitled to at birth.

I feel blessed to breathe clean air, drink clean water and consume healthy food. There is a roof and four walls surrounding me. If I were an Iraqi woman, these would be given to be me, but in the form of a prison. Whereas I have the liberty to go out on my own, wherever I choose, they do not without risking penalty or death. I feel blessed to leave free, breath free and make my choices without any other being controlling me.