Echoes of the Year’s Lesson Challenge Winners

The Echoes of the Year’s Lessons Challenge invited you to reflect on the profound moments that defined your 2024 and publish them in the Motivation community. Whether it was a challenge that tested their resolve, an unexpected victory, or a realization that shifted their perspective, participants crafted stories that inspired us to view the year with a fresh lens. These stories became mirrors of personal growth and beacons of encouragement for others as we move forward into 2025.

After carefully reviewing submissions that captured heartfelt lessons, creative insights, and powerful storytelling, we’re thrilled to announce the winners who truly embodied the spirit of this challenge.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: Wallowing in the Soft Year, 2024 by M.C. Finch

M.C. Finch beautifully captures the essence of navigating a “soft year”—a period of introspection, healing, and quiet growth. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections, Finch encourages readers to embrace life’s slower moments and find meaning in self-discovery. Their story stands as a testament to the quiet power of resilience and renewal.

🥈 $200 Second Place: You all weren’t the victim, I was! by Joanna Blaze

Joanna Blaze delivers a gripping narrative about reclaiming agency and finding strength in the face of adversity. With raw honesty and a powerful voice, Blaze invites readers to reflect on the ways personal struggles can lead to transformation. Her story resonates deeply with anyone seeking to confront their challenges head-on and emerge stronger.

🎖️ Runners-up: $25 Each

Facing Milton by PK Colleran

PK Colleran tells a vivid story of facing Hurricane Milton, highlighting resilience and the strength of community. With rich details and heartfelt reflections, Colleran captures both the storm’s devastation and the beauty of recovery. This powerful narrative reminds readers of the unity and courage that emerge in times of crisis.

A Published Author is Born by Barb Dukeman

Barb Dukeman shares an inspiring journey of persistence and creativity, reflecting on how her lifelong passion for writing finally blossomed into becoming a published author. Through heartfelt storytelling, Dukeman explores the challenges of balancing life’s demands while nurturing her creative ambitions. Her reflections on grief, retirement, and the power of self-expression resonate deeply, inspiring readers to pursue their dreams at any stage of life.

The Lilac Tree by Marie Wilson

Marie Wilson reflects on the loss of a beloved lilac tree, weaving a poignant narrative about community, nature, and respect for shared spaces. Through vivid imagery, Wilson captures the beauty of the tree and the joy it brought to her life, while exploring the pain caused by its removal. Her story serves as a meditation on the importance of consideration, empathy, and the small things that bring meaning to our lives. It’s a gentle reminder to cherish and protect what brings light and connection to our world.

Creation: A Ballet by C.Z.

C.Z. shares an inspiring journey of bringing a lifelong dream to life through the creation of a ballet performance based on “The Seven Days of Creation.” This heartfelt story captures the challenges of balancing creativity, faith, and trust, while managing music, choreography, and costumes for a large production. With deep gratitude and perseverance, C.Z. highlights the importance of community support and divine guidance in achieving ambitious goals. The result is a moving reflection on creativity and the power of collaboration in turning ideas into reality.

Just Live by Jess Boyes

Jess Boyes shares a raw and personal journey of overcoming trauma, loss, and self-doubt to rediscover the joys of life. Through heartfelt reflections, Boyes explores the importance of reconnecting with passions, setting boundaries, and finding strength in self-love. The narrative inspires readers to persevere through challenges and embrace the things that bring happiness and fulfillment. This powerful story serves as a reminder that healing is a journey worth pursuing, no matter how difficult the road.

Experiencing the Radiant Sun by Skyler Saunders

Skyler Saunders reflects on a year filled with challenges, personal growth, and lessons in resilience. Through heartfelt storytelling, Saunders navigates family conflicts, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of self-improvement, offering a deeply personal account of triumphs and setbacks. The narrative emphasizes the importance of perseverance, self-awareness, and learning from mistakes. Ultimately, Saunders inspires readers to face life’s trials with strength and determination, always striving to rise above.

Sore Loser by D.K. Shepard

D.K. Shepard reflects on the lessons of loss, from the small defeats in life to the profound grief of losing cherished connections. Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Bishop’s poem “One Art,” Shepard beautifully explores how loss shapes us and provides opportunities for growth. The story balances personal anecdotes with universal insights, emphasizing resilience and the hope found in continuing to strive for meaningful victories. This heartfelt narrative reminds readers that even in loss, there is beauty and purpose to be found.

Choose your hard by Natasha Collazo

Natasha Collazo reflects on a transformative year filled with personal and professional milestones, all built on the foundation of perseverance. From overcoming insecurities to embracing writing as a career, Collazo highlights the challenges that shaped her journey and the triumphs that followed. Her motto, “Choose Your Hard,” serves as a guiding principle, reminding readers to face difficulties with resilience and faith. This inspiring narrative celebrates growth through hardship and the rewards of pursuing one’s passions with determination.

She never really liked my face by Sam Spinelli

Sam Spinelli offers a raw and deeply personal narrative about the complexities of love, self-worth, and the courage to leave toxic relationships. Through candid reflections and vivid storytelling, Spinelli examines the emotional toll of staying where one is neither loved nor valued. The story powerfully emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and prioritizing the well-being of loved ones, particularly children. Ultimately, it’s a poignant reminder that finding peace and happiness often requires the strength to let go.

Reflections To Light The Future by Cody Dakota Wooten, C.B.C.

Cody Dakota Wooten, C.B.C., takes readers on a profound journey of introspection and growth, using vivid metaphors of light and darkness to explore life’s challenges. Through deeply personal reflections, Wooten reveals the power of resilience, love, and determination to overcome obstacles and create meaningful change. The narrative is a moving testament to turning hardship into purpose, from personal loss to inspiring environmental and social impact projects. This story is a beacon of hope, urging readers to embrace their light and illuminate the path forward.

The Sound of a Gunshot and Where to Find Security” by Caitlin Charlton

Caitlin Charlton reflects on an unexpected and jarring experience, using it as a metaphor for finding inner peace and purpose amidst life’s uncertainties. Through thought-provoking insights, Charlton explores the idea that true security cannot be found externally but must come from within. The narrative emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, slowing down, and appreciating life’s processes rather than chasing perfection. This inspiring story invites readers to embrace imperfection and cultivate resilience in the face of life’s unpredictability.

Lessons by Judey Kalchik

Judey Kalchik delivers a raw and deeply reflective narrative that explores formative childhood experiences and the enduring lessons they imparted. Through vivid storytelling, Kalchik examines themes of truth, change, and resilience, offering a powerful perspective on how these forces shape our lives. The story’s poignant honesty and vulnerability inspire readers to confront their own truths and embrace impermanence with strength and grace. This compelling piece is a testament to the importance of personal growth and the courage to live authentically.

My Life This Past Year The Unpoetic Version by J.W. Baird

J.W. Baird’s story is a profoundly moving exploration of resilience in the face of relentless challenges. The narrative details a year of personal struggle, marked by battles with systemic hurdles, financial uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion, while also highlighting hard-earned lessons about vulnerability, rest, and self-care. Through raw honesty, Baird emphasizes the importance of acknowledging limitations and seeking help, even when it feels impossible. This candid account reminds readers of the strength found in perseverance and the courage required to rebuild amidst life’s hardships.

Me About Me by Raphael Fontenelle

“Me About Me” by Raphael Fontenelle offers a raw and introspective look at identity and self-acceptance, drawing readers into the challenges of navigating gender and societal expectations. Raphael’s reflections on personal growth, resilience, and embracing their authentic self are both moving and relatable. The narrative’s honesty and determination to confront fears and embrace individuality leave a lasting impression.

Rebuilding by Ema Salvi

“Rebuilding” by Ema Salvi offers an honest and heartfelt narrative about personal growth, family dynamics, and rediscovering purpose after difficult years. Ema’s journey through reconnecting with her mother, reviving her career, and finding inspiration in unexpected places highlights the transformative power of resilience and introspection. The piece beautifully captures the importance of patience, self-awareness, and cherishing meaningful relationships, making it a relatable and uplifting read.