the grace in grit
Grit. It’s always been a favorite word of mine. Grit is edgy, bad-ass. Untouchable. Unapologetic. A little dangerous. Rock n roll. It’s requires us to be just that, even when we feel anything but that. It’s when, against all odds, we put the blinders on, dig deep with laser focus and muster up the relentless courage, confidence and determination to face fears, challenges, go for our goals and say F* you to all the things standing in our way. Grit propels us to confront things head on with unyielding courage, to do the work and truly know our past does not define our present…or our future.
Grace is the flip side of that same coin, each with equal value. Grace is the kindness and compassion we show ourselves as a gentle reminder, it’s OK to not always be on the upward trajectory. To understand life is not always a vertical climb. To allow ourselves to become different versions of ourselves. To give our warrior-selves permission to rest and recognize life is a series of seasons, constantly changing. Grace is the much needed hug we need in the moments of acceptance that, nothing is permanent and all we have is, right now.
The balance of grit and grace work in tandem, delicately finding their way towards each other, counterbalancing in a never ending dance-pushing and pulling, lifting and falling, forwards, backwards, inhaling and exhaling with insurmountable force and fierceness and the stillness and floating of a whispery feather. It’s an infinite pendulum between strength and vulnerability. It’s the same little voice that calls to you when, “NO” is not an option and you will not accept defeat and also when you need to hear it’s OK to not be OK. Grit is the confidence that keeps you moving towards your goals and grace forgives when you feel you can’t go on. Grit is the kick in the pants we need to never give up. Grace is the gentle embrace we need to get back up. We need both to exist. To thrive. To succeed. The beautiful thing about grit is that, that wherewithal never goes unfounded. Without it, you never uncover the pearls of wisdom waiting for you on the other side. Grace provides you the hindsight to know at the end of toil you will be OK because you will have been changed. You will endure stronger, wiser, more patient and more loving, to not only others but most importantly…. yourself.
much love + light,
jess
xxx