Determination and Grit in Life's Challenges

A friend reminded me the other day of something I’ve known all along: I’m determined. He shared a story from a canyoneering trip we took in AZ, where I slid into THE MOST slippery pothole in a Class C canyon. While a few people were ready to jump in and help, no one did—because apparently, the smile on my face and my body language made it clear: “Let me figure this out.” I didn’t want help unless it was truly an emergency. I struggled, I slipped, and I fought my way out. It wasn’t pretty, but it was mine to handle, learn, & grow from, and that determination to get myself through the hard moments is how I approach life. No matter how messy or ungraceful, I’m committed to getting out of every challenge I find myself in. That’s grit. So here’s a reminder for anyone who needs it: life’s potholes will happen. We’ll flounder. It’ll at times feel embarrassing and humbling. But grit and determination will get us through. It might be slippery, you might be upside down for a minute, but trust yourself to find a way out. And when you do, shake it off, learn from the lessons, laugh, and be proud. I needed this reminder today, and maybe you do too. Whatever you’re going through, know that you have what it takes to push through. We’ve got this. 💪 Ps, my 15 min 38 degree cold plunging came in clutch in this moment, having trained my brain to remain calm in extreme conditions.