Grit to Grace

Grit...it sounds like just a dirty word in the literal sense. It's the survival mechanism that some people have that enables them to overcome adversity, poverty, bad situations etc. It's that sword and shield mentality where the blade is sharp to fight and the shield is padded to protect. I have known several people from generations before me that had the "grit" and survived and became better people as the result of their circumstances. It's that mole scraping to the top of the hole trying to get out, that never give up mentality-that I will not break and adrenaline rush that some get from taking on a bad situation and surviving it. Some people never show grit, even when they have to-- they look for others to fight the battle for them. I believe it's an internal defense mechanism and if you have it-keep it-even if you keep it at bay-- you may need it sometime in your life.

However, I have found the true miracle happens when one's Grit turns into Grace....Taking what one has learned through adversity and incorporating compassion, empathy, gratitude, harmony, beauty into ones life. The grit still exists, but is softened by a greater understanding and purpose with what one should do with their gifts, talents and livelihood. I have seen this miracle happen in those a generation ahead of me and was always mesmerized by their true grace. I think I have touched the tip of the iceberg of turning my grit into grace in my life. -That is the miracle of living...