“Stay gritty.” The signature of a work of art I just acquired. This local artist, which I've had the privilege in meeting and getting to know, shared this piece as she was working on it. I love it (see it below).
Each morning when I walk my daughter into class, the first thing I see is the word GRIT, followed by or with an apronym:
G - give it your all
R - redo if needed
I - Ignore giving up
T - Take your time
What took my attention in this work of art was the grin of the subject. It reminded me of times when we grin and bare it. Life has many obstacles, and our attitude to those obstacles determine, in large part, how we make it through them.
For me grit is a combination of mental and physical toughness, an attitude. A way of deciding how to live. The secret to outstanding achievement, according to Angela Duckworth, who wrote the book on GRIT is a special mix of passion and persistence. GRIT.
Additionally, grit for me means hanging on, especially when letting go seems like the best option. Steven Pressfield writes, “putting your ass on the line and keeping it there. So to all of you reading this, I'll repeat the strong words of Arlene Torres, the artist that created and sold me the work of art, "stay gritty." Arlene goes by "AR" or on social media @arthealchemist, where she displays her various forms of art.