Albert Einstein is a genius…. The first law of thermodynamics, also known as Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another. … In other words, energy cannot be created or destroyed.
This can apply to humans too. You do not need to make something more of a situation or try to fix it…sometimes the best solution is just let it be.
I was recently interviewed by the GracedByGrit Foundation an organization committed to providing young girls and young women empowerment by discovering their GRIT and through GETGRITTY events. In the interview I’m discussing a time in my life where I discovered my GRIT by walking away from a situation instead of engaging.
Check out the details from my interview below!
Tell us about a GRITTY MOMENT in your life that has forced you to learn what you are truly made of…
A friend, blamed me (not to my face) for something I did not know anything about. Essentially instead of confronting me she spoke to people close to me, blaming me, my character, all because of what she saw on social media. To me this hurt, as she was my friend. However, instead of REACTING to her, even though upset, I let go of the need to do anything. I disengaged my mind, my heart, and told myself that whatever this friend was upset about, was not about me. We truly only react based on how we view with the world and our past experiences.
GUTS: How did you “grow guts” and be brave enough to get through your “gritty moment”? Were you afraid? Where did you find your courage? How did facing that moment affect your confidence? Did you feel more confident afterward?
I was anxious for sure, as this person is someone who I have been close with for years. However, my interaction with this person always had a negative feel the past few years. I could never really put a finger on it, but kept in touch because we have mutual friends. However their actions spoke louder than their words in this case. Me not wanting to take part in the being a victim, blaming, explaining for something I did not know happened was an important decision. 10 years ago I did not know that I COULD do this. It was an incredible relief to let myself know…it is ok to let go, Theresa.
RESILIENCE: What did you learn from pushing through your “gritty moment”? What helped you “not give up” and persevere?
What helped me not give up and work through this adversity is remembering these few things:
- Who I am. I know I am a good person and my truth is to help as many people as possible.
- Looking up and seeing the world around me and smiling. There are so many wonderful people around me.
- Strength can come from adversity especially if I chose to learn from it. Energy is neither created nor destroyed. So trying to “fix” it will not serve me, and trying to “destroy’” it by brushing it under the rug and not facing it will also not serve me or anyone else.
IMPERFECTION: How do you deal with failure and making mistakes? Did your “gritty moment” force you to learn and grow?
My gritty moment has given me mental freedom in a sense that I do not need to invite myself into other peoples realities -whether they are good or bad. It helped reinforce that some people close to me and far away will agree and disagree with me, however those who have the courage to face me (not online or through someone else), will merit my attention. And even then, I have a choice to let go, for my own well-being and the time and energy needed to care for my family. This is helpful in many aspects of my life, as I cannot take what anyone else does personally, or assume anything. All I can do is breath, know my truth, and keep moving forward being good to myself and others..
TEAM: What role did your support system play in helping you through this challenging time? What role has this “team” had in your life?
A HUGE role. I have friends who are like family to me. 5 sisters from other misters/misses who I can ALWAYS rely on. We have all had our ups and downs with each other but always FACE each other and voice it. I also have a beautiful husband and son (2 years old) who are my rocks. When I was going through this hard time, instead of grieving the loss of a friend, I looked up and saw these people I can count on one hand who I know will ALWAYS have my back.
And just for fun… What advice would you give to your younger “GRITTY GIRL” self?
I would tell my younger girl self. “Never take what anyone else does to you or what they say about you personally. They are coming from their own perspective and it is NOT you that is the issue but how they perceive their life. They are looking at YOU through their lenses which may be foggy. Keep your head up and know that you can control your breath, your attention on what matters to include believing your truth, how you treat others to include yourself, and always always keep moving forward.”