Determination and How It Relates To Our Struggles

Determination is one of the core components to GRIT and if there is one thing I have learned when it comes to domestic violence or child abuse; the victims of said abuse have no choice but to develop their own level of GRIT in society. It takes a lot to endure abuse for any given period of time much less over the course of years like some victims suffer. I put my focus on determination as that is what we all must ultimately develop if we ever truly seek to change our current or past situations. If something offends you, cut it off. I have heard this saying over the course of many years and it is truer in the event of cutting off an abuser than in any other reference. For a child this is much more difficult as the abuser is most often a family member or a family friend. The best option forward in that even would be a school counselor or resource officer as I sought out when I was six suffering abuse at the hands of a 'family friend/preacher'. That initial step launched me down a path that led to me testifying in court against my abuser, ultimately landing him away from society in a place that I can only hope deterred his evil desires and helped him become a better person. Despite all of the trauma involved in testifying to what occurred, I know the alternative would have been more months or even years of abuse at the hands of that individual. None of that would have happened if I was not determined to help prevent my best friend from facing the very abuse I was facing. My caring for his well being was enough to drive me to speak out and set the record straight, not just about the abuse but also my parents obsession with substances clouding their judgment. The rewards for doing this service are immeasurable as I have gone on to live a happy, healthy life; full of wonder and excitement. Developing that determination at such an early age was actually the main positive outcome which came from an otherwise negative situation. Even when things get rough or seem to be at their darkest, there is still reason to hope and never lose that hope. I feel that none of us truly want to give up but the lack of supports often tends to keep an individual down. That being said, my only question for all of you is; Who supports you when you are feeling low? If the answer is no one or "myself", take a moment and consider a few possibilites of people who may function as a positive support for you, whether it be a minister, or family member, even some other role model you may have. All I ask is for the moment focus on positive outcomes or how to manipulate a negative situation and transform its outcome into a positive one. As always, have a wonderful day today in hopes of a better and brighter tomorrow my friends!!!