Year One
Photo courtesy of Gratisography
Saturday, September 5th, 2026Today marks the one year anniversary of when the Grit*i*cism website went live and Grit*storm began. I have spent the last 24 hours reading through all my posts over the last year.
And, oh! What a year it’s been!
I started off with a shitty attitude, and a desperate desire to run away from my life. I threw my hat into a few different rings and none of them worked. Subconsciously, I was learning a lot about what I thought I wanted and what I could conceivably handle.
Frustrated, I stepped back to think about what I really want. I saw that I actually have a good situation, surrounded by people I like, doing engaging work, in a beautiful place.
It would be hard to top what I’ve already got going on.
A surprise meeting with an old friend led me down an unexpected, but wanted, path. Rather than continuously resisting, I decided to lean in and commit to the life that I’d already been living. Now, with less attitude…
Cue, buying a new house! Stretch Goal achieved!
I thought that would have been the big reveal, but really, it’s been figuring out the inside that has been more telling. Such a little microcosm of my own psyche. I’m surprised at my aesthetic choices. I love the blips of happy sprinkled throughout. It feels very calming, a bit ethereal, somewhat ephemeral. I love it.
But there are also parts that are heavy, disorganized, in hiding, unfinished, being held onto for no apparent reason. All, still within the microcosm. I imagine as I work my way through these parts, things will feel lighter and more clear.
I’m enjoying this process, slow going though it may be. Some things will be easy. Sometimes I’ll make mistakes. Sometimes, there will be happy accidents. All of this is fine.
There is still much to do.
I painted my fence. It looks like barbeque sauce. I hate barbeque sauce. It will not be the only time I paint the fence. Next time it will be a little better.
There is still much unknown, and that’s ok.
I’m less worried about money. Not because there is more. But because I have always believed that it will come when it’s needed. Because it always has and I have no reason to believe otherwise, and it’s not like worrying is going to make anything better.
I’m looking forward to what I choose to do, now that I’m here - now that I’m in charge.
I recently started reading a book. Not a self help book or a book on life hacks or one that’s giving me guidance. It’s a novel. And I’m enjoying enjoying it. Babysteps
Stay Gritty