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Grit separates surviving from thriving. It's not glamorous or trending, but it's the backbone of how we keep moving forward – especially when no one's watching.

What does real grit look like? Sometimes it's celebrating a milestone nobody thought possible. My dad, diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2015 with a three-year prognosis, just marked his 10th year post-diagnosis. Through grueling stem cell and T-cell transplants, two brushes with 50-50 survival odds, and countless challenging days, he chose to fight. His remission today isn't just science – it's a testament to endurance, faith, and refusing to give up.

Grit also appears in unexpected places. When our newly adopted shelter dog was diagnosed with rare, terminal cancer, my children showed what grit truly means. Instead of pulling away from inevitable heartbreak, they've leaned into love – giving extra cuddles, special treats, and making every remaining day count. That's grit in its purest form: choosing to show up with compassion when your heart is breaking.

Research backs up what we intuitively know. Angela Duckworth's groundbreaking studies revealed that grit – defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals – predicts success better than intelligence, talent, or background. In studies of West Point cadets, successful salespeople, and high achievers across fields, the common thread wasn't natural ability but consistent determination. The good news? Grit can be cultivated through discipline, mindset, and faith.

Where do you need grit today? Maybe it's showing up for a struggling loved one, persisting through a career setback, praying when your faith feels dry, or serving your community without recognition. Whatever challenges you're facing, remember – you've got more grit in you than you realize. Don't give up. You're stronger than you know, and your perseverance today is building the foundation for tomorrow's victory.

Ready to develop more grit in your life? Subscribe to Holly's Highlights and join our monthly email at www.hollycurby.com for practical worksheets to help you cultivate resilience through life's toughest moments.

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Standing at the edge of my daughter's high school graduation, I found myself reflecting on eighteen years ago, holding my heart's desire in my arms. Suddenly here she was - cap, gown, and all grown up. This milestone hit differently as a single parent, bringing both overwhelming pride and that bittersweet ache of letting go.

What messages do we send to a time we will never see through our children? What does it mean to provide both roots and wings? Through tears and celebration, I've discovered five powerful life lessons from this graduation threshold that apply to everyone navigating change: your identity isn't what you achieve but who you belong to; you can step forward without having everything figured out; presence matters more than perfection; letting go is a sacred spiritual practice; and your best days aren't behind you - they're ahead.

Whether you're a parent watching your child take flight, a graduate stepping into the unknown, or anyone moving through life's inevitable transitions, this episode offers both comfort and courage for the journey. As Maya Angelou reminded us, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Join me in exploring how to embrace these breathtaking moments with faith, purpose, and the confidence that you're not lost - you're simply in motion. Share this episode with someone facing a significant life transition who needs to hear they're not alone on their journey.

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Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.

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There's a bittersweet beauty in watching a chapter close, especially one that's been thirteen years in the making. Sitting alone in the bleachers after my daughter's high school softball awards night, tears streaming down my face, I found myself overwhelmed not with sadness that it was over, but with profound gratitude that it happened at all.

This journey through softball fields and dugouts has taught me far more than how to keep score or pack the perfect game day snack. It revealed profound truths about perseverance when facing challenges like flooded fields and tough seasons. It demonstrated how true leadership isn't about wearing a captain's badge, but about the energy and encouragement you bring to others. And most powerfully, it showed how attitude becomes the ultimate game-changer – not just on the diamond, but in life.

From watching my daughter draw dragonflies in the dirt to honor her grandmother, to celebrating that game-winning home run bunt, each moment built toward something bigger than trophies or statistics. Whether you're a parent approaching the end of a childhood chapter, a leader navigating team dynamics, or someone simply trying to play your best game in life, these lessons resonate: grit wins long-term, teamwork multiplies strength, your attitude is your superpower, and the small victories deserve celebration too. The final scoreboard doesn't define success – the heart you bring to the game does. Share this episode with someone standing at the end of their own meaningful chapter, and remember: though seasons end, the impact of how we live them endures forever.

Support the show

Visit www.hollycurby.com for more information and to sign up for the monthly Holly's Happenings e-newsletter. Holly's Highlights podcast and the opinions and ideas shared within it are for entertainment purposes only. The advice should be confirmed with a qualified professional.