Gratitude Series: Day 3
Day 3 of 7
I’m grateful for the strength to rise above painful moments.
I’m grateful for the relationships that challenge me to grow.
I’m grateful for the courage to confront conflict with clarity and confidence.
I’m grateful for the perspective to see that hard times aren’t forever.
I’m grateful for this continuous journey of becoming my best self.
I’m grateful for my compassion that allows me to see beyond people’s mistakes.
Let me tell y’all… today was not fun, but it was definitely necessary. I had to deal with something that’s been sitting heavy on my heart for a while. I found out something about a colleague (someone I’ve looked up to) that really hurt me. And it wasn’t just one of those little things you can brush off. It hit deep and made me question who they really are.
Now, old me would’ve let that sit. I would’ve smiled, nodded, and kept things "cool" while slowly building a wall between us. But today? Nope. I couldn’t let that kind of energy fester. I had to address it head-on, even though it felt uncomfortable as hell. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but I knew it was time to stop pretending. I went into the conversation with an open heart, ready to be real about how I was feeling but also giving them space to explain themselves.
And let me just say, it was tough. But when we finally got through it? I felt lighter. That weight I’d been carrying just lifted. It was a reminder that conflict doesn’t have to be scary. Sometimes, it’s the thing that pushes you toward clarity. I’m proud of myself for handling it with compassion, not defensiveness. That’s real growth. I don’t need to run from the hard stuff anymore, and that feels good.
Reflecting on the day, I couldn’t help but think about one of my closest friends. This person challenges me on the regular. They never let me coast, and while that can be super uncomfortable sometimes, I know it’s making me better. Growth doesn’t live in the easy moments. Growth happens in those times when someone forces you to look deeper, to face things head-on. And that discomfort is where the real work begins. Our friendship is about connection, sure, but it’s also about reflection, which is just as important.
So, today, I’m sitting with a lot of gratitude. I’m grateful for the hard conversations that make me stronger. I’m grateful for the courage to deal with things instead of running from them. And I’m grateful for the relationships that push me to grow, even when I’d rather stay comfortable. You know how it goes: Growth isn’t linear. It’s messy and awkward, but I’m here for all of it. Every single step, no matter how bumpy the road gets.