By: Alex Bell
‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices,’ by mother-daughter duo Jess Munson and Karen Munson, sheds light on overcoming abuse and reigniting the spark within. Abuse often starts subtly, growing until it becomes a constant presence in one’s life. Through manipulation and control, abusers create a web of confusion and self-doubt, leaving their victims feeling powerless. The Munsons’ book offers a lifeline to those trapped in this cycle, providing understanding and actionable steps to break free and heal.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical advice, ‘God Given Grit’ empowers readers to recognize abuse, plan a safe escape, and embark on a path to recovery. Join us as we talk with Jess Munson, exploring the profound insights and invaluable guidance this book offers, helping countless individuals find their way to freedom and embrace their inner strength.
Why did you feel it was important for your mom to write ‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices’?
I had felt for years that I needed to share my story in some capacity, but I didn’t know how to do it. I had a vital message and wanted to utilize it to help others in their journey. I recognized I didn’t have a lot of the necessary tools. My mom had already written and published several books, was more knowledgeable about writing, and had more time to do it. It was hard, but I knew it was important for me to be vulnerable to publish the book we felt guided to create.
What was it like to work with your mom to share your story with others?
Initially, it was very challenging because I had attempted not to expose people, including my family, to my experiences. Collaborating created opportunities for us to discuss realities we had avoided when I was numbed out and shut down. Writing this book has been more challenging than I could have ever imagined it to be, while also very healing as we have worked alongside one another. We are closer now than we have ever been, and this book has been the cause of that, for which I’ll be forever grateful.
How did writing ‘God Given Grit: Empowered Choices’ help you with your own recovery?
It was very difficult revisiting things I thought I had laid to rest. Memories reared their ugly heads, and I was now able to address them. Helping others heal also helps me. The more feedback we get on the book, the more gratifying it has been. It is changing lives, and that makes it all worthwhile.
This book delves into the complexities of recognizing and healing from domestic violence. What do you hope readers will take away from your book, especially those who may be currently experiencing abuse?
I want everyone to feel hope that they don’t have to endure the abuse any longer, to feel empowered to make choices for themselves, to know they have the grit it takes to do hard things. All of us, regardless of our current circumstances, still have that inner grit that can be accessed if we are simply brave enough to stand up to reclaim our freedom and remember our worth.
Can you share a bit about your own journey of overcoming abuse and finding hope?
It’s impossible to realize the severity of the abuse while you are still in it. As long as you are constantly being abused, you’re unable to start your healing process truly. I was emotionally shut down and numbed out. When you’re in that situation, it’s strictly survival mode, and little progress can occur. Only when I got away from the constant exposure was I able to realize how toxic the marriage was. I remember the first time I felt hope after getting out. It was a pivotal moment that I hold very sacred. Hope and peace continue to guide me on my healing journey after abuse.
What were some of the key turning points or realizations that helped you on your path to healing?
When my ex-husband became physically abusive, knocking holes in the walls, grabbing me, and taking my phone, it was the last straw. When I went to the shelter the next day and answered their questions while filing for a protective order, I realized the depth, breadth, and length of the abuse. That was a shocking and necessary reality check. Having a professional validate my concerns was truly eye-opening, and I began to realize there was more going on than I had recognized.
Your book emphasizes the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse. Can you discuss some practical steps or strategies for breaking free from an abusive relationship and creating a path to safety?
It typically takes a woman seven attempts to leave an abusive relationship. Every time you go back, it feels harder to leave the next time. I tried and failed multiple times. A) Tap into your intuition and feel if something might be ‘off’ in your relationship. B) Find someone you can trust to confide in and share your concerns with. They are able to see things from an outside perspective and are not exposed to the continual abuse that brings on the confusion and numbing out. C) Plan. If you don’t have a plan for getting out of the abuse, it won’t work. There are websites and detailed steps in my book that lay out what you need to consider and how to proceed to get out of an abusive relationship successfully. Everyone’s situation is different, but you have to plan ahead. Make all the preparations ahead of time and just do it.
You can pick up a copy of ‘God Given Grit’ on Amazon.
Published by: Martin De Juan
