Word Grit: A Lexicon of Endurance
by Chip Von Gunten
“You do not discover grit on your best day. You discover it when the plan fails, when the partner leaves, when the money runs thin, when the body says no and the mind says we move anyway. Grit is forged in the gap between expectation and reality. That gap is a canyon. You either build a bridge or you live at the bottom.”
“When you practice grit long enough, you begin to curate your internal dictionary. You remove words that weaken you. You sharpen the ones that strengthen you. You realize that shame is a story. So is resilience. And so, you get to choose which one you narrate. Adversity is a classroom. Language is the curriculum. Meaning is the diploma. And strength is the transcript nobody can fake.”
About
I build things and try to stay aware while doing it. My background is in tech and entrepreneurship. Now I focus on writing, creative problem-solving, and staying connected to art, travel, and community. I value clear thinking, time in nature, and real conversations, and I care more about being useful than holding titles.
I grew up in Ohio, spent years in Arizona, and eventually returned to the Midwest. Those places shaped how I see the world, and today the slower rhythm of rivers, woods, and open space influences much of my writing.
My work draws from Beat-era independence and curiosity. Travel remains a constant thread, whether across American highways or through old European streets, always feeding a search for authenticity.
You can also find my books on my Amazon Author Page and more writing on Substack.
Conversations & Interviews
I occasionally join conversations around writing, music, philosophy, and the work of staying human in a noisy world. This includes print interviews, podcasts, and long-form discussions.
I’m not interested in hype or performance—just honest dialogue and useful exchange. If you think there’s alignment, feel free to reach out.
