How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

Who wants to not only survive, but thrive?!  If this is you, then read on.  

First off, think to yourself for a moment what it means to thrive versus survive.  Thanks to google, I rustled up a few definitions to help us out:

Survive: continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship

Thrive: grow or develop well or vigorously

We were made to survive.  Our bodies actually have great protection mechanisms within it, helping us to stay alive.  When something is threatening us, our family, or friends, it doesn’t take us very long to kick into defense mode, protecting ourselves and those most important to us.  

However, I believe we are meant to not just survive.  We were meant to thrive. So here are some ways to do just that.

Surround yourself with things that help you grow

Yesterday, I picked up my daughter from her reading interventionist. After talking about my daughter’s progress, she brought my attention to a plant growing on her porch. Much to her surprise, the plant bloomed beautiful, small, pink flowers. She told me at one point when the plant was positioned at a different place in her home the plant didn’t grow at all.  After she placed it where it could catch some of the rays from the afternoon sun, it took off in all directions, growing longer than she thought possible. 

This got me thinking.  Thriving is about being in the right place at the right time to get the things you need to be able to bloom into something beautiful.  Discovering what helps you grow is essential to thriving. Each of us have different things that light us up or energize us. The more we can be intentional about discovering what those things are and making sure we are in the place to receive them allows us to be in a greater position to grow and develop more than we ever imagined.  

Cut out things that keep you from growing 

As we continued to talk about the plant, she pointed out to me when she watered it too much then the leaves would turn yellow.  Although water is often seen as essential, for this plant it was not beneficial or as necessary.  

Sometimes there are people, situations, or habits in your life that keep you from growing.  These are the things that need to be either cut out of your life or similar to the water mentioned above, you may need to spend less time doing them.  This could also mean limiting interactions with toxic people as well. Is there someone in your life that drains you from the moment you get around them?  Then this may be someone who could potentially keep you from growing. Does it mean they are a bad person? Absolutely not. But if they are bringing you down instead of lifting you up, you may need to cut back on the time you spend with them. 

I equate the people, situations, or habits that keep us from growing to the pesky vines growing on my bushes in front of my home.  If I don’t remove them from my bushes, these vines will overpower the bushes, stopping them from growing. So I cut them back for the health and well-being of the bushes.  

When wanting to know if something is hindering your potential for growth ask yourself, “Is this serving me or my ability to grow?”  And if the answer is no, then it may be time to let it go.

Get enough sunshine

To grow, plants need some degree of light.  Like plants, we also need light to help us thrive.  

Getting enough sunshine for plants is the equivalent of practicing a positive mindset for humans.  Much of what we grow into starts with our thoughts.  

“If you think you can you will, if you think you can’t you won’t.” 

Creating a vision, utilizing positive self talk, and challenging negative thoughts that creep in are essential to growth.  You will grow into what you believe you can grow into. Capturing your thoughts is not easy work. You have to be diligent and practice awareness of what your thinking.  Make every effort to tell yourself positive things. It will be the sunshine you need to grow into a crazy, beautiful version of yourself. 

Discover your roots

Root systems are important to the growth and longevity of a plant.  To thrive requires roots that are deep or wide. Our roots are our beliefs, purpose, the “why” behind wanting to grow, thrive, and become better.  The more we are focused on “why” we are doing what we are doing, the more likely we will be able to push through in periods of drought. 

Our why and purpose can change over the growth process, but it’s important to recognize what it is in your current season of life.  For me, my “why” of growth is so I can make a difference in others’ lives.

We can only reach as far as we grow.

If I can’t grow as a person, I surely can’t help others grow and bloom into what they were meant to be.  So I’ve been intentional in this period of my journey to invest in myself so I can also help others do the same.  

When we learn about ourselves and discover the things that help us grow, keep us from growing, and give us sunshine, along with identifying our “why”, we can grow and go further than we ever thought possible. 

Just remember friend, you were meant to thrive, not just survive.

BE INSPIRED

What is your “why” for growth? Let me know in the comments below.