Define to thrive

I think it may be easy to get caught up in a fantastical idea of what it would mean to thrive. It almost feels like “thriving” would require this massive shift, often in external circumstances. For example, I just need to get through __________ or past __________ or to accomplish __________ … then I’ll feel/do/be better. It can be easier to identify that things aren’t optimal. To wish that something was better or different than exists in this moment. But if we don’t determine what “better” actually means, would we be awake to it when the shift actually happened? Would we be aware of how it came to be and why? Would we always be fixating on the next barrier to hurdle to get to greener pastures?

Without this vision of what it means to thrive, it can be difficult to move purposefully towards it or make intentional changes to make it happen. Drafting a definition, for you, makes the road to thriving more tangible and less abstract (or fantastical).

For now, I’m finding that thriving actually has little to do with my external circumstances, and everything to do with how EVEN I can feel in spite of whatever is going on around me. Thriving is feeling less like things are happening TO ME and more that I can feel like myself, be in control of my groundedness, and intentionally respond in the midst of regular chaos. The more I am able to avoid getting sucked into the tempting volatility of daily life, the easier it is to more clearly see things for simply what they are (without attaching emotion, assumption, or apprehension of what comes next). The more balanced I feel. The less thrown. The more anchored.

Maybe a little bit less like I’m merely surviving. Maybe a little bit more like I can thrive no matter what.