Thriving as a Way of Being
By Terre Short
What does it really mean to thrive? In today’s complex world, simply surviving day-to-day can feel like an accomplishment. Yet thriving goes beyond just getting by to finding deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Thriving means flourishing mentally, emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. It is the opposite of languishing. A sense of joy is easily available to those who are thriving. It is living in alignment with your core values and highest potential. It’s about love – self-love.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? What makes thriving so allusive for some? How is it cultivated? Let’s take a thirty-thousand-foot view and one at eye level. The foundation for thriving is built upon honoring your whole self. By consistently practicing self-care, expanding awareness, connecting to community, and leading from within. Think of these efforts as the macro level. At Thriving Leader Collaborative, we have teased out six wellbeing pillars, each contributes to a solid foundation of wellbeing which leads to the ability to thrive. You can take a personal assessment of the six pillars here and find the full list here.
The micro level starts with heightened self-awareness to understand your needs, values, stressors, and growth areas. Reflect regularly on your state of mind, energy levels, and emotions. Notice any signs of depletion or imbalance that need addressing. Note things that spark joy or drain you. This level of self-knowledge unlocks what is needed for greater self-love.
Wellbeing practices help you create space for cultivating your self-knowledge. Here are some practices that fall within the six pillars we have identified: Self-Awareness, Presence, Movement, Community, Intuition and Energetic Hygiene.
- Reflection
- Journaling
- Gratitude
- Community with Others
- Retreats
- Classes – Online and In Person
- Time in Nature
- Meditation
- Media Fasting
- Breath Work
- Mindfulness
- Visualization
- Tapping
- Sound Bath
- Chi gong
- Circles
- Yoga
- Dancing
Do you regularly engage in any of these practices? If not, why not? What prevents you from prioritizing one or more of these practices each day and throughout your week?
There is no magic thriving wand or pixie dust. You have the power to thrive. You get to choose what fills you up. Now is a great time to decide on a few commitments you will make for yourself. What will be different when you elevate your self-love?
Love influences everything, particularly how you show up, for yourself and others. Thriving is an active process that unfolds day by day. It requires diligence to care for your whole being, continue growing, connecting authentically, and leading from your inner compass. By implementing consistent nourishing practices, you create the conditions for thriving that radiate into all areas of life. The reward is living life to the fullest through enhanced meaning, purpose, joy, inner peace, and service to others – living from a place of love.
