Surviving vs thriving.
I've heard it said that, "How we see the world is how we see ourselves." And, visa versa.
There's heaps of truth to this sentiment.
Personally, when I feel like I'm just surviving, I'm seeing the world as I am, not as it truly is.
Challenges look bigger.
Obstacles seem harder.
People appear more difficult and frustrating to connect and deal with.
Life snowballs a bit.
But, when I feel like I'm thriving, I'm seeing a thread in the Universe that is conspiring for me, not against me. It's like good is everywhere. Life is a miracle. And, I can't help but be grateful. Kind. Full of possibility.
Maybe you can relate?
The word survive comes from the Latin, "to outlive". It carries with it this idea of enduring, adapting and overcoming what life's throwing at us.
On the other hand, thriving is about optimal existence. And, the word optimal comes from a word meaning "the most favorable". Which implies being effective, efficient and fully satisfied.
These are two very different ways we can view life.
Sometimes we're somewhere in the middle. Enduring what we cannot change. And, at the same time striving to achieve the best outcome possible despite our circumstances.
You see, how we perceive our circumstances — as a struggle for survival or as an opportunity to thrive — profoundly influences our attitudes, actions, and overall well-being.
If you're operating out of a survival mindset today, ask yourself these questions:
What immediate challenges am I facing, and what steps can I take to face them?
What are my most pressing needs right now, and how can I ensure they're met?
How can I adapt to my current circumstances to ensure my safety and security?
What resources do I have in my life right now that can help me navigate through this crazy time?
How can I manage my stress and anxiety more effectively?
And, if you're operating out of a thriving mindset consider asking yourself:
What are my long-term goals and aspirations, and how can I own them?
What opportunities for growth and development do I have right now?
How can I leverage my strengths, personality and talent to maximize my potential?
What strategies can I implement to cultivate a more positive mindset and attitude?
Who can I connect with for support and inspiration today?
I don't know about you, but I don't want to simply outlive the madness and difficulty of life. I want to maximize the time I'm given. I want to thrive on the daily.
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Here are 10 ideas to help you thrive today:
Stay Positive: Start each day with affirmations or gratitude to cultivate a positive mindset.
Set Intentions: Write down your intentions for the year, break them into smaller tasks, and incorporate them into your everyday life.
Embrace Challenges: Whenever life punches you in the face, start asking yourself, "What can I learn from this?" and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Build Resilience: Get selfish and dedicate time each day for activities that recharge you.
Learn and Grow: Seek brutally honest feedback from mentors and amigos. Pick one area of your life and get to work.
Stay Flexible: Try new things and look at tasks from different perspectives to find what works best for you. And, what doesn't.
Surround Yourself with the Good: Spend time with supportive friends and kill the energy vampires in your life.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer your best friend. Especially, when it comes to the story on replay in your head.
Visualize a Different and Better Future: (Hit me up and I'll help you with this one).
Never Stop Evolving: Commit to learning something new every day. Read. Explore. And, get curious about life.
I'll stop there for today. And, I'll leave you with one final question: Are you surviving or thriving?
Be honest. All progress starts with the truth.
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Steve Knox | Somewhere on this spinning ball of dirt we call home
\\\ Thanks for reading. Please share or forward this out into the Universe. And, have a beautiful day.