The Unconventional Truth About Thriving
Imagine a life where thriving isn't just about meeting standards set by society, but an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and meaningful growth. Thriving is more than just ticking boxes; it's about getting clear about what true success looks like for you, the ongoing process of learning, and embracing the pure joy of small victories.
Too often, we get caught up measuring ourselves by others' definitions of success.Thriving invites you on a perpetual adventure, where the essence lies not in reaching a particular destination but in the dynamic process of authentically being and becoming.
True Thriving means:
Growth
Continuous, ongoing growth which means you’ll live more like a snake than a caterpillar. Wait, what? Not what you were expecting, but I’m serious. It’s all about molting versus metamorphosis. Snakes shed skin either by circumstance in that they encounter a literal rough patch and need to reset or, by intentional growth where they are thriving and growing in their environments but are limited by their skin – literally their own selves. This is in contrast to metamorphosis, which is a radical, almost unrecognizable transformation and a one-off process. What I’m really saying is – live by the unconventional truth and you’re signing up for a never-ending journey of growth, regrowth and an ever-evolving self.
Freedom
Feel a deep sense of freedom by living your fullest life, in your own way, on your own terms by crafting your own path. Unapologetically. Freedom to create, freedom to say what really needs to be said, freedom to be, freedom to make choices, freedom to dance in the rain, freedom to do anything and freedom to do nothing as well, freedom to let go, freedom to be wrong, freedom to be right, freedom to say yes and no as well as change your mind, freedom to fail, freedom to weep with joy, freedom to weep in sorrow. Freedom.
Fulfillment
It's not about always taking the easy road – actually on a path to thriving as yourself you’ll seek out more difficult paths that align with your values and purpose and contribute to things you really care about. Fulfillment sounds like: Today mattered. I feel connected to something bigger than me. I’ve left something I’ve touched better than I found it.
Empowerment
Empower others. Empower them not to be like you – but to be like themselves. A world full of people living as themselves… growing – contributing - feeling deeply free. That - in and of itself - seems like enough of a reason to move forward, doesn’t it?
True Thriving Requires:
1
Taking radical responsibility.
Honestly and openly assess how you got to where you are in your life right now. That includes taking full ownership of your emotions, your feelings, all your triggers, the quality of your life and your relationships. That *also* means you need to take radical responsibility for your gifts, for the power of your words, for the opportunity you have to leave the world better than you found it in ways that only you can.
2
Zooming out from problems.
Because the problem isn’t the problem. It’s about overriding your bias for action and stopping yourself from knowing with certainty the right answer, the best way, the way. Your expertise at solving problems and the speed at which you pride yourself on finding a resolution is actually a barrier. It’s about zooming up and out to get some distance and a fresh perspective.
3
Getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
Say goodbye to your need to control and hello to being able to sit with uncertainty and complexity, leaning into difficult conversations across difference, being willing to learn, unlearn and relearn where required. Tuning in and reconnecting to your heart, where your purpose and love emanate brightly. It’s not about losing sight of the intellectual, but it is about recognizing that you don’t and can’t know everything.