Thri(survi)ving

For quite some time I use to think of the word of surviving as a positive. Surviving meant that I wasn't dead, I was still very much alive, and for that I should be happy. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with my survival, I felt like I was happy and certainly content, but more than anything it meant I was alive.

To be alive.

Verb.

Seems good right? For the most part I would say it is, but it wasn't until I learned the difference in what it meant to be surviving and living from what it meant to be striving and thriving.

For me, surviving looked like developing a routine of things I felt I should be doing, what I thought was right for me or good enough, and adding in a bit of fun here and there. Not a bad life right? Very much surviving. However, I would constantly be hit by this feeling like I was missing something, like something wasn't there, and I never knew what it is.

To me, I was trying to prepare myself in the best possible way for the future, I felt like I was taking all of the right moves to get where I needed to go, and I was very comfortable.

That was the issue.

I was comfortable.

I was doing things that were convenient and fit into my lifestyle and ignoring the things that seemed too difficult or may inconvenience me. Honestly, avoided doing most of the things that could have a big impact on my life, but since they have so much uncertainty around these things and the unknown I was too scared to do anything about it.

If nothing was wrong and I felt happy then why chance something that I have no clue of what the result could be?

I guess it gets to a point where you are faced with the facts that you either have to accept the way you are living or take a chance and dive into the unknown. If you are going to dive though, always important to make sure you are prepared. It would be no good to dive in and realise that you forgot to fill up your oxygen tank, you know what I'm saying?!

Preparation is key.

How to prepare for the results of something that you have no clue exist? Think of the reasons that you are ready to dive. What is it that you are missing or what is it that you are searching for? You may not have a clear picture, but you will have an idea of where you want to go so think about the things you may come across along your journey.

What are the barriers or potential setbacks? Is it a financial issue, insecurity, lack of resources, afraid of pain or loss?

By identifying the barriers it allows you to create a plan forward. Forward on a path unknown, but that's the beauty of it.

Instead of looking at the unknown as a dark valley instilled with fear, look at unknown as a dirt road that has yet to be paved so it may take several times to travel around before knowing where the road work should start. Maybe there is a quick route, maybe there is a more scenic path, could be both?

You won't know unless you give it a chance.

I took a chance and that's when I discovered what it meant to thrive. I discovered the difference between surviving and thriving. Surviving was clear, distinct, and comfortable. Thriving is the unexpected, adventure, the unknown.

Some people may choose to survive all their lives as on paper it certainly doesn't seem like a bad option, but growth doesn't happen to those who are comfortable. When you stop growing, the perspective never changes, the nutrients remain the same, and life comes to a standstill.

Thriving gives you different experiences allowing more connections to be made, boosting creativity, improving understanding capabilities, and allowing you to seek the experiences that you didn't know existed but could always feel were there.

Believe in yourself.

Give yourself a chance.

Dive in.