Many months ago, I embraced the word "thrive" as my watch word, my theme for the year. If anyone asked me to sum up my life's desire in one word, right now that would be the word.
I've spent more time striving than thriving lately-- striving against the grief and depression that undermine even the slimmest sense of thriving. The thing is, there's no other way to move toward thriving except by effort. It just may be that striving and thriving are one in the same thing. It might be that the surest sign of a thriving life is the very presence of striving.
Thriving doesn't mean resting on your laurels or snoozing in the lap of abundance. Thriving is active, dynamic, vivid, energetic. It's about aiming high and moving forward. And who's to say that the underground, covered-in-muck, broken and cracked efforts of the tiniest seed, sprouting forth and seeking light isn't every bit as strong an indication of a vigourous existence than the later, showier signs of leaves, blossoms, or fruit.
So, I'm going to make an effort to reframe my "striving", to think of it a foundational thriving. I'm going to try to give myself more credit for my dimly lit, underground efforts to break through the muck. I'm not basking in the sunshine yet, but I'm heading in the right direction.
1 comment:
whilst on my asian travels, i wasn't able to keep uptodate on your blog. i have now reviewed the past month of your life and want to thank you for your honesty and saying it like it is. i often find it the hardest to admit when i'm down and in the 'dark seasons' but also find the most inspiration to express myself in the hopes of finding people out there who can relate and utter encouragement. you have done that for me sandra and i really thank you for your comment. i'm still wading through the obsticles of the 'real world' but your words have helped put it in perspective. so thank you. enjoy your season of rest! ;)
Post a Comment