5 to Thrive

As we step into Spring, I invite you to enter this magical season of renewal and birth with an awareness of how you are feeling.  Are you thriving or just surviving? By its nature, it is our planet’s innate desire to survive. Isn’t it amazing when you can feel the earth and its inhabitants reaching, growing and striving in their authentic push to come alive? The planet itself and all the living beings on it, have the same motivation: come alive, survive and continue.

We know that human beings are unique, as a species, in that we can think about and choose how our lives unfold. Do we merely survive or will we thrive? Yes, we know that animals make choices but these choices are related to absolute survival, they don’t think about thriving. For us, we can decide if we want to, thriving is a choice. From there, I believe that it’s in the decision making and the self-acknowledged thriving that we must have something in place to support us. This means that we are taking some responsibility for our actions. When we are thriving, we are aware of the alignment in our whole being and where we consistently take into account what is meaningful, therefore, serving our values.

In a coaching group that I am a part of, I was given an exercise where I was to come up with five values that I hold dear and support me to thrive. The point being when I’m not true to them, I will feel out of alignment. Here is what showed up for me and how I strive to live into those values:

• Integrity ~ It’s about doing, speaking and honoring who I am and not shying away from my truth when someone else has a louder voice.

• Love ~ Sending it out to the world, feeling it in connection with the universe (I believe it’s all about Love) and most importantly related to self.

• Acceptance ~ Being willing to accept myself and all my ways, accepting of the other with their own story and accepting of things as they are without judgement.

• Authenticity ~ When I’m standing in my truth and also sharing it then I feel more deeply connected to myself and the other.

• Fun/Playfulness/Laughter ~ An energetic 7-year old helps with that so do many books, movies and YouTube videos (especially of cats), as well as, singing to 70’s songs and dancing.

I’m grateful for this writing exercise and the reminder that thriving is supported by being in alignment with my values. I invite you to take some time and acknowledge what is showing up for you as our planet moves into Spring, the season of new life. How would it feel to make a conscious shift by simply identifying five values that support you to thrive? What are you doing to support the existence of these values in your life?

I welcome your shares on facebook with your thoughts and comments.