Redefining Thrive

Last week we buried my aunt. It's hard for me to believe. Death is unnatural. We were created to live forever...until original sin entered the world and brought death with it.

(Stick with me. I'm not going to talk about death for the entire email!)

God determines the day we are born, and also the day we die. But our life isn't marked so much by our birth or death as it is by the time in between. How we choose to live. 



Our culture has a word for that: thrive. Here is its version of an abundant life.

• a successful career
• perfect relationships
• always in love
• a big home that is always clean
• healthy food that always tastes amazing and is prepared in under 30 minutes
• a perfectly curated social media feed
• cooperative, grateful children
• financial prosperity
• no regrets

We've all heard the cliché: thrive instead of just survive. We instantly compare our lives to others and secretly feel discontent and disappointed because we are not thriving.

I want to propose a different definition. What if thriving is simply being present with others? What if thriving is letting go of comparison and enjoying what we have? What if thriving is rejecting distractions so we can focus on the moment?

When I meet with a prospective client, I often hear them tell me how much they desire to be fully present with their family. That's why they reach out to me. No, that's not what they tell me when we begin the appointment, but underneath the fatigue, anxiety, and overwhelm is a longing to live fully present in the moment with those they love. This is why they want energy, a calm mind, and a body that isn't working against them. And that longing comes out as we talk.

My aunt thrived. Not as the culture suggests, but in loving others and being fully present when she was with them.

My desire in health is not to extend life but to live well during the days God has given me.

You too?