[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thriving Over Striving Part 2 of 2
Do you have favorite people you follow on social media whom you have never met? If so, why are you following them? Are they posting or blogging about the struggles they are facing or are they sharing only the good? Does their energy bring you down or lift you up? We’ve all been told to be mindful of the people we chose to hang around with because, “We become who we hang around with.” The same is true with what you allow yourself to listen to, read, and watch through social media. In fact, the Bible reiterates this in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals,” Proverbs 22:24-25, “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare,” and Proverbs 13:20, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Being encouraged by social media influencers is great if what they are putting out for you aligns with your core beliefs. Psalm 1:1-3 reds, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” God wants us to do more than strive, he wants us to thrive! So why are so many of us living in a state of striving?
Striving is what we do when we do enough to just get by. It implies living paycheck-to-paycheck, working a job that pays enough to allow survival but not comfort, feeling well enough to do what you have to, but not things you want to without pain. Thriving on the other hand, incorporates more than the bare minimum in a multitude of facets in life such as:
- Personal Growth: It involves continuous learning, self-improvement, and personal development. It entails setting and pursuing meaningful goals, expanding one’s skills and knowledge, and embracing new experiences.
- Emotional Well-being: Thriving involves having a positive and resilient mindset, managing emotions effectively, and experiencing overall psychological well-being. It includes maintaining a healthy balance between positive emotions, coping with challenges, and cultivating a sense of inner peace and contentment.
- Relationships and Social Connections: Thriving extends to building and nurturing healthy and meaningful relationships. It involves fostering strong connections with others, having a supportive social network, and experiencing a sense of belonging and community.
- Physical Health and Vitality: Thriving includes taking care of one’s physical well-being by adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough rest and sleep. It involves having high energy levels, vitality, and overall physical fitness.
- Purpose and Meaning: Thriving entails living a life aligned with one’s values, passions, and sense of purpose. It involves finding meaning in one’s activities, contributing to something larger than oneself, and experiencing a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Thriving is a dynamic and individualized concept, as what it means to thrive can vary from person to person. It encompasses a holistic view of well-being and encompasses multiple dimensions of a fulfilling and successful life. Many never get to this level of success because breaking free from a striving lifestyle often a lot of work which involves self-reflection, reevaluating priorities, and shifting towards a more balanced and holistic approach to wellness that prioritizes well-being, purpose, and meaningful connections. Our counselors and/or coaches can play a significant role in supporting and empowering those who are striving to thrive with:
- Self-Exploration and Awareness: Counseling and coaching provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through conversations with a counselor/coach, individuals can gain deeper self-awareness, identify personal strengths and areas for growth, and develop a clearer understanding of their values, goals, and aspirations.
- Goal Setting and Action Planning: A counselor/coach can assist in setting meaningful and achievable goals that align with an individual’s values and desires. They can help break down larger aspirations into smaller, actionable steps, provide guidance on overcoming obstacles, and offer support and accountability throughout the process.
- Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Thriving often involves navigating challenges and setbacks. A counselor/coach can help individuals develop resilience by teaching effective coping strategies, stress management techniques, and problem-solving skills. They can also provide emotional support during difficult times and help individuals develop a positive and adaptive mindset.
- Enhancing Self-Care Practices: Thriving requires prioritizing self-care and well-being. A counselor/coach can collaborate with individuals to develop personalized self-care routines, explore strategies for managing stress and promoting relaxation, and foster healthy lifestyle choices that contribute to physical and emotional well-being.
- Addressing Limiting Beliefs and Patterns: Negative beliefs, self-doubt, and unhelpful patterns of thinking or behavior can hinder thriving. Counseling/coaching can help individuals identify and challenge these limiting beliefs, develop a more positive and empowered mindset, and foster healthier patterns that support growth and flourishing.
- Improving Relationships and Communication: Meaningful connections and healthy relationships are essential for thriving. Counseling/coaching can assist individuals in improving communication skills, setting boundaries, resolving conflicts, and cultivating supportive relationships. It can also provide a space to process past traumas or relationship challenges that may be impacting well-being.
- Finding Meaning and Purpose: A counselors/coaches can help individuals explore their values, passions, and sense of purpose. Through meaningful conversations and introspection, individuals can gain clarity about what truly matters to them and find ways to incorporate those aspects into their lives, fostering a greater sense of fulfillment and thriving.
It’s important to note that counseling approaches and techniques may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and the therapist’s theoretical orientation. This is why it’s important to find the counselor/coach personally right for you. We service over 10 locations in PA and offer on-line support with over 20 Counselors and Coaches waiting to support you![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
