T-H-R-I-V-E

Are you thriving in life? Are you looking for motivation or accountability to thrive? Here are five tips to T-H-R-I-V-E!

What do you think when you hear the word thrive? Some may say, consistency in life. Others may speak about their dreams, goals, and passions. Some may talk about their growth in various stages of life, their failures leading to success, or how they are presently flourishing. To THRIVE gives us a sense of purpose and meaning. What about the motto, “The Sky is the Limit,” a statement of purpose, confidence, and success? Keep in mind that success is different for everyone. Determination allows one to complete their highest expectations as they strive to soar through obstacles and deterrents. David, the King, gives us a glimpse of what one can do with God on their side. He says, even when an army is against me, in other words, be it my limitations, health, people, influence, etc., “I can run against any troop and, by my God, leap over a wall!” “Enlightment and fulfillment are rewards presented to those who maintain consistency without quitting” (ELCfW-Email: Thrive). Thrive is a term of “greatness.” So, as I speak of this term using the acronym T-H-R-I-V-E, let it motivate you. Let it spark interest and certainty as you continue to take steps to move intently with pride and passion. Robert H. Schuller said, “It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.” So, keep those positive thoughts flowing, and you’ll be one step closer to fulfilling your goals!

The T in Thrive stands for Tough!

Tough is a word used for hard stuff, whether physical, mental, or emotional, everyone has a sense of toughness, but it must be exercised to gain ground. To be tough, one must stretch herself by pressing through times of trouble or difficulty. Toughness keeps one steady and allows one to categorize insignificant events until a later time. It holds one responsible for priorities and present circumstances. It allows for wisdom, balance, and appreciation. Sir Winston Churchill said, “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm”. What has made you tough? How did you press through the most difficult times in your life? Are you still moving forward and thriving?

The H in Thrive stands for Humility. Humility is a subtle reward of individuality because it concludes, one doesn’t have it all together. It is a quiet way of disowning pride or arrogance. It allows one to be objective and respect the gifts and perspectives of others. Humility fairly evaluates and honors the melting pot within our society. Mindfulness of our Creator balances us through contentment, satisfaction, acceptance, appreciation, and promise.

Saint Augustine said, “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels”. Take note of this quote, humble yourself, and move with purpose. How do you take the low road even when someone is trying to drown you? Do you slightly smile or pat yourself on the back the times when you have held your tongue? Not in arrogance, but in appreciation that you are a winner!

The R in Thrive stands for Resilience. If you have persevered past obstacles, you are resilient. You are resilient if you have endured hardship, threats, and misunderstandings. You are resilient if you have raised children who honors faith, family, and sacrifice. You are Resilient if you are grandparents who have raised your grandchildren. You are Resilient if you have fought for your country or have enrolled in military efforts to defend your country. We honor you! Resilience is when one sees obstacles but forbids them and continues to press through even when it feels like you are being smothered in quicksand. In his book called Resilient, John Eldredge states, “For the followers of Jesus, the real finish line is either the return of Jesus or our homecoming to him.” So we continue to press forward understanding the high calling we have in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14). Nelson Mandela said, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” Enough said😊 How many times have you fallen and kept moving? Are you aware of your final destiny? Are you apathetic about your life? It’s time to get back up, wouldn’t you say?

The I in Thrive stands for Intention! To be intentional means to have deliberate focus and aim at the target. Archery comprises a bow, arrows, and a target. As one shoots the bow, she must already have the target in mind as her aim. It takes energy to pull back the bow. So, the arrow must always be pointed towards the target. However, one must maintain her focus. She will miss her target if she loses her focus in shooting the arrow. The great thing is that she has several arrows to practice, and after various tries, if she doesn’t quit, she will succeed. John C. Maxwell said, “An unintentional life accepts everything and does nothing. An intentional life embraces only the things that will add to the mission of significance.” “The intention and outcome of vulnerability is trust, intimacy, and connection. The outcome of oversharing is distrust, disconnection – and usually a little judgment” (Brene Brown). “The question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what He intended us to be when He made us” (C.S. Lewis). As I quote many biblical references, I quote who God is in the lives of humanity. If you embrace Him, he will reveal your purpose. Are you living a life of intentionality? Are you adding to your life by discerning your steps to a better tomorrow? Who’s in your circle? Are they adding value to your life?

The V is for Victory. Victory stands for achievement. It is when a person wins after completing tasks to gain a reward or a rewarding experience. As Jesus victoriously conquered the cross and the grave, you and I can conquer any obstacle that restricts life. Colossians 3:14 says, and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Mahatma Gandhi pulls from God's truth. He says, “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love.” In The Art of War, Sun Tzu says, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” I believe that reaching for small victories in life will allow you to reach for larger victories until the day you die. Never restrict your children from small wins. They will thank you later, even when life seems bleak. What small victories have grown into larger victories? How many times have you had a heart of gratitude for the small wins that have led to larger wins in your life?

Finally, the E in Thrive stands for Energy. We gain Energy through enthusiastic ventures and people, healthy nutrition, and regular exercise, to name a few. Energy derives from energetic possibilities. If we put one step in front of another, each step will increase into something potentially beautiful. The Bible is the number one bestseller ever because it is a life-giving book. It is God’s history and voice to those who trust in Him. I encourage you to read it and ask God to speak to your heart. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” Point blank. Well said. Mae Jemison stated, “I like to think of ideas as potential Energy. They’re really wonderful, but nothing will happen until we risk putting them into action.” Faith allows us to push past our fears. In pushing past our fears, we gain increased wisdom and energy to exceed what we never thought was possible.What is your plan? How will you increase your energy? Are you surrounding yourself with energetic people?

I hope you have enjoyed my five tips to Thrive! I also hope you are either thriving or in the process of thriving. Continue to...

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