Are you surviving or thriving?
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour, and some style.” — Maya Angelou
Are you feeling overworked, overwhelmed, or even underwhelmed? Do you feel like you’re going through the motions and just “surviving” life? It can be hard to recognise when you’re in a rut, but if you’re not living your best life, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
LOW ENERGY
Are your energy levels low most of the time? If your body is always tired from overworking or your mind feels foggy from lack of rest, it could be a sign that you need to take better care of yourself.
LACK OF JOY AND PASSION IN YOUR LIFE
Do you need more excitement in your daily life? If your days seem mundane and routine with no sense of growth or progress, this could mean that something needs to shift. If activities such as reading books or going on walks used to bring joy but now seem dull and uninteresting, chances are there’s an underlying reason why this might be the case—and it may be time for some self-reflection and soul-searching to determine what adjustments need to be made for things to turn around. Perhaps you lack purpose or direction in life, which could also indicate that changes need to be made.
NEGATIVE SELF TALK
Do you find yourself engaging in negative self-talk? Positivity is essential for experiencing joy and fulfilment in life, so if you find you are constantly putting yourself down, it may be time to make some changes.
DIFFICULTY IN MANAGING EMOTIONS
Are you finding that little things bring you down or upset you easily? When we’re feeling low, even the smallest issues can seem like massive problems in our minds. This can create unnecessary stress and anxiety, worsening matters in the long run. If you have difficulty managing your emotions or making decisions due to stress, this can indicate that something needs to change for you to find balance. Or, perhaps you’re constantly comparing yourself to others or feeling like nothing ever goes right for you; this could be a sign that your mental health is suffering and it’s time to make a change.
RELATIONSHIPS
When we’re merely surviving instead of thriving, we often forget how important it is to spend quality time with friends and family whom we love and care about most. If you’re always too busy or preoccupied to spend time with the people who matter most to you, it's a good indication that something needs to change! Perhaps, you’re finding that your relationships with others aren’t as strong as they could be or that they feel strained. This could also signify that something needs to change for you to start thriving again.
It’s natural for us to go through periods when we feel like we’re simply surviving instead of thriving. However, by recognising the signs early on and taking action—such as seeking help from others or making lifestyle changes—you can get back on track towards living a more joyful and fulfilled life. So, take some time for self-reflection and assess how well-balanced your life is - identifying the signs that point towards surviving instead of thriving will help guide how best to make changes for the better! With a few minor tweaks, you'll soon feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled overall.
