Survive or Thrive? You pick.

[ShutterbugMama]

Pick one, then, take the other one OFF the table.  It will be eliminated, and no longer be an option for you.  My girlfriend and I had a conversation the other day that will not stop replaying in my mind, and then there's this woman...I can explain.

Firstly, the conversation went something like this:

Lanie:  "We're survivors, Elle, and we're still surviving!  I really have hope that things will only get better".

Me: "I cant own, Surviving, Sister..I just cant.  I survived already; that means I whooped that storms ass, rather than the other way around..I made it; now, I'm ready to Thrive".

We sat quiet for a few...Lannie and I both come from similar backgrounds, and truly, I do consider us to survivors; aside form the biggie that both of us spent the second half of our childhoods in the foster care system, both of us have been sexually abused, both of us have had physically abusive partners, both of us work in the same field, both of us have parallel feelings towards change, the process, and the NOW...

In our NOW, and in our silence, we realized that we really are not surviving anything; We're thriving...

TO THRIVE:

: to grow vigorously : flourish

: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances.

♥

When the cashier asks, "How are you today"?

There will be no more, "eh, survivin'".

Now respond with "Thriving, thank you, and you?" 

Make eye contact..OWN WHAT YOU'VE JUST SAID  ..

Allow this.

 (Remember, there's not a single other option on the table...)

This is your process, your experience, and your NOW.  Make this statement yours, and THRIVE. 

Regardless of your circumstances.  (Thriving is your birth right).

Abundant love and peace,

xo

Elle

[ShutterbugMama]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 10:50 AM

http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1452624/Someday?ct=ms_jc_4

And, here's the lady I cant stop thinking about.

(Original Poster)

[singedwingangel]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 10:56 AM

Ok so see I knew we connected for some reason now I know... I like thrive.. I have always called it overcome. I went beyond surviving and moved past it into today as an overcomer, now someone who whined about poor me or if only this... I overcame what I did because somewhere someone will be where I was then.. and will need me to show them their is hope..

[singedwingangel]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 10:58 AM

I also went and commented on her post as well....

[ShutterbugMama]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 11:02 AM

When you thrive, you're using the experience as FUEL.

: )

(Original Poster)

[lalisweet1]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 1:39 PM

Atta, girl!

After survive then to THRIVE!

All all learned from it and grow like a FLOWER... Thrive.

~Blessings to all who THRIVE!~

[mshaiku2u]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 3:46 PM

Some days I don't thrive, but I'm still alive :).

Stay inspired!

[Lb128f]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 3:48 PM

Good post! :-)

[Enchantee]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 5:08 PM

Oh, Elle!  This is one of my all-time favourite little kick-me-in-the-butt mindfulness slogans.  Thank you for fleshing it out so beautifully.

Love & light...Ceci

[autumngal]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 5:40 PM

Thrive On, Sister!  I love you xoxoxo

Laura (also thriving)  :)

[Nanette77318]

Apr. 25, 2009 at 6:28 PM

I feel a contented sigh when I read posts like this.....

Thank God for life giving words coming forth from the abundance of your heart.....