From Surviving to Thriving

For too long, I was just surviving.

Getting through the day. Making it to Friday. Living for vacations. Counting down to bedtime.

I wasn't living—I was enduring.

And then I realized: this is the only life I get. I don't want to just survive it. I want to thrive in it.

Thriving isn't about being happy all the time or having a perfect life. It's about feeling alive, engaged, and present—even in the ordinary moments. It's about building a life you don't need to escape from.

Here's how to shift from surviving to thriving.

The Difference Between Surviving and Thriving

Surviving is:

• Getting through the day

• Waiting for things to get better

• Living on autopilot

• Numbing to cope

• Just trying to keep up

Thriving is:

• Being present in your life

• Creating meaning in the everyday

• Making intentional choices

• Feeling connected to yourself and others

• Growing, not just going

You can survive without thriving. But you can't truly live without it.

Signs You're in Survival Mode

If you relate to these, you're not alone—and there's a way out.

• You're always exhausted, no matter how much you sleep

• You live for the weekend, vacation, or "someday"

• You feel disconnected from yourself and others

• You're irritable, anxious, or numb most of the time

• You have no energy for things you used to love

• You're just going through the motions

• Everything feels like too much

• You're constantly overwhelmed

Survival mode is a response to stress. It's not your fault. But it also doesn't have to be permanent.

What Thriving Actually Looks Like

Thriving isn't about perfection or constant happiness. It's about:

• Having energy for what matters

• Feeling connected to your life

• Experiencing a range of emotions (not just numbness)

• Making choices that align with your values

• Growing and learning

• Finding joy in small moments

• Feeling capable and resilient

• Having meaningful connections

• Pursuing what lights you up

Thriving means you're living, not just existing.

How to Shift from Surviving to Thriving

This isn't about adding more to your plate. It's about creating space for what actually matters.

1. Address the Basics First

You can't thrive if your basic needs aren't met. Start here:

Sleep:

• Aim for 7-9 hours

• Keep a consistent schedule

• Create a bedtime routine

Nutrition:

• Eat regular, balanced meals

• Stay hydrated

• Don't skip breakfast

Movement:

• Even 10 minutes of walking helps

• Find what feels good, not what you "should" do

Connection:

• Reach out to one person this week

• Say yes to social time (even when you don't feel like it)

• Ask for help when you need it

These aren't optional. They're the foundation.

2. Reduce What Drains You

Thriving requires subtraction before addition.

Identify your energy drains:

• Toxic relationships

• Overcommitment

• Clutter (physical and mental)

• Negative self-talk

• Perfectionism

• People-pleasing

• Constant busyness

Pick one. Start saying no. Start letting go. Create space.

3. Add What Energizes You

Now that you have space, fill it intentionally.

What lights you up?

• Creative projects

• Time in nature

• Learning something new

• Quality time with loved ones

• Movement that feels good

• Music, art, beauty

• Purpose-driven work

• Play and laughter

Schedule it. Protect it. Don't wait until you have time—make time.

4. Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Thriving requires protecting your energy.

Practice saying:

• "I need some time to think about that."

• "That doesn't work for me right now."

• "I'm not available for that."

• "I need to take care of myself first."

Boundaries aren't selfish. They're self-preservation.

5. Cultivate Daily Joy

Don't wait for big moments. Find joy in the small ones.

Create micro-moments of delight:

• Morning coffee in your favorite mug

• A playlist that makes you smile

• Fresh flowers on your table

• A walk around the block

• Texting a friend

• Lighting a candle

• Reading for pleasure

• Dancing in your kitchen

Joy doesn't have to be earned. It can be chosen.

6. Build Your Support System

You can't thrive alone. We need each other.

Who's in your corner?

• Friends who truly see you

• Family who supports you

• A therapist or coach

• A community that gets it

• Online or in-person groups

If you don't have this yet, start building it. Reach out. Show up. Be vulnerable.

7. Pursue Growth

Thriving means evolving, not staying stuck.

What do you want to learn? Try? Become?

• Take a class

• Start a hobby

• Read books that challenge you

• Try something that scares you

• Get curious about who you're becoming

Growth doesn't have to be big. It just has to be intentional.

Habits of People Who Thrive

They don't just happen to thrive—they choose practices that support it:

Morning rituals:

• They start the day with intention, not urgency

• They don't immediately check their phone

Presence:

• They're fully present in conversations

• They notice beauty around them

Gratitude:

• They acknowledge what's good, even on hard days

Self-compassion:

• They talk to themselves like they would a friend

• They don't demand perfection

Connection:

• They prioritize relationships

• They show up authentically

Purpose:

• They do things that matter to them

• They contribute in ways that feel meaningful

Flexibility:

• They adjust when things don't go as planned

• They don't cling to rigid expectations

My Thriving Practice

I start each day by asking: "What would make today feel good?" Not productive—good.

Sometimes that's a walk. Sometimes it's a creative project. Sometimes it's just a slower morning.

I protect Friday evenings for rest. No plans, no productivity—just space to restore.

I say no to things that drain me, even when it's uncomfortable.

I've built a life where Monday doesn't feel like a burden. Where I'm not constantly wishing I were somewhere else.

It's not perfect. But it's mine. And it feels alive.

Tools That Help Me Thrive Daily

Oura Ring 4

For tracking my wellness at a deeper level, I invested in an Oura Ring. Unlike bulky fitness trackers, it's sleek and stylish - I never take it off. It tracks my sleep quality, readiness score, stress levels, and even my cycle. The insights help me understand when to push myself and when to rest. It's been transformative for learning my body's patterns and making choices that support thriving, not just surviving.

[Shop the Oura Ring 4](https://amzn.to/3WMXQH1)

REDLIRO Walking Pad

One of the best investments I made for daily movement is my walking pad. I walk while answering emails, taking calls, or watching educational content. It's changed my relationship with movement - I'm no longer trying to 'find time' to exercise because I'm moving throughout my day. My walking pad is quiet enough for calls and easy to store when I'm done. Some days I hit 10,000 steps without ever leaving my home office.

[Shop the REDLIRO Walking Pad](https://amzn.to/49LNFKc)

Philips SmartSleep Wake-Up Light

Waking up to gradually increasing light instead of a jarring alarm changed my mornings completely. I wake up feeling energized instead of stressed, which sets the tone for my entire day.

[Shop the Philips Wake-Up Light](https://amzn.to/4nQxaQF)

ZELUS Weighted Vest

One of my favorite ways to add intentional movement without overthinking it is rucking - walking with a weighted vest. My ZELUS weighted vest (I use the 12lb) turns a simple walk around the block into strength training. It builds bone density, burns more calories, and makes me feel strong without needing a gym membership. I throw it on for my morning walks or even while doing housework.

[Shop the ZELUS Weighted Vest](https://amzn.to/4nPOPIg)

The Five Minute Journal

Five minutes of gratitude each morning is one of my non-negotiable thriving practices. This journal makes it easy with simple prompts that spark genuine appreciation.

[Shop the Five Minute Journal](https://amzn.to/43VLQ9T)

Venture Pal Motivational Water Bottle

My time-marked water bottle keeps me hydrated throughout the day. Hydration affects energy, mood, and focus—foundational for thriving.

[Shop the Venture Pal Water Bottle](https://amzn.to/4nPl6iq)

You Deserve to Thrive

Not just survive. Not just get by. Thrive.

You deserve a life that energizes you. That feels meaningful. That you don't need to escape from.

It won't happen overnight. But it can start today.

What's one small thing you can do right now that moves you from surviving to thriving?

Start there.

One choice. One shift. One intentional moment at a time.

This is how you build a life you actually want to live.

Ready to start thriving? Download your free 7-Day Wellness Reset guide for daily practices that help you reconnect with what makes you feel alive.