Nurtured Words

Survival and flourishing need not be a war, for we need both and conditions determine which we want.

Hello my lovelies,

At the moment I have been pondering about surviving and thriving, or flourishing as I prefer to say. My summary is just above but I want to delve deeper because needs and wants are often conflated.

To me, my needs are the essential necessities to get through each day, that aid me in living, that give me a sense of security. These are things like food, water, my home, heating, good sleep. A want is something I desire including books or sweet treats, new journals or comforting plushies.

Surviving for me looks like making it through the day no matter how hard it has been and how ‘little’ I have done. I got through. When it comes to situations, if I have done what I can then that is enough. Flourishing is beautiful. I find I am feeling contentment, rested and upbeat. When I flourish I feel resilient and proud.

Both surviving and flourishing are vital to wellbeing. Surviving means we are meeting our needs, at least for the most part. What surviving looks like is unique to each person. Surviving is just as important as flourishing. If we can meet our baseline, we are doing well in caring for ourselves as best we can. Flourishing shows we really are doing well, regardless of illness. We surpass our needs, are pleased with where we are and have instilled hope into ourselves.

Sometimes I got stuck in so desperately wanting to flourish, to accomplish my dreams and as you will be aware, my dreams ended up changing due to my health. I spent most of my life surviving, barely. But flourishing now means that I feel content at the end of each day. It doesn’t always happen, it is forever in flux. But I won’t fight for flourishing, I am happy enough surviving. I don’t want a fight between them to occur because being alive and safe is enough.

Journal prompt: what do I need to survive? What do I need to flourish?

Kindly, Leanne x