Survivor Series Part 1

Living creatures survive. The most basic and primitive function of all species is survival. We can clearly see this in the animal kingdom as animals are uniquely designed with skin that camoflouges, heightened senses, and special innate abilities. Similarly, humans have this same capacity and  the ability to survive: to encounter adverse, harsh conditions ,and continue to live.

Have you ever examined your survival mechanisms? By this, I mean have you ever paid close attention to the things that keep you alive? What helps you to endure harsh, adverse, and dangerous situations? For some it could be a never ending sense of resourcefulness: the literal ability to take nothing and make something from it. For other s it could be your sense of creativity that allows you to transform bad conditions and develop unique comforts. For others it could be your family support or knowing that you have others relying on you that keep you going.

I think the topic of survival is especially relevant as February marks Black History Month;  a month set apart to honor the history and legacy of African Americans  and the unique contributions to society. I believe Black History month is particularly relevant because of the innate strength and character of African Americans to SURVIVE. Surviving oppression, discrimination, recession, mass incarceration, reconstruction, etc.

As much as survival is notable and it literally keeps a species ALIVE, I would like to introduce the concept of thriving.  How would your life be different if you did not have to worry about or concern yourself with things related to survival? For some this would include paying bills, attending to necessities: food, shelter, clothing, and physical safety. Thriving is the ability to grow or develop WELL or VIGOROUSLY.  This concept goes beyond living, and insinuates living with purpose and ACHIEVING.  

My challenge is for you to  INTENTIONALLY  assess your survival skills and be prepared to transform those skills for a life that is THRIVING.  For the next several weeks we will explore both of these topics: surviving and thriving and discover ways to acknowledge the roads that got us here (survival) and develop paths to roads that will keep us growing (thriving).