Loathe, Survive, Thrive

In 2022, I published a blog on LinkedIn that struck a chord with many—so much so that I’ve decided to share this abbreviated version as a reminder: taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be hard, but it does have to be intentional. Let’s explore what it means to make small, meaningful shifts that lead to big impacts—toward joy, toward self-respect, and ultimately, toward THRIVING.

*Are you living to loathe?

*Living to survive?

*Or are you living to thrive?

These 3 mindsets couldn’t be more different, yet many of us cycle through them without realizing it. Take a moment to ask yourself: Which one describes how I’m living right now?

LIVING TO LOATHE

How is resentment, guilt, or sadness showing up in your life—and how is it serving you? Whether it stems from past wounds, difficult relationships, or personal disappointment, loathing is a heavy burden. And it’s holding you back.

If this doesn’t describe you today, perhaps it fits someone you care about. Many people mask their misery remarkably well. A sincere “How are you?”—especially when paired with genuine presence—can be transformative. Sometimes, we must model self-care to remind others they matter too.

LIVING TO SURVIVE

Are you merely getting through the day? When life becomes a series of tasks—work, caregiving, appointments, household duties—it’s easy to lose yourself. But here’s a reality check: the laundry and dust will always be there. You won’t.

When was the last time you:

*Laughed until your belly hurt?

*Called a friend you've been missing?

*Did something kind just for you?

Life is precious and unpredictable. Every day is an opportunity to choose joy, live with purpose, and invest in what truly matters. We aren’t promised tomorrow—so don’t wait for the 'right time' to embrace what fills your heart and fuels your spirit. Start now.

LIVING TO THRIVE

So, what does thriving look like? It’s not perfection. It’s not luxury. It’s intentional living—a rhythm that balances responsibilities with self-care and joy.

Fun is relative. For you, it might be quiet time with a novel. For someone else, it might be dancing or long walks. The key is this: Self-care must become non-negotiable.

I live this. I don’t wait until it’s convenient to take care of myself—I make it a priority, even on days when I’m tired or in pain. Especially on those days. Daily movement and healthy eating are my anchors. They’re not just habits—they're part of how I thrive.

MY TURNING POINT

I used to live to survive. Shifting to a thriving mindset took effort, patience, and a lot of trial and error. It didn’t require a gym membership or expensive programs. What it required was consistency and a willingness to put myself on my own priority list.

Make self-care, joy, and fulfillment part of the conversation—and part of everyday life.