So by now, if you’ve read and begun applying steps based on previous articles, you’re unlocking the keys to learning how to move towards having a thriving life. One common thread that is not explicitly stated but is obvious when you zoom out as you review previous articles in this series is that none of this is really possible without a willingness to be vulnerable with others in relationship. And that, my friend, is what this last article – in this series – is about.

If you haven’t read the previous articles, I’d encourage you to go back and review them as all the themes build on each other moving to this last 7th article.

In each article, I contrast what I call a Thriving Life Belief (a belief that brings thriving into life), or TLB, with a Languishing Life Lie, or LLL (a belief that leads to languishing in life –> the opposite of thriving). Here’s the last set of contrasting beliefs to consider:

TLB #7: Once a person starts to thrive in life, he or she needs to be willing to be vulnerable with others in community to stay fit and continue moving towards a thriving life.

LLL #7: A person can thrive in life on an ongoing basis without any meaningful relationships.

So, here’s my all-important question for today: do you have people and/or a Higher Power in your life with whom you can be vulnerable who can help encourage, shape, support, and challenge you to keep thriving in life?

Throughout my life, I have found there were times I felt very alone when facing struggles. Yet what has always made these times bearable is having someone in my life I could turn to, whether it be God, family, friends, or others.

I’ve needed different things at different times. Here are some examples:

1. Encouragement/support– Sometimes when I felt really low, down on myself, or hopeless, I’ve needed encouragement. Metaphorically I think of encouragement as someone pouring courage into someone else’s heart.

2. Challenge – Sometimes when I’ve been blind to areas in myself that required change, I’ve needed challenge. Perhaps I was believing a languishing life lie – or a belief that was ineffective and causing me to look down on myself or others. I think of challenge as bringing truth to someone who is a bit confused or simply can’t spiritually see what’s happening.

3. Being mentored – Sometimes, I’ve needed someone to take me under their wings for periods of time, whether this was an older friend, a family member, a counselor, or a coach/mentor. They would provide the encouragement, challenge and support I’ve needed during an especially difficult season.

4. Mentoring others – I’ve also come to realize many times that I had walked down a certain had path and learned certain tough lessons not only for myself but in order to benefit others. Having had the opportunity to pour into others’ lives has truly been a blessing and even helped me in my own journey. It’s a big part of why I do what I do here.

The thing is, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without God and the people He has put in my life. Family. Church. Neighbors. Community. People I work with. In short…my village!

A Bible verse I have come to value greatly in my life is Proverbs 27:17 which says:

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (NASB version)

While this verse is specifically speaking to Christians finding ways to mutually support, encourage, challenge and help one another so they can be “sharpened” in their journey, I do believe that anyone can understand how relationships can help shape and sharpen us in such a way that is for the better.

Question:

Do you want to keep thriving in life? If so, do you have others who can support, challenge, and encourage you on the journey? What can you to do to create this “village” for yourself?

Application Challenge Ideas:

1. Seek out others already in your circle who are open to having a mutually supportive and caring relationship with you..people who are willing to be gracious and supportive but also those who are willing to challenge and speak truth into your life when necessary. And be willing to do the same for them!

2. If #1 is not an option, consider working with a coach/mentor who can encourage, support, and challenge you and/or join a group where these kinds of relationships are already being fostered and cultivated.

If this series of articles has challenged or encouraged you and if you’d like to learn more, reach out to me and set up a discovery call. Let’s see what we can do to help you move towards that thriving life you so desperately desire!