Flourishing

Today I’ve been thinking about

As the news bounces from one crisis to another it’s easy to lose oneself in angst and worry, which is in my mind, the opposite of flourishing.

So what does it mean to choose to flourish in today’s world?

flourish

To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive.

To do or fare well; prosper.

To be in a period of highest productivity, excellence, or influence.

— The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

For me it means that I spend a lot of time doing what I love and spending time with people that I love. And I cultivate a sense of wonder and gratitude often. Whenever I can, I practice kindness, even if it’s just meeting eyes of someone on the street or in and store and saying “Hello,” in a way that says “I see you, I care for you.”

We are most ourselves, the most human, when we unabashedly immerse ourselves in the world with love and hope, gratitude and kindness.
― John Sean Doyle, Mud and Dreams

I still read about current events and do what I can to help those in need. But most of all I make photographs of beauty and things that I love and share those photographs through this blog. It is what I feel I am called to do, what we are all called to do — follow our hearts and do what brings us joy.

Our highest calling in life is to thrive and flourish, and not just survive. During this incredibly challenging time, we must do our best to thrive.
― Donald T Iannone, D.Div.

Studies show us that we humans have a tendency to pay more attention to and remember negative events more than positive events. It takes work to reverse this tendency. By focusing on beauty, wonder and gratitude we can find ways of flourishing.

We need people who can help us to see the beauty of the world, share wonder, and encourage us to find the good in life. Hoping that you too find ways of flourishing in today’s challenging world.

May you walk in beauty.