Today I adulted.

What does it really mean to be thriving in adulthood?

In today’s America, my generation is struggling more than many generations that came before us.

We entered the workforce when the Recession hit, then took on an exorbitant amount of debt for higher education that multiple industries really could not support as expected. With menial jobs and meager pay; we live hand to mouth, not getting married, having children or buying homes.

What are we left with?

Survival.

And that, my friends, is no way to live your life.

How can we THRIVE??(!)

I strive to be productive every day. And by that I don’t mean it’s the strongest urge to set and achieve huge accomplishments daily. I choose to be patient and more lenient with myself on days where I’m just not on my game.. I know that productivity in any form will make me feel good.

So I find ways to fit my actions into that mold, so to speak. Here is where I grab my To-Do book and start with the date. As an example from my own perspective; I consider if I’ve done dishes or laundry already. Walked the dog? Called my mom? Painted my nails? Yes? Yes!

Write it down, then cross it off!!

Seriously.. the ‘You’ 10 days from now won’t recall that you fibbed today. All you’ll see is that you’ve been keeping up with things. I believe the best self-motivation can come from the reassurance that you’re doing good every day.

Progress is progress, baby.

This is just one small way of me holding onto my sanity amidst this distressing and [very] trying time. I don’t want to fall into the familiar pattern of surviving, as I am a Survivor in many ways, so it’s an easy space to fill.

I’m focused on thriving.

EVEN IF all I can bear to offer that day is a to-do list of things I’ve already done.