SOMETIMES THE BEST WAY OUT IS THROUGH

"... it is possible to heal. It is even possible to thrive. Thriving means more than just an alleviation of symptoms, more than Band-Aids, more than functioning adequately. Thriving means enjoying a feeling of wholeness, satisfaction in your life and work, genuine love and trust in your relationships, pleasure in your body."  ― Ellen Bass, The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

There is something about how some people thrive in challenges while others do not. Thrivers endure, engage, and exercise courage to overcome their challenges, and yes, the best way forward for them is usually through. Here are three scientifically proven attributes about thrivers:

1. PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY
The common thread amongst thrivers is that they have cultivated a mindset known as psychological flexibility. It is the ability to adapt and stay in contact with the present moment regardless of unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. One of the keys to attaining such strength comes from seeing one's circumstances from the "big picture" perspectives.
This ability to adapt and see beyond their current plight empowers thrivers to endure and persevere through their ordeal, knowing that better days are ahead. And like the clothes in the washing machine, they know they will come out whiter and wiser!

2. SPIRITUALITY
An APA study on people recovering from substance abuse finds that having higher religious faith and spirituality levels were associated with several positive mental health outcomes. It is given that such faith may not remove all difficulties, opposition, and obstacles. Still, the study shows increased optimism, greater resilience to stress, and lower anxiety levels among those who practiced their faith diligently.
Thrivers' faith made them resilient because they believe that God is working with them together for a greater good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20)
As such, they do not waste time and energies focusing and complaining about doom and gloom. They go about tackling issues of the day, doing their daily chores, believing that God is in control even if they are not (Jeremiah 29:11).

3. SOCIAL SUPPORT
Another vital factor for human thriving during major life events is having supportive relationships. According to Mayo Clinic, a strong social support network can be critical to help one pull through the stress of tough times. Individuals with supportive friends and family members are more likely to develop posttraumatic growth rather than spiral downward.
Typically, thrivers don't work alone. They find other thrivers and formed a mutually beneficial partnership to alleviate the effects of emotional distress and motivate each other to persevere. Assisting one another during times of need benefits thrivers immensely. It helps foster a sense of camaraderie, resilience, and positiveness. Taking time to build and maintaining a social support network is a wise investment that thrivers do so efficiently.

Ultimately, thrivers experienced the joy of victory by not letting setbacks or difficulties rule their lives.
"If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." - Proverbs 24:10
"Even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." - Psalm 23:4

Fred Tokè aka Dr. Tokèmon