Thriving as a Changemaker
Our thriving is essential to creating the world we long for, but our definition of what that means needs to be rewritten.
“Do you feel you have what you need to thrive as a changemaker?”
It’s a question I’ve asked many women working to build a more just, sustainable world. I’ve heard a lot of no’s and a few partial yesses. But one female leader replied “is that even relevant?”
I understood immediately what she meant: in this time of intensifying crises, is it relevant, possible, or even ethical to thrive?
If we’re using the definition of thriving portrayed in the media–the one that’s about escaping reality by amassing wealth and avoiding accountability–then clearly the answer is “no”.
But if that’s our definition of thriving, I’d argue it’s time for an update. Because our thriving is not just possible, but critical to ensure we’re resourced to make the change needed to move our whole world toward thriving.
WHY THRIVING IS ESSENTIAL
I know thriving can feel selfish to many of us with big hearts and a desire to help others. And it makes sense when we use our culture’s definitions of thriving, rather than writing our own.
But there’s also no way we can steward the big, long-term systemic change needed if we aren’t getting nourished in some way ourselves.
Because if you’re not thriving,
How do you have the life force to cultivate a state of thriving for anyone else–our planet included?
How do you even know what thriving looks or feels like to know if you’re on the right track of cultivating it for the earth and all life on it?
THRIVING IS FOR US
The exchange reminded me of one of the reasons I started Sister Seasons: seeing fellow women with big dreams to change the world struggling with autoimmune conditions, severe menstrual difficulties, and extreme levels of stress and burnout–all mirrors of what the planet is experiencing.
I knew in watching the struggles of my peers that having a menstrual cycle–or even just being female–doesn’t have to be the hardship we’ve been told it is.
But because we were taught this, many of us–however unconsciously–resigned ourselves to the belief that thriving isn’t in the cards for us.
Again, it comes down to our definition of thriving.
If by “thriving” we mean being able to show up to the same level of productivity, efficiency, and perfection every single day, then no, we can’t thrive.
But it is possible to thrive as a menstruator when our definition aligns with the truth of the awe-inspiring cyclical bodies we’re in.
DEFINING THRIVING ON A CHANGING PLANET
So how might we update our definition of thriving then to align with the truth of the world we’re living in?
Maybe thriving is…
Moments of pleasure and joy even amidst challenge
A source of well-being within yourself that helps you stay steady amidst waves of change
Feeling belonging–to yourself, the earth, the web of life
Relationships where you feel respected, seen and supported
An ever-expanding heart that is increasingly able to hold complexity
Skills + practices you can use to show care to yourself and others when big emotions or adversity shows up
Time to engage in things that bring you joy
Fulfillment arising from working to bring a dream to life
Take some time to write down what thriving means to you. Then consider: Do you have your own permission to move toward it?
When we write our own definition that embraces our values and the reality of these times, we can see that thriving is essential to create change–and sustain ourselves as we do it.
This type of thriving doesn’t feel selfish to me. Instead, it feels courageous, because it requires believing that a different way is possible.
Photo Credit: Gabriela Pereira
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the information provided should be construed as medical advice. If you have concerns related to your menstrual cycle, please consult a licensed health care provider.