Resilience has become a topic spoken about in psychology, the media, and amongst social circles. We hold resilient as we face various challenges. However, what comes beyond surviving challenges and making it through obstacles? 

Flourishing. When we think of this term often we’re not thinking about ourselves, but plants! When we see a healthy plant blooming and growing, we might say it’s flourishing. So is this what happens with humans? Kind of. 

Flourishing is a term within the field of positive psychology that focuses on a multi-dimensional, complex approach to what true wellbeing and happiness look like. There are a lot of factors that make up flourishing, from personal development, self-love, self-awareness, financial freedom, and more. You might experience flourishing when you are trying new things, exploring a new hobby, and spending time with loved ones. Flourishing isn’t just one of these areas, it’s focusing on all of these pieces of the puzzle; a complete picture of wellbeing and happiness. 

So what’s the actual definition of all of this: “to flourish is to find fulfillment in our lives, accomplishing meaningful and worthwhile tasks, and connecting with others at a deeper level: (Seligman, 2011). Martin Seligman (2011), one of the founders of positive psychology, refers to flourishing as the “good life”. 

Seligman (2011) noted flourishing comes from developing across five areas of life and maintaining growth and development across them. This model, known as PERMA focuses on increasing positive emotions, engaging with the world and one’s work (or hobbies), developing meaningful relationships, finding and creating meaning and purpose in life, and achieving goals. 

The beauty of flourishing is that it isn’t something you are born with. You develop this through your own self-growth and development. Anyone can flourish, it may just take some work to get there. 

And how do we actually get there? You might try the following:

• Work to grow your social support system. Look to meet new friends and deepen your existing relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners

• Focus on creating the “good life”. Spend time engaging in activities you find meaningful, exciting, and fulfilling. Set goals for yourself that are important to you, and use mindful savoring to focus on those goals and the feelings you have when achieving and experiencing them.

• Have fun! Make sure you have time to enjoy life whether it be taking a walk after work, planning a family vacation, reading a favorite book. Do whatever it is that makes you happy, that you want to do more of. (You can combine this and do activities with others to focus on growing relationships as well!)

• Build meaning and purpose for yourself. Identify your personal values and focus on activities that build on those values. By leading through your values and goals, you achieve a more authentic and fulfilled sense of self.

While some of these may take time and effort, by developing positive relationships, focusing on positive experiences, creating meaning and living authentically, flourishing can become a natural part of our lives.

Looking for support as you work on creating meaning and building relationships? Click here.