Seek Positive Experiences

The past few days we’ve talked a little bit about thriving, and whether we see ourselves as people who deserve to thrive. I’m not talking about getting everything we want in life, or having no pain, etc. What I really want each of us to consider is that we are each valuable people, loved by God, who have the capacity to experience a full life- a life that encompasses our sufferings but is not defined by them.

It’s important, I think, to ask ourselves if we’re doing what we need to do in order to experience life as being worth living.

What types of things do you do that make your life feel like it is worth living?

Or, what types of things did you used to do that helped you feel life was worth living? Perhaps you’ve gotten away from some of these things and may want to get them back, so to speak.

What types of things have you always wanted to do but felt you just did not have the time or emotional resources? Do you want to learn to draw or paint? Do you want to learn to play an instrument? Do you want to read more books? Do you want to get counseling? Do you want to spend more time in nature, or see your friends more often, or cook more meals?

Our lives can be about a lot more than our hardship and, sometimes, we have to intentionally seek positive experiences to add to our lives in order to experience that fullness.

7 So Jesus spoke again, “I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.

John 10:7-10, CEB