It’s officially been 4 years since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, I stumbled upon studies showing that the pandemic qualifies as a “collective trauma,” where we've all experienced psychological distress together. But here's the kicker: many people hesitate to admit they experienced trauma during the pandemic, perhaps because we downplay our struggles, comparing them to others' experiences.

Beyond pandemics, we all have survival periods in life – those moments where we're barely keeping our heads above water. Yet, sometimes, we hesitate to acknowledge just how hard things are.

This week's guest, storyteller and doula Brandi Sellerz-Jackson, reminded me of the importance of recognizing when we're merely surviving versus truly thriving. She spoke of thriving as a state of being characterized by awareness, ease, and compassionate self-exploration. It's not just about existing—it's about cultivating a life that's rich with meaning and fulfillment, one that's truly ours to savor.

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