About Thriving
Next Step Counseling encourages and equips teens, men, women, and couples to thrive… But what does that really mean?
Imagine two trees.
One tree is dry, wilted, and brown. Because of the underlying rocks, its roots cannot find appropriate water or nutrients. It seems to be barely hanging on to life.
​
The other tree is green and vibrant. Its leaves are perky and plentiful because its roots are in rich wet soil supplied by a nearby stream. Its flowers will soon be replaced with fruit. This is everything a tree is supposed to be!
​
Which tree best represents you now?
​
Which do you want to be?
The primary goal of Next Step Counseling and Coaching is to encourage and equip people to thrive and enjoy an abundant life - like a tree planted by a stream of water. Imagine being so full of optimism, kindness, and confidence that it overflows into the lives of the people around you through your words and actions.
The verb thrive means to grow, to develop, to progress toward a goal irrespective of circumstances. Each week in our office, people select areas they want to improve and let us coach them through the next part of their journey. In a few goal-oriented sessions, we equip and encourage men, women, and teens to help themselves thrive. It is so rewarding to watch them enjoy their progress.
But what does thriving really mean in real life?
We think a person is thriving when each area of life is healthy, growing, and in harmony with the other areas. The term holistic is used to convey the idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts. In holistic healthcare, the various aspects of human life are commonly summarized by five key areas; emotional, mental, physical, social, and spiritual.
​
​
​
Thrive Cognitively - We have amazing minds. People are always thinking - sometimes overthinking. In an ideal world, our thoughts would be creative, controlled, and cohesive. Thriving people have the ability to think about and adjust their thoughts, as opposed to being controlled by them. Thriving people have an integrated worldview and intentionally think constructive thoughts which enrich their daily lives.
Thrive Emotionally - Humans are emotional creatures. Emotions are amazing blessings, but they can be troublesome at times. Without being controlled or over by them, a thriving person experiences a full and balanced emotional life - Love, Joy, Sadness, Anger, Guilt, Hope, etc. Some call this a high Emotional Intelligence. We call it “thriving.”
Thrive Behaviorally - The perfect life is one where our behaviors always match our highest values and goals. Imagine the benefits of consistently doing what you truly wish you would do. In this life there would be no shame-filled regrets. Rather than thoughtless reactions, thriving people live intentionally and when they react, it’s in intentional and value-based ways.
Thrive Socially - We are social beings. We need people to thrive. Family and close friends are very important parts of a full and abundant life. With inner compassion, empathy, and wisdom, thriving people are able connect to others in mutually healthy and enjoyable ways.
Thrive Spiritually - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s words are true: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Our spiritual lives are the “wellspring” of our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Not all of our clients want to address the spiritual part of life and we honor that. Burt when clients ask for it, we help them develop and apply their deepest convictions to everyday life in harmony with their spiritual beliefs.
Thriving is a meaningful word that is packed with rich meaning. We desire to help you enjoy the fullness of the word. The goal of Next Step Counseling is to encourage and equip people like you to help themselves thrive in everyday life.
​
Stop right now and imagine how your life would improve if you grew in even a couple of these areas? We can help. In a handful of sessions we can equip you with tools that will help you thrive!
​
Synonyms for Thriving: Flourishing, Healthy, Growing, Improving, Progressing Developing
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. - Jesus (John10:10)