How does a person thrive? This is something I asked myself when I first started this project about 6 months ago and it made me realise that thriving means something different to every person.

As a neuro-diverse adult (at the tender age of 50) I’m finally embracing what I need to do. to thrive myself. For me, it means being authentic. It means making time for things that make my soul happy and being 100% unapologetic about my uniqueness. But it also means figuring out what makes other people tick. What makes them unique and what they would consider this concept of thriving to be. These are some of the broad categories I could think of:

1. Health & Well-Being

• Maintaining good mental health—having emotional resilience, balance, and peace of mind.
• Feeling physically strong, energized, and free from chronic illness.
• Getting quality sleep, taking time out when you need it and being mindful about treating both body and mind with care and respect.

2. Personal Growth & Fulfillment

• Constantly learning, improving, and challenging yourself.
• Feeling a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
• Setting and achieving meaningful personal goals.

3. Career & Financial Stability

• Doing work you love and feeling valued in your profession.
• Financial security—not just surviving but having the means to enjoy life. Again, this looks different for everyone. I’d love to live in a huge campervan and travel the world with my family, but somebody else may crave the security of a 9-5 job with pension and medical aid.
• Having a work-life balance that allows for joy outside of work.

4. Relationships & Community

• Having strong, supportive, and meaningful relationships.
• Feeling connected to others and having a sense of belonging.
• Being able to help others and give back to the community.

5. Creativity & Passion

• Expressing yourself through art, music, writing, or other creative outlets.
• Feeling free to pursue hobbies and activities that bring joy.
• Having the time and energy to explore new interests.

6. Freedom & Autonomy

• Having control over your own decisions and lifestyle.
• Being able to travel, explore, and experience new things.
• Feeling a sense of independence and self-reliance.

7. Living Authentically

• Being true to yourself without fear of judgment.
• Feeling comfortable in your own skin and embracing your unique qualities.
• Letting go of societal expectations and defining success on your own terms.

I would love to hear what other ways YOU THRIVE!