Surviving, Living, Thriving
The middle of the week is a balancing act. For some, Monday kicks off with momentum and great motivation that sometimes fizzles out by Wednesday. For others, the week doesn’t really pick up steam until we’re on the hump of the midweek camel. Some may finally find their stride. Either way, Wednesday becomes that pivot point and that space, somewhere between the to-do lists, appointments, and responsibilities, and we rarely pause long enough to ask ourselves how we’re doing.
Am I surviving? Actually living my life, this week? Or truly thriving?
That’s why I like to pause and reflect, and introduce to my Wednesday morning what I call a “Wednesday Wedge”—a moment to place a wedge between my circumstances and the truth of who I am, what I can realistically accomplish as I find the balance to do what I can, give myself grace, and accept the things that are not meant for me.
A wedge is literally a piece of material (wood, metal, or something else) that is thick at one end and tapers to a thin edge, used to split, lift, or secure objects.
Figuratively, a wedge is something that creates a separation or distinction between two things and it drives a space or gap between them.
The Wedge Wednesday context, it’s metaphorical: the “wedge” is the space you intentionally place between your circumstances and your truth, so you’re not defined or limited by what’s pressing on you.
Sometimes, that wedge is exactly what we need to shift from merely surviving to fully thriving.
Three Modes of Life
Surviving is the bottom rung of the ladder. It’s when we live on the fight-or-flight mode. Our energy goes toward getting through the day, we go from one or multiple of following tasks: waking up on time, getting the house and or kiddos ready, making it to work on time, keeping our head above water, making sure we’re not speeding our negative or mixed emotions, fixing dinner, or fulfilling ministry commitments. It can feel exhausting and endless.
Something to note here is that survival also signals strength. Yet, we don’t always look at it that way, thus we cannot feel that strength. If you’re surviving, you’re proving resilience. You haven’t quit. You’re still here and that matters. Yet, survival was never meant to be your permanent home. Look at it as a season, not a life sentence. There will be days when you’ll merely survive, but that should not be our every day.
Living is tad more steadier. You’ve moved and have learn to see and be beyond the rush, chaos, and crisis. The basics are covered with grace and balance. You may have learned to take time for simple conversation, laughter, for hobbies, and find yourself able to take a breath of peace. It feels “normal”, low pressure, and enjoyable.
However, living can also be deceiving and we must be self-aware. Let us not confuse stability with fulfillment. Living is good — but it isn’t the same as flourishing. It’s possible to live without truly being alive. We need to aim to be and feel alive.
Thriving is a sweet spot that not many get to taste. People connect thriving with the perfection of life. But that’s not true. Thriving does not require a perfect or pain-free life. Thriving is about alignment with purpose, peace, grace, kindness, honor, integrity, truth, compassion for self and others, and with growth. It’s being faithful to who we are and fruitful, not just functional. Thriving is where you don’t just meet life’s demands, you rise above them and feel happy at the end of the day.
Thriving shows up in relationships, creativity, generosity, and joy. Thriving doesn’t mean having more, thriving means becoming more. And you get to define what that more is or looks like.
Circumstances vs. Truth
Here’s the heart of the Wednesday Wedge: you learn that your circumstances are not your truth.
Your bank account may say “survive.” Your schedule may say “just live.” But your spirit, the truth of who you are says, “you were designed to thrive, you can do this.”
Dare to separate the noise of the moment from the truth of your identity, and choose to move toward thriving, even in small ways. Take heart, no matter where you find yourself today.
If you’re in survival mode, honor your strength. You’re still standing. If you’re living, celebrate your progress. You’ve come further than you realize. If you’re thriving, keep going and become a source of hope for someone else.
You have the power to shift. Thriving is not a gift for “other people.” It’s possible for you, too. It may not be overnight, but it starts with intention.
Ask yourself: What’s one area of my life where I can choose a thriving mindset today?
Here are three practical “wedges” you can place this week:
Self-Awareness Check: Honestly name where you are, surviving, living, or thriving. Awareness is the first step toward change. Truth Statement: Write one sentence that separates your circumstance from your identity. Example, “I may feel stuck today, but the truth is I’m capable of growth, and this season will not define me.” Action Step: Choose one life-giving action, take a walk, call a friend, set a boundary, invest in your growth.
Pray with me: Lord, thank You for bringing us to this midweek pause. For those of us who are surviving, give us strength and perseverance. For those living, grant us clarity and the courage to grow beyond routine. For those ready to thrive, fill us with purpose, joy, and the ability to impact others. Help us place a wedge between our circumstances and Your truth about us. Let us remember that we are more than what we face today, and there’s more within us. Guide our steps, renew our hearts, and empower us to live fully in the life You have called us to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
©️2025 Denise Kilby New Hope MHCLC Assoc. All rights reserved.
