More Than Survival: Here’s How to Truly Flourish.

Flourishing in life requires a delicate balance between remembering and forgetting. Forgetting enables us to move beyond past traumas and everyday challenges, while remembering allows us to learn, grow, and adapt. This balance is essential for living fully—ensuring we aren’t shackled by the past but are guided by its wisdom.

When faced with hardship, such as the global pandemic that disrupted life as we knew it, we were forced to reconsider what it means to flourish. Activities we once took for granted—such as attending gatherings, visiting loved ones, or simply moving about freely—suddenly became impossible. The uncertainty and fear of the unknown were pervasive, leaving many in a state of anxiety and isolation.

During this time, Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program outlined five essential aspects of a flourishing life: happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships. Yet, each of these aspects was severely challenged during the early days of the pandemic. Depression, anxiety, and uncertainty became widespread, and we struggled to maintain physical and mental well-being while cut off from the communities and relationships that usually sustain us.

In moments like these, it can feel impossible to flourish. Yet, history and art provide countless examples of individuals who have not only survived but also thrived during difficult times. The courage, wisdom, and resilience displayed by people in the past can serve as models for how to live well, even in the face of adversity.

Art, literature, and stories offer powerful lessons on how to remember the good and transcend the difficulties of the present. They show us that life is not defined solely by our current circumstances and that with resilience and character, we can find meaning and purpose, even in the darkest of times. Through reflection and engagement with these works, we can learn to flourish despite the challenges that life inevitably presents.

Flourishing means embracing the lessons of the past while staying open to the possibilities of the future. By maintaining balance amidst uncertainty, we can live with purpose, resilience, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.