Surviving or Thriving: What’s in Your Survival Kit?
When Life Feels Heavy
We all know those nights where it feels like the whole world is on your shoulders. Dinner still needs to be cooked, homework is waiting, baths are overdue—and then you realize you haven’t even eaten yet.
That’s usually the moment survival mode kicks in. The kids are depending on you, your partner needs you, and you—well, what do you need? Maybe the answer is a survival kit. Not the kind with snacks and Band-Aids, but one that helps you breathe and keep moving forward when life feels heavy.
Understanding Survival Mode
When you’re in survival mode (sometimes called “distress”), your brain is basically sounding the alarm. Some people call it the “red brain” or “mid-brain,” but whatever name you use, it’s your body’s way of protecting you.
It can show up as:
Tight muscles or stiff shoulders
Shortness of breath
Hot flashes or sweating
Snapping or getting irritated quickly
Feeling overwhelmed or worn down
These are signals—your body saying, “Hey, something’s off.” The first step is to notice them. The second step? Make a plan.
Plan A: Lean Into Your Village
You weren’t meant to do this alone. Remember that village we’ve talked about? This is when you call on it. Let a friend drop off dinner. Ask a family member to take the kids for an hour. Send that text.
And if you don’t feel like you have a village, start building one. Pay attention to who shows up, not just in words but in actions. The biggest step is asking. And when you do, you’ll see who’s truly in your corner.
Plan B: Share the Load at Home
Here’s the thing—if there are three or more people in your home, then everybody can play a part.
Make a simple task list or chore chart.
Break things down into small, medium, and large tasks.
Pass them out and keep it flexible.
Life changes—school, work, holidays, sports—but the key is: you don’t have to carry it all. Sharing the load not only lightens your stress, it teaches responsibility and teamwork in your family.
Plan C: Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Not everything has to be done right now. If it can wait, let it wait.
Take the break. Sit down. Breathe. Rest is not a weakness—it’s wisdom. When your body and mind tell you it’s time to slow down, listen. And remember, it’s okay.
The Heart of It All: Thrive
If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: don’t just survive—thrive. When you thrive, you show up as the best version of yourself, and that blessing spills over to your whole family.
And let’s be real—we all still have survival days. When life really starts “life-ing,” I circle back to these same plans. But what grounds me most is leaning into God’s Word.
My Anchor in Scripture
One scripture that carries me is:
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
That verse reminds me that even in the messy, everyday moments—whether it’s cooking dinner, folding laundry, or juggling schedules—whatever I do, I can do it wholeheartedly. God knows it’s tough sometimes, and He gives us the kind of strength we can only get from Him.
So when you feel like you’re stuck in survival mode, remember: you are doing a greater work. Some rewards you’ll see right away in peace or joy. Others are waiting for you in heaven. Either way, you are not walking this road alone.
Final Thought…Lean on your people. Share the load. Take the break. And always remember—you were made to thrive, not just survive.
With Love,
Chioma
