The Meaning of Thriving
By Linda Hughes
What do I mean by thriving? Well, I am not talking about foundational supports, that is for sure. If we look at the dictionary, the meaning of ‘thriving’ is:
- to grow strongly and vigorously
- to do well; prosper
When people thrive, we experience a deep sense of wellbeing. We feel motivated, purposeful, resilient, and connected. It’s a good feeling — one we all want. I know it’s how I want my son with disability to feel too.
But often, something gets in the way. For many people with disability, surviving becomes the benchmark of what’s considered “okay.” Sometimes even that can be a struggle. (I’m not going there in this blog... not today.)
Here’s the cold, hard fact: people with disability are devalued in our society.
On a more hopeful note: we don’t have to accept this. We can act. We can help shift the story from just surviving on the sidelines to truly thriving at the heart of community life. That’s where belonging, purpose, and respect grow.
When I think about what helps someone thrive, it usually comes down to being valued.
When we are seen as someone who contributes, who has something to offer, life opens up. We’re treated with respect. People make space for us. We belong.
It’s no different for people with disability — but too often, the roles available to them in community life are limited or even negative. Instead of being seen as a friend, neighbour, colleague, or club member, they’re seen mainly as a client, recipient, or burden. These roles shape how others respond, and over time, how a person feels about themselves.
What changes everything is when someone has the opportunity to hold valued roles — to be known for their gifts, their interests, their contributions.
We will be talking about this and more at the Thriving workshops in Sydney CBD and West Ryde. So please join us to find out more…
Thriving: Strategies to move from the margins to the Heart of Community workshop Sydney Central
- 05 November 2025
- 11:00am - 04:00pm
- Rydges Sydney Central, 28 Albion St, Surry Hills
Thriving: Strategies to move from the margins to the Heart of Community workshop West Ryde
- 06 November 2025
- 11:00am - 04:00pm
- Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, 117 Ryedale Rd, West Ryde