Gratitude Focus: Grateful To Still Be Standing

Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

I’m grateful to be standing. There were moments this year when I had to encourage myself.
This year took a lot out of a lot of people. Including me.

But it also gave something—even in the middle of the taking.
I stayed focused on advancing the business.
Advancing a bank.

Pushing forward my civic work.

And while all of that was moving, life was happening.

My brother died.
My cousin died.
People I thought were in my corner… weren’t.

I’m guessing you felt some of that too.

You made hard decisions this year.
The kind that cost you sleep.
The kind that asked more of you than you expected.

There were days I had to remind myself:
Be strong.
Be of faith.
Stay encouraged.

Not because it was easy.
But because quitting wasn’t an option.

And here’s what I know now—If you’re still standing, you’re not done.

This year shaped you. Next year builds on it.

And it’s going to be even better.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

What did this year take from you—and what did it quietly give you that you’re still standing on?

— Reflection Question

Hi, I’m Orvin Kimbrough, volunteer, board director, chairman, and CEO. I help professionals move from feeling stuck to being strengthened by reshaping how they think, lead, and live. My work focuses on confidence, leadership, and influence through mindset shifts, expanded networks, and bold, values-aligned action. My perspective is rooted in lived experience, from growing up in foster care to leading complex institutions as a CEO and shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep belief in human potential.

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Books for Every Stage

Twice Over a Man

A memoir often described as a leadership guide wrapped in an honest, relatable story of perseverance, healing, and growth. It explores how pain can be reframed into purpose and how ordinary people build meaningful lives through courage and clarity.

More Than a Conqueror

Written for teens and young adults, this book encourages confidence, resilience, and identity formation during the years when self-belief is being shaped.

Ward and the State

A children’s book that gently introduces big ideas like belonging, courage, and hope, helping young readers see themselves as more than their circumstances

INTRODUCING: The Thriver’s Path™

This blog is part of The Thriver’s Path™—a growing ecosystem of writing, courses, reflections, and community designed to help people of all ages reframe their thinking, reclaim their agency, and take their next meaningful move.

→ Ready for your next move?

Explore more writings, resources, and ways to engage at orvinkimbrough.com, or join the conversation inside the Thrivers Club™ community.

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Tags: Gratitude