Gratitude Focus:Today I’m Grateful For The Ability To Reflect On Life And Honor Those Who Shaped Me

Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

I’m getting the chance today to visit with a professor who helped form me at one of the most vulnerable points in my life. I was a university student trying to find my footing, and she poured so much encouragement into me. She even invited me into her home for a meal — the first time I’d ever had deer meat, ground up almost like hamburger.

She played such a pivotal part in my development that I wrote about her in my book. And earlier this year, during a reading, she walked into the room. I was shocked. I couldn’t help but give her a big hug and quietly wonder how life had been treating her all these years.

It’s been a long time since we’ve really engaged, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to sit with her, look her in the eye, and tell her directly just how impactful she has been in my life.

Every now and then, we need to slow down, reflect on our journey, and give people their flowers while they can still receive them.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”
— Philippians 1:3

Who in your life deserves to hear, from you and in your own words, how much they’ve meant to your journey?

Question for Reflection

 

 

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