New Year . Same Journey . A New Way to THRIVE by Arlean Timmons
My journey started in January 2014 . All I had was a vision ( literally ). At the time I was working full time with no real direction . I had just finished Grad School and I was not really sure what I wanted to do in life . I was just going through the motions of working , being a single mother and just trying to figure this thing out called life .
My vision at the time was to host a conference to bring women together . It was something I had never done before and I had what seemed like a million questions . I did not have any experience in event planning nor did I have the funds to pay anyone . I was basically “ THUGGIN IT OUT ”, I was taking a huge risk but believing and trusting God at the same time . I knew if he gave me the vision he would see it come to pass . Low and behold my first annual YES ! Women on the Rise Empowerment Conference was a huge success in 2014 , the theme was “ Journey to Success ”. Each year the conference has gotten bigger and better . I have amazing speakers , partners , Brand Ambassadors , a PR team , vendors , sponsors and a group of women supporting the vision . I was one ticket sale away from having a sold out conference this year and we are looking forward to hosting our 4th Annual Conference in Atlanta in September 2017 .
No matter where you are right now in life , no matter how many obstacles you have had to overcome , even if you feel you are in the pit of despair right now , I challenge you to learn how to be THRIVE in your current season . When we learn to THRIVE we learn to VIBRATE higher . When you say YES to THRIVING it means you ’ re not worried about others and what they have to say . THRIVING means being thankful for what is , what isn ’ t , and what ’ s to come . As you begin to THRIVE it means when someone asks how you are doing instead of complaining you say “ All is well .” Go in peace . . . Are you motivated to THRIVE in 2017 ?
Here ’ s how to THRIVE in 2017 : Do : Celebrate small successes , goals , and victories .
Don ’ t : Forget the people who have helped you along the way . Those people who lended you a helping hand or provided you with the missing link to your business FREE of charge .
Do : Support other single mother ’ s visions , events , ideas , dreams , and goals . Remember we are all in it together . There ’ s enough room at the table for all of us to eat .
Don ’ t : Tell someone you are going to do something and then don ’ t . At the end of the day all you have is your word .
Start this day and affirm your year ! Choose to THRIVE ; in spite of , because of and despite of .
If we can all be honest with ourselves , we ’ ll know that life will never stop happening to any of us . There will always be obstacles , challenges , roadblocks , and adversity that we will have to overcome . Even when you feel like it ’ s you against the world ( because as single mothers we always feel as if no one understands us and every day we are fighting battles ). Everyday wake up with a positive attitude even when you can ’ t see the light at the end of the tunnel . Smile even when you don ’ t have a reason too . Be kind even when the world isn ’ t being kind back . Pray without ceasing . Believe in miracles , in fact be a miracle .
Together we can THRIVE !
THRIVE MAGAZINE 7