Gratitude Focus: I am Grateful For Old Friends


Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

Today, I had coffee with VP at the house. She recently retired, and boy does she have a lot of energy. She is not slowing down—she is just recentering. Our conversation ranged. She has seen me grow as a leader, saying, “You are one of my babies.” Well, she has a lot of them, as she has been a fixture in our region. We spent time talking about the evolution of Black leadership in the St. Louis region. Talking to her is just easy. One of the more interesting things for me is that she is retired, but she is still going to occupy her space and let you know what she thinks.

 

Who is an old friend or mentor that has shaped your journey? How do you plan to occupy your space and continue making an impact, regardless of the stage of life you’re in?

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