Gratitude Focus: Time Away

Reflection/Why I’m Grateful:

This week, I took time away in the Boston area — what I call a “workcation.” It’s when I change the location of my work to spark inspiration and creativity. For me, that change of scenery does something powerful. I’ve spent part of the week focused on board prep and finishing edits to the children’s version of Twice Over a Man — now titled More Than a Conqueror — and part of it simply walking, reflecting, and recharging.

This time, I chose Martha’s Vineyard — one of my new happy places. It’s quieter and far more affordable than coming here in August, but just as inspiring. I’ve had moments where I can step outside between meetings, take in the beauty around me, and feel my creativity come alive again.

A corporate leader once told me, “Never neglect time to give your brain space.” That’s stuck with me. While this week hasn’t been pure rest — I’ve been running through the tape on a few key projects — it’s been deeply refreshing. I’m grateful for the clarity, creativity, and sense of renewal that come from changing my environment.

On this trip, I completed my edits for More Than a Conqueror. My editor has already responded to my comments, and we’re on track to finish by Thanksgiving (God willing). I’ve also taken time to assess new opportunities and clarify what I want to achieve personally and professionally in the coming year.

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
— Mark 6:31 (NIV)

When was the last time you intentionally created space to think, rest, or dream in a new environment?

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