We recently connected with Adriel Joy Thurston and have shared our conversation below.
Adriel Joy, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
This may sound odd, but I believe that my optimism comes from my past pain. I know that is weird but hear me out. Growing up in a household surrounded by trauma and abuse made me lean in a different direction. I choose to believe that there is more than the bad because I have seen the awful while experiencing the blessings. I want people to feel love and hope because I know what it is like to not feel those things. It is easy to fall into victim mode, adding to a cycle of abuse and hurt. But I have never taken an easy road in my life. If we did not have storms, how would our crops grow? By actively choosing to see the bright side, you take control of the narrative and can make anything sparkle. It is like Drake said, “I learned workin’ with the negatives could make for better pictures.” I choose happy because that is how I want to live. It is a choice; one I try to make daily, even in the shadow moments.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
It feels crazy to say this, but I work for myself as a marketing consultant, specializing in copywriting and social media. After over 15 years of working for a corporate company, I recently went out on my own and now I get to help more people and companies on a personal level. It is such an honor to be trusted to help grow a company’s digital imprint. Getting to work hands-on with so many clients also keep me on my toes, learning new things and always running around. To say it’s different than working for “the man” would be an understatement. Plus, now my coworker is my puppy, and she is pretty happy about all the time she gets to spend with me.
My day-to-day life looks quite different these days. I do everything from marketing consulting, brand guidance, social media management, copywriting, content creation and even some light life coaching on occasion. I am not going to lie, it can be incredibly stressful, and it is a lot of demanding work, but it is so worth it to believe in what you are doing.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Oh wow, everything. Half joking, half serious. I believe that being determined, willing to be wrong, and placing kindness more than anything else are the best skills, qualities, and knowledge you can have. Or at least, those things have aided me the most throughout my career. You can learn to edit a video, write captions, and read a spreadsheet, but having a mindset that pushes you through the struggles will win out every time. I used to think that being right mattered more than anything, but I was wrong. 😉 It does not matter if you love your job, or if it simply pays your paycheck; you cannot grow without being healthy mentally.
I am a big reader, so I try to read a personal development book every quarter to keep my mind focused and strong. Some of my best lessons have come at my weakest moments, so I would encourage people to have an open mind and take a step back as often as possible. By standing away from the project, situation, etc. It allows you to take in the full picture better. Take a breath, adjust, and keep going.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I cry, probably a lot, while holding my dog. I am just being honest here! I am an emotional person, so I have learned to take breaks, evaluate, consult with people I trust, and then come back and conquer whatever had me down. It is normal and allowed to be overwhelmed, but it is how we handle it that makes the difference. When I was younger, I would lash out and it was not pretty. As I have grown older, I have discovered the art and beauty of being silent and listening more. Surprisingly, it has led me to more success, less overwhelming cryfests, and to being a more professional person. I mean, we all make mistakes, but hopefully, we make better ones every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: adrielthejoy.com
- Instagram: @adrielthejoy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrielthejoy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrieljoy/
- Twitter: @adrielthejoy
- Other: Book Podcast: @smutthehell
Image Credits
Olivia Cislo Photography Emily Golding Photography Chris Spicks Photography
