We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sabrina Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sabrina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose is an ongoing journey that involves introspection, exploration, and a deep connection with my values and passions. Here’s how I approach it:
Reflect on My Passions and Interests: I take time to think about what truly excites me and brings me joy. This could be hobbies, activities, or causes that I feel passionate about. I ask myself what I would do if money and time were no object.
Identify My Strengths and Talents: I consider the skills and abilities that come naturally to me. These are often indicators of areas where I can make a meaningful impact. I think about compliments I’ve received and the tasks I find fulfilling and energizing.
Consider My Values: I reflect on what is most important to me in life. This includes my core beliefs and principles. I ask myself what I want to stand for and what kind of legacy I want to leave behind.
Explore Different Paths: I stay open to trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. This might involve volunteering, taking up new hobbies, or pursuing different career opportunities. Each experience teaches me more about myself and what resonates with me.
Seek Inspiration from Others: I look to people who inspire me and learn about their journeys. This could be through reading biographies, listening to podcasts, or having conversations with mentors and role models.
Listen to My Inner Voice: I pay attention to my intuition and gut feelings. Sometimes, my inner voice knows what I need before my conscious mind does. Meditation and mindfulness practices help me tune in to this inner guidance.
Set Meaningful Goals: I set both short-term and long-term goals that align with my passions, strengths, and values. Having a sense of direction gives me a sense of purpose and motivation.
Embrace Change and Adapt: I recognize that my purpose can evolve over time. Life circumstances change, and so do I. I stay flexible and open to new possibilities, understanding that finding my purpose is a lifelong journey.
Contribute to Others: I find purpose in helping others and making a positive impact on my community. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger initiatives, contributing to the well-being of others gives my life deeper meaning.
Practice Gratitude: I cultivate a sense of gratitude for the present moment and the journey I’m on. Appreciating the small things and being thankful for the opportunities I have helps me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My life took a significant turn when I was diagnosed with cancer, but rather than let it define me, I have embraced it as an opportunity for profound growth and empowerment. Today, I dedicate myself to inspiring others, sharing my experiences, and helping people recognize their own inner strength.
My Journey and What I Do:
My primary focus is on sharing my journey of reclaiming and recognizing my power. Through speaking engagements, writing, and personal interactions, I aim to offer support, hope, and inspiration to those who are facing their own challenges. I believe that by sharing our stories, we can create a community of resilience and empowerment.
My brand is built on authenticity, resilience, and empowerment. It is not just about overcoming obstacles, but about thriving despite them. My mission is to inspire others to find their inner strength and to live a life filled with purpose and joy, regardless of the challenges they face.
The Most Exciting Part: Empowering Others
The most exciting and special aspect of what I do is witnessing the transformation in others as they begin to recognize their own power. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone move from a place of fear and uncertainty to one of strength and hope. Each person’s journey is unique, and being a part of that process is both humbling and exhilarating.
What’s next for me:
I am working on a solo book project, and it will launch within the next month or so. The book is entitled, Girl, Don’t Count Yourself Out: You can’t give up now. This new book is a testament to faith, hope and resilience on my breast cancer journey.
Later this fall, I will be doing an anthology project as well based on the same title and I am looking for co-authors who are ready to become transformational authors. Co-Authors who want to share their personal and or professional stories of resilience and perseverance.
I am also hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Brunch – October 6th in Virginia Beach, VA. It will be the first Augural, Girl, Don’t Count Yourself Out- Empowerment Brunch for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Resilience
Impact on My Journey:
Resilience has been the bedrock of my journey. It’s the quality that has allowed me to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite the obstacles. When faced with my diagnosis, resilience gave me the strength to confront my fears, undergo treatments, and navigate the uncertainties of my health.
Advice for Developing Resilience:
Embrace Challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of shying away from difficult situations, face them head-on. Each obstacle you overcome builds your resilience.
Maintain a Positive Mindset: Cultivate optimism. Focus on what you can control and try to find the silver lining in every situation. A positive mindset can transform your approach to challenges.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. Having a network of friends, family, or support groups can provide the encouragement and strength needed to persevere through tough times.
2. Mindfulness
Impact on My Journey:
Mindfulness has helped me stay present and appreciate each moment, even during the most challenging times. By being mindful, I’ve been able to reduce anxiety about the future and regrets about the past, allowing me to focus on the here and now.
Advice for Cultivating Mindfulness:
Practice Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day meditating. This practice can help you develop a habit of mindfulness and improve your ability to stay present.
Engage in Mindful Activities: Incorporate activities like yoga, walking in nature, or even mindful eating into your routine. These practices can help anchor you in the present moment.
Breathe: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. Focus on your breath as it enters and leaves your body. This simple act can help ground you and bring you back to the present.
3. Gratitude
Impact on My Journey:
Gratitude has been a transformative force in my life. Even on the toughest days, finding something to be grateful for has shifted my perspective and brought light into my life. It has helped me focus on the positives and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments.
Advice for Practicing Gratitude:
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. This practice can help you recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
Express Gratitude: Take the time to thank the people in your life. Whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or a healthcare provider, expressing your gratitude can strengthen your relationships and spread positivity.
Reflect on Positive Experiences: At the end of each day, reflect on the positive experiences you had. Reliving these moments can enhance your overall sense of gratitude and well-being.
Final Thoughts
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to be patient with yourself and embrace the process of growth and self-discovery. Developing resilience, mindfulness, and gratitude takes time, but these qualities will profoundly impact your journey. Remember that each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to recognizing and owning your power. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay present, and always find something to be grateful for. Your journey is unique, and with these tools, you can navigate it with strength and grace.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Reflecting on the past 12 months, the biggest areas of growth and improvement in my life have been in resilience, and self-compassion. These developments have profoundly influenced my journey, helping me navigate the challenges of my cancer diagnosis and life in general.
1. Resilience
Growth:
Over the past 12 months, I have significantly strengthened my resilience. Facing a cancer diagnosis and the accompanying treatments, uncertainties, and physical toll has been incredibly challenging. Yet, through these experiences, I have learned to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a forward-looking perspective. Each obstacle I’ve overcome has fortified my ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
Impact:
This enhanced resilience has empowered me to approach life’s challenges with greater confidence and determination. It has allowed me to face my fears, navigate uncertainty, and find the strength to keep moving forward, no matter the circumstances.
2.Self-Compassion
Growth:
Developing self-compassion has been one of the most transformative aspects of my journey. I have learned to be kinder and more forgiving toward myself, recognizing that my worth is not tied to my productivity or physical health but to my inherent value as a person.
Impact:
This shift has allowed me to approach my challenges with greater gentleness and understanding. It has helped me to be more patient with myself during difficult times and to celebrate my progress, no matter how small. Self-compassion has also been vital in managing the physical and emotional toll of my illness, enabling me to practice self-care without guilt or self-judgment.
These areas of growth—resilience and self-compassion—have not only helped me navigate my cancer journey but have also enriched my overall quality of life. They have empowered me to face challenges with strength and grace, build deeper and more meaningful relationships, and treat myself with the kindness and understanding I deserve.
For anyone early in their journey whether it’s personal or professional, I encourage you to focus on developing these qualities. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, practice mindfulness to enhance your self-compassion to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. Remember, growth is a continuous process, and each step you take brings you closer to recognizing and owning your power.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sabrinatspeaks.com
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- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinatspeaks
- Twitter: https://www.sabrinatspeaks
Image Credits
Photos by: Kimazing Photography LLC
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