Meet Ruth-Ann Thompson | Author, Belonging Whisperer and Kinship Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ruth-ann Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ruth-Ann, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
For me the option is always to keep going. Even if you have to take a varied path from the one you began, keep moving forward. The title of my autobiography is “Dancing in My Tattered Pink Dress: Grief, Guts and Glory.” It is an encouragement to keep on dancing through this life, even if your legs are wounded, even if the music stops, just keep moving forward.

Sometimes it may look like giving up. For example, perhaps you changed your major. Maybe your relationship has ended. Sometimes the plans just don’t work out. When you make a different choice you are not giving up, simply making an adjustment in your course. Remember where there’s life, there’s always hope. So if you are alive, there’s always a way to move forward, change a thought pattern, make a new memory, or do something different. The constant in life is change. So keep going … and be open to the changes that are sure to enter your life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am “The Belonging Whisperer,” and am available for interviews and speaking engagements to encourage, uplift, revitalize and support those who need to find a place to belong. I want people to understand they are on this earth for a divine purpose and my passion is helping everyone find their unique niche. Life has thrown me multiple curves — young widowhood, a special needs child, multiple losses including losing my son, and plenty of setbacks and adversities. But I’ve learned that we can carve spaces for ourselves, even when we face challenges. We have strengths we never knew existed, and sometimes we need someone else to help us find our purpose and where we belong. I want people to know they can do anything they put their minds to. It will not always be easy, but it will be worth it.

I am a court reporter by trade. In order to graduate, I had to write (on the steno machine) 225 words per minute with two people speaking and it had to be at 95% or above accuracy. It was extremely difficult; I’m the only one who graduated out of the 17 who started in my class. There were days when I thought, “Do I really belong here? Why am I putting myself through this?” But there was a fire in me; a determination to just keep on going and never quit, and now I desire to pass that energy on to others.

And I am an author. My children’s book series encourages children and parents to connect with each other, meet new people and share positive experiences. As children grow, it is important that they also find their own unique talents and learn from an early age where they belong in this vast world. I want the world to know that we were created to be creative and each of us has our own unique fingerprint. Let’s leave our mark on this world!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For us, it’s all about good food! 🙂 But it’s also about connection, at least for me and those I cherish. We would want to go to a place where there was a great beach, beautiful skies and lots of history. We would want to go to the local restaurants, not the chains that we have eaten at before, and interact with the people from that area. We would want to check out local talent, perhaps take in a show, etc. We would want to see some of the attractions and sites nearby. But definitely the best part of the trip would be hanging out and spending time with my bestie!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my life I have found “50,000 coaches” (a line from the movie, “Akeelah and the Bee.”) You get in trouble when you begin to name people, but I definitely want to shout out my children, Jai, Brandon (now deceased), Austin and Alex. They have inspired, encouraged, supported me and exemplified grace, wisdom and understanding since the moments of their birth. They are wise beyond their years, extremely intelligent and filled with wonder and amazement. I am incredibly blessed to have been the vessel through which they entered this world. My grandchildren, Elijah, Jaidon, Shandon and Ayonna are pretty incredible as well! And certainly my parents (also deceased) — they were my cheerleaders from the moment they adopted me when I was four years old.

But there were definitely others along the way and I embrace the ability to learn from everyone. When you take the time to appreciate all that life has to offer, and accept people for exactly who they are, it makes room for a growing space that is rich with potential! Everyone who comes into my life deserves a shoutout!

Website: https://www.ruthannthompson.com

Twitter: ruthannthomps

Facebook: Ruth-Ann Jones Thompson

Image Credits
Jomel Melissa, Stephanie Hunt