Conversations with Ruth-Ann Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth-Ann Thompson.

Ruth-Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My life has been filled with grief … and yet that has been the very thing that spurred me into action. It is vital to me that people understand that they belong, that their emotional pain can be managed and that they can thrive in the center of heartbreak. Widowed at 24, raising a son with autism along with three other very active children, I returned to school later in life and completed my bachelor’s degree. One step at a time, day by day, with grit and determination, I am constantly trying new activities, reinventing myself and embracing positivity.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being widowed at such a young age, I struggled financially. My mathematician husband was the major breadwinner. We had been in an automobile accident that killed my husband, seriously injured both me and our autistic son …and I was pregnant. I was unable to work for a time because of the severity of my injuries. Healing was lengthy and complicated because of our unborn child. Soon after his birth, my father died. Eventually I remarried, had two more children and experienced other major losses including divorce and deaths of dear friends.

I returned to school, which was challenging with young children, and completed my business associate’s degree as a Court Reporter. Over time, I had several relocations.

The emotional, financial and personal losses were crippling at times. Later in life, I lost one of my sons as the result of an automobile accident. Then, after experiencing a second widowhood, I completed my bachelor’s degree, letting others know that they can do anything they choose and it’s never too late to begin again.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known as “The Belonging Whisperer” because it is my desire to guide people to the understanding that they belong – not by shouting those words, but by gently whispering into their hearts. I have initiated a vibrant and dynamic program for women called CLUB 131. This ground-breaking and elite program works with 131 women per year and focuses on the overall personal, financial, emotional and spiritual development and overall success of women. CLUB 131 puts any woman on the fast track to personal achievement in every area of their life. It is designed to redefine life’s most challenging moments into steppingstones for growth and advancement.

In addition to CLUB 131, I also offer Sunshine in the Shadows, grief management courses that include practical guides to preparing for the unimaginable. These sensitive subjects are handled with care, sprinkled with anecdotes and humor, which makes the information palatable.

The focus of everything I do is to affirm, encourage and inspire … and let everyone know that they belong.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
In my life I have had multiple coaches and guides who have encouraged me along my life’s journey. My biggest cheerleader was my mother. She constantly encouraged, affirmed and provided the resources I needed (financial and emotional) to continue my advancement toward my dreams, My mentors were chemist Bob and instructor Willette Johnson, Mayor Gary and Allene Loster and co-creator, the late Dr. Migdalia Brathwaite, just to name a few. The Johnsons and Losters mentored me in my younger years and showed me by example how to develop my skills and talents. They still support and encourage me even now . Dr. Brathwaite, a business partner, challenged me to think deeply, ask specific questions and continue climbing toward my goals. And there was also my first grade teacher, Mrs. Herbel, who developed my writing skills. I recently attended her 90th birthday party!

Also my children, Jai, Brandon (now deceased), Austin and Alexandra have been my greatest teachers. They’ve shown resilience under the most extreme circumstances. They are bright lights in a dark world and are wise beyond their years. Although I am their mother, I have learned countless life lessons from them.

Pricing:

• Club 131 – Introductory Price – $997.00/yr
• Book – Dancing in My Tattered Pink Dress – $30
• Book – Sibling Loss – $30
• Children’s Books – The Open Fielders Series – $15 / each or $50 for 5 book set

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ruthannthompson.com
• Instagram: ruthannthomps
• Facebook: Ruth-Ann Thompson