WHEN we hear or see the word runway we think about models, designers, clothing and glamour. When the name Sonia Noel is mentioned with runway, it most definitely has to be about fashion. But they are so many exciting and empowering things beyond the runway, things that can motivate and inspire our lives so we can have a better quality life.
We recently celebrated Christmas and ushered in a BLESSED new year. Most of us will agree that 2016 was trained by USAIN BOLT because of how fast it went by and I have a feeling this year will go faster.

At the start of every year, we do lots of reflections and projections and sometimes realise there are things we wish we did differently. 2016 for me had its challenges, but the highs were much more than the lows and I am very thankful.
Looking back I had an awesome 2016. Some of the things that stood out would be the first Women in Business Expo, Launch of the LOVE REVOLUTION and PROJECT 6/50, Guyana Fashion Week 7th Edition (at one time I was not sure it was going to happen) and on a personal level, intensifying my personal GROWTH PLAN.

I must give credit to God, my mom Claudia John and my daughters Mariska and Shonta; spiritual mom and dad, Pastor Claude and Carol Brooks; my friend Richard Young; Mr. Rutherford; Mr. Mohammed; the training from international figures like John Maxwell, Lisa Nichols and Les Brown. I feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation for this chance of a lifetime.

One of my most memorable moments in 2016 was at the Maxwell Certification Programme in Orlando and one day I will share the details of that journey with you. Walking through the hall at the Marriott World Center everyday was like walking through the UN Headquarters with flags from over 100 countries represented at this event. I could not resist taking a picture with the Guyana flag, knowing that because of my presence that flag was there. What a proud moment that was.

Growth is the pathway to your potential and potential is a word based on possibilities that can become realities. I have learnt that growth is not accidental, it has to be intentional.
If you have dreams, goals and aspirations, you need to grow to achieve them. Like one of my favourite mentors, Les Brown, said: “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.”

A lot of us may be saying we need a fresh start or a do-over for 2017. We can’t turn the clock back, but we can make sure our future actions can still get us to desired destinations. We are different in many ways and our growth plan may vary, but we must be ready for changes and not be afraid of failure.
As we make changes and attempt new things, we may not get it right the first time, but our passion to try must be bigger than our fear to fail. “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” -Les Brown
It is wise to create a growth environment and develop systems to help you grow. Surround yourself with people who are in step with you, finding your purpose because growth can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

We all can live ordinary lives with extraordinary purposes and can achieve great things.
According to the Bible, God’s intention is for us to grow and be the best we can be. I want to make reference to Ephesians 4:15 MSG: “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love – like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.”
As we continue to grow, it is easy to get consumed with our future plans and miss some very important moments. We need to enjoy today’s growth and be motivated for tomorrow’s. Results may take longer than you anticipate, but it will come if you are consistent.
Can I tell you something? Growth never stops until we die and as we grow and add value to ourselves, we are better able to add value to others.

Can I say something more about VALUE ? We should strive to become persons of value rather than persons of importance, because importance is a by-product of adding value to people.
Let’s try to be rivers and not reservoirs, so that ideas and information can flow through us to benefit us rather than sitting there.
Life is filled with possibilities and the world is filled with opportunities for us to venture out of our Comfort Zones and achieve greatness.

You have TALENTS you don’t know you possess and you have to constantly push yourself to discover your true potential.
I am no expert in this field, but I am enjoying this electrifying and empowering journey and I enjoy sharing it with you.

I am sure to SUCCEED is the top goal for many for the new year and please allow me to share some useful tips from a mentor I learnt so much from.

Seven Steps to Success:
1) Make a commitment to grow daily.
2) Value the process more than events.
3) Don’t wait for inspiration.
4) Be willing to sacrifice pleasure for opportunity.
5) Dream big.
6) Plan your priorities.
7) Give up to go up.
― John C. Maxwell

Trust there was something that would have touched someone to initiate a growth plan, or if you already have one, to use it effectively.
I am inviting you to join me weekly as we continue this beautiful Journey called life Beyond The Runway

INSPIRING LIVES THROUGH FASHION
DR. SONIA E. NOEL D.H.L
Fashion Designer
Global Ambassador Unite4:good
John Maxwell Certified Speaker
CEO of Guyana Fashion Week
Founder of Sonia Noel Foundation for Sustainable Development
Founder of Women’s Association for Sustainable Development
Tel: +592-684-8129 / +592-226-6554
Email: soniaenoel@gmail.com