I TOOK my phone out of my bag 30 seconds after sitting on my Delta flight and decided to write this column. I smiled as I recalled the conversation I had just a few minutes ago with Nath who was one of the pilots. We both were wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness and began talking about intentional living. He was sharing with me that he wanted to be a pilot since he was five years old. He would dream of `himself flying and constantly discussed his dreams with friends and relatives. We exchange stories about our passion and career and he said in the end “It seems we both love what we do.” I absolutely do no matter what and I am thankful.

I believe in giving thanks and showing appreciation. I would like to extend sincere gratitude to all the persons who support me and read my column. I did my annual medical check-up last week and while the guy was taking the blood out of my vein, he was telling me how much this column has motivated him and he shared some of his dreams with me. I received a call from my friend, Negla Brandis, a few days ago. She said, “Congrats on a fantastic article last week. I admire the way you make things happen and you keep going to greater heights. You are an inspiration to many and may God continue to bless you.” These words meant more than she knows. She is a friend who I have admired and respected for years. This column has had some meaningful content that resonates with many people from all walks of life. Recently I ran into former chief of staff, Mark Phillips, and he was commending me on my contribution to humanity and this column. He said he ensures he reads three columns every week, and Beyond the Runway is one because he finds it inspiring. Minister Raphael Trotman also expressed to me that he looks forward to this weekly column. Attorney Ayana Mc Calman said it is a must-read for her. I attended the Brazilian Independence celebration and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo started his conversation with me about Beyond the Runway.

From people in public office to the person sitting behind me on the Caribbean Airlines flight, they all seemed to be intrigued by the content in this column. While having dinner one night at a backyard barbeque, Mark Jacobs came across to my table to express the same sentiments. When I started this column 22 months ago, the main objective was to encourage people to give the best version of themselves and never give up.

I have a feeling we are achieving just that and I will share a testimony with you that really convinced me that these type of articles are necessary. Vena Morgan was in one of my Confidence becomes you classes and she said to me, “Ms. Noel you may not know this but you are a great inspiration to me and many. Last year in the Beyond the Runway Column was an article that gave me so much courage and increased my faith. The heading was ‘It is possible.’ You wrote about some of the challenges on your journey and how you overcame them. What resonated with me was your trip to Atlanta for the Lisa Nichols conference. You knew your ‘why’ but not your ‘how’ but eventually you made it possible because of your faith and determination. I was planning an overseas trip with the church and had to raise US$3,000 to make it a reality. I cut the article out and read it every day… I told God ‘If you can do it for Ms. Noel you can do it for me’ and I prayed more. I raised the money and had a great trip. I took the article on that trip and I still have it.” I looked at Vena from across the table and said, “To God be the glory for the great things he has done.”

One of my favourite songs is He made a way by Travis Green and I believe it to my core that he does. Even if it was only Vena’s results this was worth starting. One of the reasons I published Compilation Beyond the Runway is to reach persons beyond Guyana with the stories. Over 30 stories that were published in the Pepperpot is in that book on Amazon with my three other books, so now the world has access. Every day I download positive things into my system because I need to serve from my overflow. I am challenging you to intentionally make a difference in one person’s life. It is an awesome feeling to know something you did or said added to someone ‘s life
One of the reasons I am immensely enjoying the Confidence becomes You and Developing the best You classes is because I am experiencing transformation before my eyes. People are finding themselves and loving themselves in the process. Remember if you don’t know you, you can’t grow you. I will also like to extend gratitude to the Chronicle Newspapers for this opportunity and Jasmaine, the Pepperpot Editor, for her patience when I have late submissions. Join us on 96.1 Voice FM every Sunday at 15:00hrs to 16:00hrs for Living With Intention.

I can assure you that you will take away something that will benefit you. Remember to join our private FB group Living with Intention Ambassador as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life Beyond the Runway.