Thelma Porter, Maxwell Leadership and Wired to Win DNA certified, is a trusted, highly skilled and experienced Purpose and Vision Coach, Mentor, Speaker and Leadership Trainer, dedicated to helping individuals discover their purpose and excelling in business. She is an educator, who has served in the primary school system in Jamaica, as well as a specialist news reader and broadcaster; but currently, Thelma is a Freelance Entrepreneur and the CEO behind Thelma Porter Global Solutions, the company hosting Mental Fitness 2024 Conference: Your Mind Matters.
This Conference has been an idea for approximately four years and was birthed from a variety of situations. First, an awareness of how COVID 19 adversely affected the mental health of our people globally but specifically Jamaica; and this is evident even today. Outside of COVID, we have seen a rise in the number of individuals seeking treatment for mental illnesses. Then, there were the growing cases of suicide during the pandemic years; 11 cases in June 2020 to 173 by the end of January 2023. Beyond Jamaica’s shores, the USA was thrown into shock and mourning when Cheslie Kryst, the late, former Ms USA died by suicide in 2022. Recently, I came upon a post on my Linkedin page which showed pictures of beautiful smiling faces, with a caption which read, ‘This is what depression looks like.’ All had died by suicide. It broke my heart. However, the “final kick” to have this Conference came when a family member went through a very dark season and I witnessed it. That became the “proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.”
Like the previous three years, I couldn’t let 2024 end without playing my role in creating the awareness, providing the information, helping to dispel the myths and misconceptions about mental fitness/health, getting the help that people with the challenge need; and providing the opportunity for healing. One key fact is that we all have something going on in life; every area of life impacts mental health and wellbeing. To use a popular and current phrase, “Life is lifing.” There is a very thin line between mental fitness and mental fitness challenges. Your life can shift at the “snap of your fingers.” We need to be aware of the causes of the “shifts” and to be armed with the tools and strategies to get back on track. I became very passionate and determined to “make the move”, because, being a woman of God, I believe when you move, God moves, in response to your faith.
So here I am making this bold move hosting my first face-to-face Conference. It’s been demanding, taxing, testing and stretching; but it has been equally inspiring, motivating and humbling when I see how God has warmed the hearts of the speakers toward me, because they see my heart; and willingly bought into the vision. Our speakers have the armoury for your knowledge and transformation. They have been asked and are prepared to be “real”. Expect some very vulnerable moments as some of these speakers are going through their “lived experience;” and so, very qualified to help you.
I thank everyone who is serving, whether on my Team or otherwise. Your effort is being noted and appreciated. For you who plan to be there, thank you. You’re doing two things; you’re preparing to equip yourself to benefit you; but also to help others who will be in need.
We guarantee that your life will not be the same after ‘Mental Fitness Conference 2024: Your Mind Matters.’
Tell everyone you know and join the movement to heal the minds of our people.
