Toby Bouchey, 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient

The annual Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference typically takes place in January, but has been postponed to later in the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked past ATHENA Award recipients for their favorite inspirational quotes, podcasts, books, and more to help motivate you through 2021.

Words of Wisdom

Growing up I remember my dad saying something over and over again throughout my years. When asked a question or to relate an incident, he always said, “Your word is your honor.” It’s stuck with me all these years. Still applies to today’s environment… in fact, even more so.

When I was an Honored Queen with the Jobs Daughters organization, we had a mantra, “Patience, Faith, and Reward.” It related to the Book of Job, in the Bible. I still apply it to things I do and say.

There are so many quotes and words of wisdom out there… particularly on Facebook and social media in general. While these are appreciated and apply to certain situations, I find that it’s the “tried and true” words of wisdom that have followed me throughout my life that rise to the top.   

​Book Recommendations
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I love fiction. I love where it takes me, so these are all fiction recommendations:

Note: These are Amazon Affiliate links - purchasing these items through these links supports the Regional Chamber

​Podcast Recommendation
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Brene Brown’s On My Mind podcast, “On Words, Actions, Dehumanization and Accountability.”

​Tips on Keeping Motivated in 2021

• Make your bed when you get up in the morning
• Have some quiet time to plan your day, prioritize your thoughts, reaffirm your love of self
• Be current in news, but not excessively dedicated to it
• Read good books, taking chances on those you’ve never heard of, but may fall in love with
• Watch a “feel good” movie, one that takes you places and helps you imagine
• Listen to others, but always be true to yourself
• Walk, bike, climb, hike…whatever it takes to get some exercise and fresh air
• Love those you hold dear and tell them about your love for them
• Cook good food and enjoy good wine!

Other Tips

Working hard has come easy for me, along with a dedicated work ethic: Always on time, Prepared, Articulate, and Wise. Those are the elements I worked toward throughout my career. Reaching the mountain top was always my goal. To be the best of what I could be, consistently.

Having reached the top of my mountain I sought to climb, it’s the backside of the mountain that culminates the rewards that have been sewn. I love my life. I’m breathing in every smell, seeing every flower, and watching clouds glide against a blue sky. It feels like all I’ve accomplished has presented to me a gift of awareness I never knew existed. I don’t have to go far to realize what I have in hand.

Another impression and realization about being on the backside of my mountain is the love I have for my spouse. It occurs to me now, more than ever, all the support, love and commitment he’s bestowed to me over my ever-so-aggressive career path and years of community support, are recognized and appreciated. It’s his time to be cherished and loved by me in a way I’ve never provided before. I do it willingly and lovingly with all my heart.

So, my message to other women who are reaching for the top of their mountain, is to love every moment of the climb and remember the backside of the mountain can be just as rewarding and valued.   

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Toby Bouchey is the former owner of Windermere Group One. She is now retired.