OUTSPOKEN ∙ CONFIDENT ∙ HONEST ∙ DIRECT ∙ BOLD ∙ CANDID ∙ STRAIGHT-FORWARD
Words we would use to describe a strong and confident woman who knows who she is and what she wants. These are also the words used to describe a woman who is guarded and unwilling to let too many people get close because she refuses to be hurt again!
Meet Trina
When we meet Trina, her personality filled the room. She came across as a woman completely in control of who she was and able to accomplish whatever she desired. Her demeanor was one of confidence yet very guarded. A single mom demanding respect for her accomplishments and those of her kids, she expected nothing but the best.
For a person who demands respect and enjoys control, an impromptu coaching session was not on her list of things to do that day and it showed in her demeanor. The first words to come out of her mouth were “I’m good. I don’t know why I was ‘forced’ into this conversation.” Here’s the video about our first encounter.
With her wall of protection securely in place we dove in and soon the gate opened, and I was allowed to walk in. Hurt and pain had built a secure wall of protection not only around Trina’s heart but around her mind as well. Independence and self-motivation had become her way of life.
After a conversation, she purchased “What You’re Hiding is Hindering Your Blessing”. Her assignment, read the book and call me. She soon began participating in the SisterTalk face-to-face group and committed to a follow-up session. We worked on setting boundaries and self-care.
Today, Trina’s entire outlook on life has changed. She has literally torn down the wall of protection, which she admits was a wall of isolation, and is now, in her words “living her best life”. She learned to stop allowing fear to keep her from pursuing the life she desired. A resent solo vacation helped her to see how strong she really is and how spending time with herself pushed her out of her comfort zone into a place of risk and reward.
Trina recently completely renovated a floor in her home, having never used any power tools in her life. She is currently serving as a co-facilitator for Girl’s SpeakOut-Raleigh, and will be featured at the 4th Annual HELP Conference, stepping completely out of her comfort zone!! Her confidence in herself and her abilities has sky-rocketed. Here’s her words:
“my experience with your coaching has helped me to fine tune the things about me where I had doubts. I’ve always been outspoken but now what “seemed like” confidence and surety – IS. I am no longer faking it until I make it, I am all those things I aspired to be. I have a little more empathy and compassion because I understand better that bad or unfortunate things are not exclusive to me and that my being on the other side of some of those things can be the push that someone else needed. I don’t feel as guarded but I do know how now to set boundaries and apply them. I am fearless and learning what things serve me for the bigger and better purpose versus the things that keep me stagnant and stuck in what’s familiar even when it’s not healthy. Learning that my own validation is sufficient has been an eye opener. Realizing that I’ve already failed if I never try, I step out of my comfort zone and do things that help me grow as person.”
She tore her wall down! And began to live!
