What my clients say?
Personal Growth with a Life Coach
Kind Words Shared by Matthew
Introduction
In 2014, in the throws of a life that seemed to be falling apart, I had the great fortune of meeting Teena Douglas, who would become not just a customer but also a true friend. Little did I know at the
time that Teena would have a profound impact on my life, guiding me towards self-discovery, unlearning old patterns, and helping me find my way through the darkest moments of my life. This testimony is a reflection of my journey, the transformative power of life coaching, and the unwavering support I received from Teena for almost a decade.
A New Beginning
When I met Teena, I was at a point in my life where everything seemed to be crumbling around me. My negative approach to life was only exacerbating the situation, pushing me further into despair. Initially as a friend, Teena effortlessly created an environment of trust, enabling me to open up and share my deepest struggles. There was an undeniable connection between us, and with Teena
embarking on her own life coaching journey, I became one of her first clients.
Discovering Myself
Teena posed a challenging “Who am I” It was a question that demanded introspection and self-reflection. Looking back, I realized it was equally important to consider who I had been, who I had become, and who I aspired to be. Teena firmly believes that we are all unique stories with immense potential, capable of shaping our own destinies. However, she also acknowledges the influence of external factors, and I will touch upon this later.
Navigating Dark Times
Early in 2014, a series of traumatic events unfolded, shaking the very foundation of my existence. Domestic violence, akin to scenes from an 18-rated movie, followed by my ex-wife attempted suicide, left me shattered. As a single father, I faced the challenges of a demanding job while losing custody of my son during the divorce. In a pivotal moment, I chose to quit my job and dedicate myself to helping my son mother through her recovery. My life revolved entirely around my son and his mother, and it took a toll on me both mentally and financially.
During this time, I embarked on a freelance writing career and wrote my first children’s book. Amidst the chaos, I realized the need for a coach—if you are in chaos this is a reason to reach out. Teena
listened to me, witnessed and understood the fragments of my broken life and, over cups of tea at a luxury hotel with a breathtaking ocean view, she proposed something that would alter my life
forever. I was fully aware that it wouldn’t be an easy journey, requiring tremendous effort and absolute honesty—to both Teena and myself. With my back against the wall, I recognized Teena’s ability to help me and simultaneously assist her in her own coaching journey. Thus, I eagerly
accepted her proposal.
A Journey Of Self-Discovery
Teena and I established a plan, committing to weekly meetings at the luxury hotel. I received various
tasks, some seemingly trivial and others deeply challenging. Teena’s process aimed to reveal both the negative and positive aspects within me, whether I was ready to confront them or not.
Initially, the process was painful, as I had been suppressing a great deal of emotional anguish. Box after box of tissues was emptied as I surrendered to Teena’s guidance. Her exceptional coaching skills and compassionate empathy allowed me to break down, release my pain, and embrace the
vulnerable, authentic version of myself. After weeks of introspection, raw conversations, and answering difficult questions, two significant changes occurred. Firstly, the soil of my life was
prepared, removing the rocks and weeds, leaving behind fertile ground. Secondly, I was ready to be planted, like a seed yearning to grow.
Embracing The Darkness
Similar to plants with their roots buried in the darkness, our growth requires a period of introspection and self-reflection. Teena guided me through this dark phase, providing unwavering support during the most challenging moments. Letting go and opening up became easier under her
tutelage, as she taught me how to develop the roots necessary for growth.
Throughout the coaching process, I was constantly reminded of my inherent potential. Even as I write this testimony while battling Long-COVID, a condition that poses challenges in even the most
basic tasks, Teena’s calming and understanding support has carried me through. Her coaching is not a one-time fix; it is an ongoing process that demands constant focus on growth, even during
moments of decline. With Teena, I have a living, breathing conscience—always just a call or message away.
Blossoming into a Sapling
After delving into the depths of my being and confronting my fears and insecurities, it was time to rise. Utilizing a proven methodology and Teena’s innate abilities, she guided me towards a positive
transformation. Armed with a wealth of self-knowledge, I began to change. It wasn’t long before I experienced the awakening of my dormant self. Within a few months, I accomplished significant
milestones: publishing my first children’s book, Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure, and making crucial life changes, such as letting go of a flat I couldn’t afford. For six months, I even
embraced the discomfort of sleeping on someone’s couch and effectively becoming homeless, knowing it was necessary for my personal growth.
The Power Of Faith
The coaching journey with Teena transcended conventional methodologies. At the core of her coaching philosophy lies a deep understanding of the Christian faith. Teena adeptly combines verses
such as Psalm 139:14, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well,” with Matthew 19:26, “With God, all things are possible.” This harmonious blend of
faith and coaching allowed all the pieces of my life’s puzzle to fall into place. With profound faith and recognizing Teena as a conduit and an angel, I witnessed the true power of coaching with Teena Douglas.
Navigating Life's Seasons
Coaching with Teena has equipped me to weather life’s storms, provide support to others, and navigate the various seasons of life. Like a steadfast oak tree, I can remain grounded, unwavering in
my identity and potential. Since embarking on this coaching journey, I have faced more challenges
than many people would believe. My coaching sessions began amidst the storms of Cape Town, walking for hours to reach them when I couldn’t afford transportation. Despite these obstacles, I
recognized the significance of Teena’s work in shaping my life.
Though I have endured countless hardships and faced moments of despair, my faith in Jesus Christ and the guidance of Teena have been my constant pillars of strength. I have experienced success
followed by setbacks, yet I have persevered. As Romans 8:37 states, “No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Embracing The Journey
Teena teaches that, as humans, we possess incredible potential. With the right mindset, we can transcend ordinary limitations and tap into our extraordinary capacities. Today, as I grapple with the
challenges of Long-COVID, Teena continues to walk by my side, providing support and imparting invaluable life lessons. She has the extraordinary ability to transform acorns into thriving oak trees. I am a testament to her unwavering dedication, and without her, I would have remained mere sawdust, swept away by the winds of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey with Teena Douglas has been nothing short of life-changing. Through her coaching, I have experienced personal growth, resilience, and an unwavering faith in my own
potential. Teena’s ability to create a safe and nurturing space allowed me to confront my pain, embrace vulnerability, and discover the true essence of who I am. With her guidance, I have weathered storms, experienced personal triumphs, and navigated the seasons of life with grace and strength.
I am eternally grateful for Teena’s profound impact on my life. Her unique blend of coaching methodologies and deep understanding of faith has been instrumental in my transformation.
Teena’s coaching is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery. She continues to be a source of support, reminding me of my potential and guiding me through life’s
challenges.
In conclusion, the journey from a fallen acorn to a thriving oak tree has been made possible through the exceptional coaching of Teena Douglas. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and profound
insights have forever changed my life. I stand today as a testament to the transformative power of life coaching, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story of growth and resilience.