The Stories I'll Tell

There are certain circumstances and situations in life that we cannot control, but there are others that do fall under our jurisdiction. We can decide with whom we spend our precious time, how we spend our money, and how many lives we choose to bless. We can choose our tone of voice towards others and whether we turn bitter trials into obstacles or opportunities. We can choose not to be paralyzed by the actions of others, but to walk away and tightly close the door behind us.

Life is filled with various chapters, each bringing its own challenges and lessons. Just remember that difficult moments are temporary and do not define the entirety of your journey. Focus on growth and the potential for new beginnings. Doing so can make a significant difference in how you approach life's ups and downs. Keep turning the pages; there are still many more stories to unfold!

I became a master storyteller, a storytelling coach, and established a storytelling society to unite both aspiring and experienced storytellers. My desire is to empower others to find their voice, recognize the healing potential within their narratives, and share their wisdom with others.

We all share expertise in other areas; however, with our lives, our own stories, we are experts exclusively. NO ONE can tell OUR story more effectively. How amazing is that? With storytelling comes the realization that our words can have positive influence on others and even be life-changing at times.

The value of storytelling wasn't always fully recognized, but thankfully, many now understand its power and embrace it. Are you ready to be a part of this storytelling journey with us?

"A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down."...Arnold H. Glasow

This quote came up in my memories. To me, it is so profound. A true friend is someone who supports you, uplifts you, and stands by you, especially during challenging times. They won't hinder your progress or success; instead, they'll be there to catch you if you stumble and help you rise again.

Real friendship is about mutual respect and understanding. It’s about celebrating each other's victories and providing comfort during struggles. True friends inspire you to be your best selves and offer a safe space for vulnerability.

Cherish those who walk alongside you on your journey, always ready to lend a hand when you need it most. Don't settle for one-sided friendship just for the sake of having it. Keep those around who are reciprocal and nourishing. 💖✨

Each challenge you face serves as a reflection of your inner strength. You have within you the ability to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth, when you choose to embrace the lessons. When the weight of the world feels overwhelming, remind yourself that your spirit is more powerful than any fleeting struggle. Do not allow fear to control your journey. Do not accept that defeat defines you. Instead, let your heart lead the way, your resilience steer you forward, and your determination light your path.

It took me quite some time to embrace this mindset and learn to leverage setbacks for my benefit. There was a time when I focused solely on my moments of despair, overlooking the potential lessons they offered. Then I recalled my true identity and the positive things God has said about me. It was then that my belief in myself began to soar.

Positive self-talk and affirmations became my way of expressing self-love. Journaling allowed me to process my thoughts, and my faith became my source of strength. It was all so life-changing that I began coaching, mentoring, and writing books and journals to share these concepts with others.

Whatever challenges you face in life can be overcome. You just need to believe in your own abilities and keep pushing forward until you emerge from difficult times!

Some time ago, I came to a profound realization that my life and journey are entirely within my control. The choices I make and the mindset I cultivate play a pivotal role in shaping my future. While I still have difficult days and face challenges, I now understand that how I respond to these adversities are what ultimately define my character.

Every struggle I face is a test that not only reveals my inner strength but also highlights my core values. The challenges remind me that I have the power to direct my life. While obstacles can feel overwhelming, I understand that my attitude and reactions can either help or hinder my progress. This realization gives me the resilience and optimism to face challenges head-on, knowing that I shape my own destiny through my choices.

I’ve learned that darkness and rain are part of the journey as well, but they don't last always.
Of course, it won't always be pretty. I will stumble and fall, inevitably, but I will always recompose myself, get back up, and journey forward.

I now know who and Whose I am, but what a journey of getting to this point has been. Oh, the stories I do and will tell. No matter how I falter or find myself sulking, I will always find the power in my voice to share a testimony.

No matter what challenges or obstacles life throws my way, my joy will remain firmly in my grasp. My happiness is something that belongs to me, and I will cherish and nurture it. To do do means embracing each moment fully, finding joy in the little things, and remaining present in the good and not-so-good experiences.

I strive to maintain a mindset of gratitude and recognize the value in every single day I’m alive. Each day is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty around me, to celebrate the connections I have with others, and to find meaning in my journey. By focusing on happiness and gratitude, I can create a fulfilling life, no matter the circumstances.

Teresa L. Holmes

Sometimes, the hardest moments lead to the brightest changes. I have endured several heartbreaks in my life where I felt lost and alone. However, each day, I learned to love myself a little more. 🌱 I learned to find joy in small things like my hot dark chocolate in the morning 🫕, watching the sun rise 🌅, journaling✍️🏾, reading a new book weekly 📚, and time spent with my grands ❤️. It’s okay to feel sad, but remember, new beginnings are waiting for you. Have you experienced a similar journey? What changes did you make, if any? Please share your story below! 👇

I choose to remain grateful, no matter what life throws my way because I know that God is a way maker. Time and time again, He has turned my situation around and placed my feet firmly on solid ground.

It's not that I don't occasionally worry more than necessary, nor have I fully reached the point of completely surrendering my troubles to God without attempting to take them back. However, when I finally let go, He is always willing to take them. He desires for me to rely on Him, to call on His name in troubling times, and to lay down my burdens so He can carry them for me.

I am so grateful to have a God who is full of grace and mercy; who will come to the rescue of His sons and daughters even when they don't deserve it.

The lyrics to a gospel song I love says,

"God has not promised me sunshine
That's not the way it's going to be
But a little rain (a little rain)
Mixed with God's sunshine
A little pain (a little pain)
Makes me appreciate the good times.
"Be grateful."

That pretty much sums it up for me.

People see the achievements, titles, published books, and platforms I’ve built, but they don’t truly understand the journey that brought me to this point.

I have been down in some gutters, muke and mire covered, but by God's grace and mercy I emerged a person that knows who and Whose she is.

No longer feeling ashamed, I give God the glory and have exchanged the fancy clothes that once concealed my struggles for a garment of truth and transparency. I pray that my testimony and authenticity will inspire someone else to rise and find a better path.

We were all meant to serve as examples for others by sharing both our victories and our challenges. My life's purpose is to help as many people as I can achieve that.

Our purpose is not ours to withhold or allow to lay dormant and pretend that God did not plant it within.

When I refer to purpose, I’m not just talking about your 9-to-5 job or the hours you dedicate to your business or career. For me, my career has played a significant role in bringing me to this point.

Your journey might be similar to mine, or it could be entirely different. Regardless of how you find it, your purpose is important and can help others fulfill theirs. Don’t be someone who lets their purpose go unfulfilled. There’s someone out there waiting for you to embrace your calling so they can pursue theirs!

📷 Photos captured by Shirley Williams during a book signing and speech at the Department of Labor, where we both shared our stories and motivated the participants to strive for to be their best selves despite their challenges.

If you’ve ever shared your life experiences openly and talked about overcoming your challenges, you have probably faced harsh judgment for it. I hope that didn’t discourage, however. Don’t let someone else’s inability to embrace the true healing and transformative nature of your story hold you back from fulfilling your intended purpose.

Our stories are meant for sharing,
in our personal lives and business. The power within them is not dependent upon someone else's approval or what they think is appropriate. All you need is a made up mind to share it and all else will follow, if YOU allow it.

With your story you can influence, teach and inspire. Yes, your story has that kind of power. Don't you allow anyone else to convince you otherwise.

When they are serious about you, they will make you a priority, not a convenience. I came across this in a post by Stephen Speaks quite a while back, and it has since stuck with me.

In his post he was referencing the relationship between a man and women, however, this can be the case in other types also, including family, friends, career, and business.

I’ve experienced quite a number of unbalanced relationships throughout my journey. When I didn’t value myself, I accepted this dynamic. I held on to people and considered whatever they offered as enough. However, once I made the choice to prioritize myself and stop undervaluing my worth, my tolerance for those external relationships shifted as well.

For countless individuals, the fear of being single, friendless, or marginalized in their careers can distort their priorities regarding whether to stay or leave. I completely understand this feeling. I used to be willing to take a back seat in my life “when needed,” but now I’m firmly in the driver’s seat in every aspect.

Are you in control of your own life, or are you letting someone else take the wheel and dictate your direction? Don’t give anyone that kind of power. Your journey is yours to steer. You decide the path you take. It’s your responsibility to reach the destination you want!