I've told myself many lies over the years:
“I'm OK"
"It doesn't matter"
"It doesn't hurt"
But you know what? I wasn't ok, it did matter, and I did hurt.
From a very young age, I was taught to “be strong” and I should be able to “fix it myself” and if anything needed to be done, no one could do it as well as I could so I might as well do everything! Over the years those lies became so easy to believe. I was good until I wasn’t and I was not only hurt, but wounded, more than I ever imagined.
I was married at 23, separated for most of the marriage, divorced at 29, a single Mom for a few years, married again at 33 and entered Stepmomhood (very ill-equipped might I add), and now have been married to my husband, Jeff, for 16 years. Life has not always been easy–I’ve felt alone, angry, disregarded, taken for granted and so much more....but through it all, there was a small part of me that knew there was a better way.
I began attending church in 2005 here and there. I loved the community and the Word I was hearing was different. I started attending more regularly in 2009 and in 2019 began to question a lot of things. I was so involved in the church, but in some aspects, the church wasn’t meeting my needs. It’s so evident looking back now that God had a different way for me to get to know Him–not through religion, but through a relationship.
Over the last six years, He’s helped me uncover a lot of heartache, disappointment, rejection and abandonment issues. As I spend more time with Him, in His word, I’m learning how to lean on Him for healing, for my wants, needs and desires.
Let me be very clear here: I don’t live every day perfectly, but every day is perfect with God.
Through my surrendering, I realize that all the hurts and baggage of my past were holding me back. Knowing what I know now, I believe that life can be different and better, not because of what I do but because of who He is.
Here are two verses that get me through tough times, or just the daily challenges (big or small):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. This verse helps me accept that situations can be left unresolved, that I don’t and won’t have the answer to everything, but to know in my heart that God does—and I can trust in Him to make it right.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. Many days, especially on rough days, I’ve repeated, “Lord, I may not see it or feel it right now, but I know You are working everything out for my good…”—and it’s truly something to not just say it, but to truly believe it in my heart.
The truth is, we cannot navigate life alone. No matter how strong we think we are, our burdens can be too much to carry. That’s why I've spent the last decade creating a loving space for people to share the good, the bad and the ugly.
When you need someone to talk to, please reach out.
I believe in you,
Teresa
Fun Facts
Favorite pastime: Napping
Self-care: Finding quiet spots in nature and relax with coffee or tea
What I’m proud of: Continuing to seek for answers and solutions, even when I felt there was no hope.
Favorite books: The Bible, The 12 Week Year, Atomic Habits
Personal Core Values: Healthy communication, no matter how hard the conversation is. Total honesty, with compassion and love. Asking questions--there are no dumb questions! Meeting people where they're at. Being a life student--there's always something to learn!
Certifications & Experience
Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, The Grief Recovery Institute
Certified Infant Massage Educator, Infant Massage USA
Certified Professional Organizer, IAP College
Certified Life Coach, International Practitioner’s and Coaches Association
Interviews
I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Oriana Holmes of To Rise Advocacy and Consulting (TRAC), LLC, a dynamic company dedicated to transforming community responses to domestic violence through education, collaboration, and access to resources that promote safety, healing, and long-term resilience.
In this episode we address grief, the ways we avoid, and ways to walk through, no matter how hard it may be.
I had the pleasure to be interviewed by Dali Rivera of Dali Talks, whose mission is to teach parents and educators about bullying so that they can educate their kids to keep them safe.
In this episode we address the different types of grief, my journey to becoming a Grief Recovery Specialist, my coaching strategy, and myths about grief.
In this episode, I was a featured speaker with Infant Massage USA’s Lunch Break Story where I was able to share my life coaching, infant massage educator, and a grief specialist experiences.
In this video, I talk about my journey in connecting with my younger daughter through infant massage after a traumatic birth.
Interview: Conversations with Teresa Phelps ~Memphis Voyager
Blog Contribution: How To Become A Sleep Detective ~Infant Massage USA
Organizing & Decluttering Videos
Contact
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I can’t wait to hear from you!