~ Anonymous, female, 42 yrs, South Africa.
“Barbara taught me to go to the dictionary (big one), get my head out of the clouds and stop hiding and lying to please people, who really knew what I was doing anyway. Barbara taught me to ask difficult questions and face the truth about people I placed on a pedestal and face the truth about me. Barbara and I were friends on Facebook for a while, but we only really connected when her mom died – I felt drawn to speak to her as this is at the core of my issues. And it has been life changing. It hasn’t always been pleasant but it has been a relief. It has been real. It has been scary. But I sleep at night and risk some of those difficult conversations, which I would only ever contemplate and envy those who did. I am not popular, but I know who I am and what I can do and am willing to do. Do I get it right? Maybe 2 out of 10 times, but I know it and have even managed to develop a sense of humour along the way. The most powerful story Barbara ever shared with me was the story of Noddy, when he was about to build his first house in Toyland, he said to Big Ears that it looked like rain and couldn’t they put the roof on first so that they did not get wet whilst building his house…..I tried all the wonderful things out there like deep meditation, angels and past life regression, all of which I have no issue with, but when you do not know who you are, these things cannot make any meaningful difference and they actually frustrated me, because I wasn’t finding what I needed to find and life became a bigger struggle for me. In my case, I had to do the hard stuff first. And the work continues every day. In my forties, I might just be growing up a bit. Ever grateful to a hugely insightful & courageous coach and friend who has no problem ruffling my feathers with cold hard facts, but always with respect and never in a condescending manner. I have never felt judged or mocked. Deep respect!”