~ Kgomotso Masongoa, 36, Business Owner, South Africa
“Shoo… I must say it’s challenging to remember day 1 that I met you Barbs…where do I start…It was a Woman’s retreat weekend several years ago and I was away with my girlfriends, away in the bundus. (South African bush) We were sitting around a fire and chatting about why we were there. “All men are dogs!!” that’s what I screamed out. “I don’t need them and I will have a fabulous life without them”. Later on I had a chat with Barbara, a very interesting conversation we had…AND I HATED IT!!! A few weeks later I had a coaching session with Barbara and during the session she said more things that I hated…. The more sessions we had, the worse it got! But I still went. My mother was a role model and I believed she could do no wrong. I am Christian and went to the Church I was brought up in, and there was no wrong with my practices. I dated men that always took advantage of me without realising it – I felt they loved me. So no wrong they were doing. What I “hated” about what Barbara always told me was that she said “THE TRUTH”! That’s what I LOVE about her. She’ll say it in your face with a straight face. Take it or don’t take it. But you know it’s true!! My mom not standing up for herself and allowing to be made a door mat – VERY WRONG!! NOT IDEALISTIC!! Extreme restrictions, treatments, behaviours, rules etc. at Church – THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH ME BEING ME!!! DO WHAT I LOVE DOING. BE FREE. GOD LOVES ME AS I AM!! Love from a man vs been controlled by a man very different – NOW I KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Over the years I have grown to be Free Spirited, Very happy and beautiful on the inside and outside – by just realising the true me!!I am a stronger, independent and powerful individual by just being me. Barbara has walked this path with me. If it was not for her, I probably will be more depressed and very ill. Barbara is truly a blessing to me and those who will take a moment with her. I look forward to my next conversation with her.”