Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Phelps.
Hi Teresa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
When my husband and I decided to have “our” baby in 2015–we are a blended family, with “mine and his”–I thought, “I’m older and wiser…this is going to be fun!” But fun is not how I would describe it now.
After a pretty traumatic c-section (my second c-section), and about nine months of limited sleep, I was struggling to heal. I was challenged in connecting with my newborn daughter, while also caring for my other kids and attempting to handle the day-to-day tasks that I had done so well before. I began to believe that we had made a mistake by having our daughter…but in my heart, I knew that wasn’t true.”
I knew that if I could just get her sleeping better we would all be better (or at least I would be!). We hired a sleep coach and within a couple of weeks, we were all sleeping longer. I began feeling better, realizing that a lot of families have the same struggle and I just wanted to help. Not long after I became certified as a Sleep Consultant and my entrepreneurial journey began.
Over the years I’ve added to my repertoire of tools and ways of helping others: Infant Massage Education, Life Coach, and Advanced Grief Specialist.
Today I continue to learn many new things and apply them to my everyday living. I’ve been married to my husband, Jeff, for 13 mostly happy years, I have great (not perfect) relationships with my children, and I have a business where I help people on their journey of healing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It may sound so cliche when I share how the challenges, obstacles, or rough circumstances have shaped where I am right now…but I don’t want to downplay the struggles, either. The thing is, we all get to choose how we respond to life:
We have a blended family. Anyone in a blended family–or knows one–can attest to the added stress and tension that it brings into each home. We didn’t always do things perfectly, or right, but our older children are now in their 20s and doing very well.
I’ve been married to Jeff for almost 13 years. We each have grown together and apart in different seasons of our lives. We have chosen to do the work it takes to stay together–we know a lot about ourselves and each other and are in the best space we’ve ever been in.
Building a business is not for sissies! Since I began helping families in 2015, I’ve been told “No” many times, have shifted my focus often (think: “Squirrel!”), there’s been heartache, meltdowns, breakdowns, and breakthroughs. You name it, I’ve been there. Today my business looks nothing like I thought it would and I’m very thankful for that.
There are life detours: Like many others, in 2020 and 2021, we had numerous deaths in our family within months of each other. I took the year off in 2021 to settle my Mom’s affairs after her death. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Grief is not just about death and divorce. Did you know that there are over 40 life experiences that may cause grief? Just over the last three years, how many people do you know that had to close their business? Filed bankruptcy? Have health issues? Had a baby? Got married?
Grief is not just about the “sad” events we experience, but can also be about the things we celebrate and the changes in life we face. I just want everyone to know that grief is normal, natural, and beautiful.
I love sharing about grief because others gain insights into what may be keeping them stuck or understanding how the losses in their lives may be affecting them still.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We all have different challenges in life and it’s normal to feel alone. The truth is, you are never alone. If you are going through a trying time, I encourage you to reach out for support. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, you are not weak, or bad for wanting support. If you don’t feel a connection with the people you reach out to, as difficult as it may be, keep looking for support.
You will find the one who was meant to help you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.restorationshoppe.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-phelps/
