LAST year this time, I was busy with the month-long programme for my memorable 50th Birthday. The great thing is that it was not only memorable for me, but also for the many lives that were impacted, especially the young entrepreneurs. This August is very quiet, with lots of reflection.  We celebrated the second year for the Virtual Writers’ Retreat with another retreat from August 19-21. This virtual retreat has enabled many people to write and read multiple books. Remember, every life has a story. When I read the stories and testimonials on our private FB page, it motivates me to know transformation is happening through these programmes, and I thank God for the guidance. I know these testimonials will inspire someone, and I’ve decided to share a few of them.

Victory hails from Nigeria, and is studying medicine here in Guyana. We both attend the Love and Faith Outreach Ministry, and she shared her experience.
“This Confidence Becomes You programme was way beyond my expectations. I would say my ‘aha’ moment swept in from the first virtual meeting I attended. I didn’t really know what to expect; I just wanted to see how it goes. I can say the exercise at the end of the meeting left me gobsmacked.

“Ms. Sonia asked us to close our eyes for a few minutes and visualise our future. One might say, ‘Eh! Was that it?’ Yes, that was it! Your heart has to be fully willing and open to welcome something different for a breakthrough to take place. And just like that, a blazing fire that started something indescribable was ignited in my mind. From that point, a journey of learning, relearning, unpacking and practising began. “I am a more disciplined and intentional person; I am becoming more deliberate about the things I do.

My fellow participants have been part of this amazing growth. Although I haven’t personally met them yet, my spirit connected to a few of them. I got to know a bit about them through the posts on the Facebook page. I am grateful for everything I learnt from them.

“Thank you so much Ms. Sonia for this beautiful experience. I love how you connected with everyone on different levels, and how invested you are in seeing us grow. There were some modules you shared that stood out for me and connected me to exceptional people that I hadn’t heard of. A 10/10 score is certainly an understatement. I am not just saying that because I’ve got lips. You are impacting lives way more than you know. I am grateful.
“As I proceed out there with all the invaluable nuggets I’ve garnered, I move with more confidence and certainty that I will build businesses, connect with people in business, grow in my medical career, and impact the lives of many across the world.” –Victory Abakasanga

“A few weeks back, I took up the challenge to try this programme with Miss Sonia Noel. I must say it was not a regret at all the first day I got my pen and new book and started to write. At the time, I had so much to write, because everything just kept coming to my mind, but the ones that caught me were:
WHO AM I?
WHERE AM I FROM?
WHY AM I HERE?
WHAT CAN I DO?
WHERE AM I GOING?

“These are the questions I had to ask myself. It was hard at first, because of my confidence. I am always a quiet person, don’t talk too much, and don’t have friends, other than my family. Being in this programme I am a different person now. I know my purpose. I know the vision I have! I have goals and interact more with meaningful people who have motivated me and helped me along this journey for the last few weeks. Thanks to Miss Sonia Noel, our coach, who did an amazing job.

“I had some weaknesses; I am not 100 per cent, but, looking back then to now, I am doing great. Toxic people, I don’t need! There was a point in my life when I was drained and not focusing on my life because of negative things that people said and did to me. I was falling to pieces, honestly, but I kept my cool, forgave and moved on after applying the things I learnt on this programme. I believe in myself now; I love myself more. My heart is just filled with so much love, and I glow now with confidence, which is my cup of tea now, too, because I believe in myself!”– Sophia Augustin

Kavita Persaud had me laughing with her FB post. She gave a little background, and then wrote:

“Let me reintroduce myself. A couple of weeks back, I joined the programme, Confidence Becomes You, and my coach was none other than Miss Sonia Noel (God bless you; you are a 10 out of 10 girl).
“I started to experience authentic freedom and inner peace, and I learned to win from the inside. I know many of us are fighting silent battles, but confidence makes us gain so much and rediscover ourselves.
I know my worth; my value. I know how and when to speak, and, most importantly, the meaning of life. My transformation is amazing! I love myself every day. We all know a new beginning requires a new mindset, and growth can’t be heard.

“As I started to heal, I chose peace and happiness.  I focus on myself, my goals and reuniting with my children. I know my strength, and I know what I am capable of. I aim for the moon, and if I fall, I fall among the stars. I learnt how to control my emotions, and learnt to react less. I have become a person who is eager for growth and learning.  I was a very antisocial person, and confidence makes you so open and outspoken. To my close friends, I encourage you to invest in yourself. You are important. Know your value, and never settle for less. You are worth it.
If I can discover my values and build my vision and prioritise my happiness, you can do it too.” — Kavita Persaud

Many think the programme is only for women, but we have had guys joining us. Joshua Aaron is one, and this is what he shared:

“Completing the Confidence Becomes You programme has been one of my greatest tests in self-development and triumph of my youth. For a long time I have been struggling with overcoming my fears, doubts, and bad habits. This programme has stripped me naked, and clothed me in new garments of confidence, love and self-worth that will allow me to go forth and be the best version of who I AM. CONFIDENCE BECOMES ME, and the world will see and feel it.” — Joshua Aaron

You may be reading these stories and thinking that can only happen to certain people, but that is possible for anyone who is intentional to elevate their lives. You may even be thinking that time will not permit you. These programmes adjust to your time. You may not need the programme, but know someone who does, and this will be a gift that will last a lifetime.
We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. If you think the writers’ retreat, or the personal development programme is something you want to try but are not sure about, let’s have a chat (WhatsApp 5926848129) as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.