Why Your Story Matters More Than Your Struggle

It felt like a scene in a movie—that I had to save everyone, but they kept coming. As soon as I would take care of one, another one hit me. It felt like it would never end.

Let me just say how grateful I am to be here today. Literally here!

I want to start with something simple, yet powerful:

Your story matters.

Not just the pretty parts. Not just the victories, the polished photos, or the social media-worthy moments. But all of it — the tears, the detours, the breakdowns, the chapters you never thought you’d share.

If you’ve ever felt like your imperfections disqualified you from having a purpose…Let me be the one to lovingly tell you: they’re the very reason you do.

Let’s Drop the Myth of Perfection

We live in a world that tells us we have to have it all together before we can step into our calling. That we need a degree, a platform, the perfect background, or a spotless past to be taken seriously.

But let me ask you this — when have you ever truly connected with someone who was “perfect”?

You connect with the woman who’s been where you are. You listen to the one who made it through. You trust the one who’s honest about the pain but still standing.

That’s where purpose lives. Not in perfection — but in authenticity.

My Story Wasn’t Pretty — But It Was Powerful

I know people thought why is she sharing all of this she's falling apart? And I was. I faced one life-altering storm after another: My mother collapsed and I spent eight months helping her walk again. My husband lost both his parents within months. Then I nearly died from a infections. Just weeks later, my husband had a heart attack. And then — we got the words no one wants to hear: Stage 4. Incurable. Cancer.

Let me tell you, there was no “perfection” in our home at that time. There were tears. Fears. Faith. And a fire in my soul that refused to give up.

We changed our entire lifestyle. We prayed. We studied. We cleaned out our pantry and our mindset. And today — my husband is in remission. The "incurable" is gone.

Was it easy? No. Was I perfect through it? Absolutely not. At first I was sad, angry, and didn't even know what emotions I was dealing with. Yet I was hopeful and determined there were better options, better answers and better ways of coping. I tend to go silent when going through stuff. Mostly because I feel like people don't want to hear the bad. But the purpose that came from it? That’s what I’m standing on today.

I Learned My Story Is Someone’s Survival Guide There is someone out there right now going through what you’ve already overcome. They don’t need a flawless example — they need a real one.

Others need to know things get messy, ugly, and hard. I remember calling Christy from Chick filet and I was crying so hard I know she didn't know what I was saying but, she kept saying Gods got this she prayed with me and just like that the tears started to stop. It was her grace to calm me as she was facing the same thing. They need to see how you got up again. How you started over. How you stopped pretending and started living.

You are not behind. You are not too broken. You are not too late.

You are equipped, through your story, to bring healing, hope, and change — not just for yourself, but for others. And when I was told that everything changed. God had a purpose for me through this turmoil. Through my horrible mess. Through everything I have been through. But he also showed me how to get the answers I needed. How to research what I needed. I was starting from ground zero. But my purpose was clear help my family survive! And now we are coming through it I want you to survive.

How to Shift From Perfection to Purpose

Here’s how we begin that shift: This was the sentence that changed it for me. You are equipped, through your story, to bring healing, hope, and change — not just for yourself, but for others. I leaned on my friend Christy who was literally going through the same things with her mom and her husband and her own health battles, she also had survived two terrible car accidents through her time. She is using her grace to help others through Cross Together Fellowship a growing ministry in Clarksville TN. She has turned her mess into her message too. And I am so proud of her. You can do it too.

Here are the Keys to getting through

• Be honest with yourself about your journey. Don’t hide it — honor it.

• Share your truth, even if your voice shakes. The right people will lean in.

• Let go of comparison. Your timeline is your own, and it’s unfolding exactly as it should.

• Trust that your mess can become your message — but only if you stop waiting to be “ready.”

Better Days Begin With Real Stories

At Better Days With Teri, is about the mess. We teach change. We teach healing through food, mindset, and faith — all rooted in real life. And let me tell you, your real life is more than enough.

So, if you’ve been waiting for permission to show up exactly as you are…This is it.

Step into your purpose — not when everything’s perfect, but because of everything you’ve walked through.

Your story is your superpower. And your better days? They start today.

Do you need help learning how to shift your mindset? I am the friend for you. I am the friend that will help you find a way out. Email us if you would like a mindset shift workshop, class or course.

info@betterdayswithteri.com