You Matter by Shan Berriman
This is my story
Becoming a Mom
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him" - Psalm 127:3
In 2002 we started our family, welcoming our first precious bundle of pink, our daughter Grace. In 2006, we welcomed our second precious bundle of pink, our daughter Isabelle into our family. What a joy and delight our rays of sunshine are.
I have been blessed and privileged to have been able to stay home with our girls and enjoy every season with them. With much frustration being caused through the educational system, while our girls were in Junior School, we made a decision to homeschool our girls which was a very happy season in our lives. Our girls have both matriculated and are now both studying in Stellenbosch.
Being refined in the Fire
“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction” – Isaiah 48:10
In January 2017 a very hard curved ball was catapulted at our family. Our older daughter Grace was diagnosed with a Stage 2 cancerous tumour in her left lung. She had to undergo major surgery and faced 9 tough days in ICU. Isabelle was only 11 and it was a hard time of fear and the unknown.
We were carried by family, friends and our community that took care of our every need and a prayer army that I would go to war with. It was the hardest season of our lives. To hand our child over to a medical team and to completely trust them, with high-risk surgery was a very daunting reality to face.
I could never have survived this journey without my faith. God brought his A medical team who were living angels every step of the way. I will be completely honest, on the day of Grace’s diagnosis, I had a very firm conversation with God! God walked through the fiercest fire with us, never leaving nor forsaking us.
This year we celebrate 8 years all clear for Grace, she is closely monitored and has regular PET scans under the watchful eye of her incredible oncologist.
I am who I am today because of suffering at such a deep level. I have chosen not to stay there, I was intentional about allowing our story to grow me and to help me serve others.
Becoming a Transformational Life Coach
“Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created” – Esther 4:14
I knew I was born for more and in 2023, when I turned 50, I grabbed life by the horns and decided to step into the best version of myself. This was a physical, spiritual, mental and emotional journey and at the end of 2023 I qualified as a Transformational Life Coach under the 3 Principles Global Community banner. I have walked and will continue to walk a journey of self-discovery in my own life. I cannot put into words what this journey has done in and for my life.
The birthing of You Matter
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. - Jeremiah 29:11
In 2024 I stepped up in faith and opened my very own “You Matter” Transformational Life Coaching practice. It is my hope and prayer that the love that oozes out of my heart, for anyone, especially those in need, can touch the lives of those who need it. I know myself nor my family have not suffered in vein. I was led through the fire to allow me to be able to help others going through their fire. I see the gold in everyone I meet. I know God has a plan and purpose for everyone's life, even if they can’t see it for themselves. I was born for a time such as this, to walk hand in hand with others to walk them home to who they were born to be. I hope that everyone knows there is someone that cares about them and that someone is me. You matter to me, I was born with a servant heart and nothing brings me more joy than helping, inspiring and encouraging another human being to become the best version of themselves.
I am so expectant and excited to see what the future holds as I know the author of my story and I know I have a blank canvas to fill.
We all have this one beautiful, messy life and I want to know I created a life that I would choose to live over and over again and I want the same for you.
Testimonials
“I came out of the session with a clearer image on how to go forward and be able to work through my emotions linked to it. It has given me peace of mind and encouraged me to forgive myself. Shannon led the session brilliantly and she allows you to feel so comfortable in that space with her, encouraging you to open up about how you feel and giving you guidance to find the answers yourself”
“I found my coaching session with Shannon a comfortable, stress free and pleasant time. She was gently firm with her questions, guiding me to seek answers for myself. Allowing me space to process and understand my thoughts and concerns. Her manner was friendly and very encouraging. Never imposing anything on me. I would definitely recommend anyone to have a coaching session with Shannon”
“As my children are starting boarding school, I met with Shannon to help me unpack next steps in my life. From 24/7 full time attorney, to full time mom, where to from here?! Shannon gently helped me unpack my goals, future plans and even a few dreams. I loved that she never steered me in any direction, but gently probed me to use my own thinking to realise where I now wanted to go and what I would like to achieve. ”
“Shannon truly has a gift helping her client to unlock their full potential. I went into my session with her feeling worried about my own skills and therefore how they would impact my future. Shannon helped me to unpack my insecurities, and encouraged self-insight into the truth of what I was and am capable of. I would suggest her to anyone – young or old, who is struggling with their self-confidence, insight or faith in their abilities”
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