VBD Magazine
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VBD: What was the hardest part about writing the story? Dr. TAS: Because Transformation is not a novel and is non-fiction, it was hard to identify the 10 crucial foundational transformational steps. The next difficulty I faced was determining how to convey the life messages from a coaching stance instead of a directive to model honoring the reader's self-development process.
r. Teresa A. Smith (Dr. TAS) is an author, coach, prophetess, speaker, talk show host, and radio contributor. Her first book, Stronger: How Overcoming Life's Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose, was listed number two on the list of 20 books Oprah should read in 2019. As an incest and trauma overcomer, she lives life with the mantra, "I own who I am." This mindset motivates her to appreciate and accept life circumstances in her quest to reach her fullest potential and help others achieve theirs. VBD Magazine had an opportunity to speak with Dr. TAS about Transformation, her amazing book. “Transformation is a guide to assisting others in developing an unapologetically spiritual life for themselves and in service to God,” says Dr. TAS. In our interview, the trailblazer discussed the inspiration behind her latest release, what she hopes readers will take away, and something readers would be surprised to know about her. VBD: What inspires you to write? Dr. TAS: As a child, I was a voracious reader and observer of people, and I wanted to write about the connection between self-esteem and goal attainment. This grew into a desire to help people understand the spiritual and life lessons born from pain. I write self-help books that may sample "real life" to help the reader connect to the message. I have written four books, Stronger: How Overcoming Life's Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose, Back in the Day Anthology, From Bravery To Victory, and Transformation. I write to help people understand that they have a significant role in this world and be open to self-development, shifting their perspective, and appreciating the here and right now moments. My writing reflects who I am and how I live my life. You will always find references to God, real-life spirituality, and honesty. VBD: What inspired your latest book? Dr. TAS: After reading my first book Stronger: How Overcoming Life's Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose, my readers wanted to know how a person be-
MY WRITING REFLECTS WHO I AM AND HOW I LIVE MY LIFE. YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND REFERENCES TO GOD, REAL-LIFE SPIRITUALITY, AND HONESTY. comes stronger. For me, the transformation process was intuitive. But to answer their question, I journaled daily about how I managed my experiences. My journal entries were the inspiration for my new book Transformation. Transformation provides ten thought-provoking messages to guide the reader in their process of becoming stronger. VBD: What did you learn from writing this book? Dr. TAS: Transformation is ongoing, and I have to remain open to discovering how my individuality, environment, relationships, and legacy events influence my perspective. And that it is normal for my viewpoint to shift because I'm in a constant learning, reflective, transformative mindset. Also, it is unrealistic and unfair to expect my loved ones and friends to immediately grasp the significance of my transformation when I am still growing. Change is challenging and it's more challenging for those closest to me because they have to adapt to who I am becoming. Patience with myself and others has become critical to my transformative journey.
VBD: What would be the Scripture verse that fits this story and why? Dr. TAS: St. Matthew 6:34 provides knowledge and hope in living life. The Scripture reads, "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." (MSG) Each of us has experiences that propel us either forward or backward. When we fixate on the event and what may happen next, we fail to see the opportunities in front of us. When we appreciate that God is a transformer, we realize that unpredictable life events are part of our evolution. VBD: What message do you hope readers will take away after reading this book? Dr. TAS: To own their future because it is personal, and they do not owe anyone an explanation about their path to self-discovery. Don't become discouraged, for the route will be hard and full of emotional highs and lows. Keep going, keep putting the work in, and they will discover their response to life's experiences has transformed.
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