“You are not your story—you are a soul with a purpose, a light meant to shine in your own unique way. The moment you choose to honor your truth is the moment you begin to truly live.”
– Teri Stanley Dimon
In a world where many feel disconnected from their true identity, Teri Stanley Dimon stands as a guiding light. As a life coach, spiritual healer, and founder of Diamond Essence Healing, Teri helps people unravel the patterns, beliefs, and emotional wounds that keep them stuck in stories that no longer serve them. Her approach is deeply compassionate and transformational—blending emotional awareness, energy work, and spiritual connection to help others rediscover their worth, reclaim their truth, and align with their soul’s purpose.
After spending years navigating emotional neglect, chronic illness, and identity loss, Teri embarked on a powerful journey of healing and self-discovery. Today, she teaches others how to pause, reflect, and reframe the narratives that keep them from experiencing the joy and wholeness they deserve. In this intimate and inspiring interview, Teri opens up about her personal transformation, shares actionable steps to begin loving yourself from within, and reminds us all that no matter how far we’ve strayed, it’s never too late to come back home to who we truly are.
Thank you so much for joining us, Teri! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you so much for having me—it’s a joy to be here. I grew up in the Midwest in a household where emotional and physical connection wasn’t really present. That kind of environment left me with deep-rooted beliefs that I wasn’t wanted or loved, and as a child, I began hiding parts of myself just to feel safe. Over time, those beliefs shaped how I showed up in the world—always people-pleasing, overachieving, and suppressing my true self. Eventually, the misalignment between who I really was and who I was pretending to be became so intense that my body shut down. I was bedridden for three years. That period became a turning point in my life. I realized I had to choose me—and that’s when my healing journey began.
What helped you start your journey of transformation?
One of the most pivotal moments came when I met a spiritual mentor who helped me see life through a lens I had never experienced before. She introduced me to the idea that life was working for me, not against me. That mindset shift opened up new possibilities and gave me the courage to explore who I was underneath all the pain. From there, I dove into spiritual work, energy healing, and soul-aligned coaching. I knew I couldn’t keep what I was learning to myself—I had to share it with others who felt as lost as I once did.
How do our early experiences shape our belief systems?
Our belief systems are formed so early, often before we even have words. As children, we absorb everything—especially from our caregivers. If we grow up in homes where love isn’t openly expressed or we’re constantly trying to earn approval, we begin to believe that we’re not inherently worthy. Those patterns follow us into adulthood. We become people-pleasers, we suppress our desires, and we stay in survival mode, disconnected from our true selves. It’s only when we become aware of these old beliefs that we can begin to challenge and reframe them.
Is there a process or structure to discovering who we really are?
Absolutely. It starts with curiosity and the willingness to strip away the layers of identity we’ve taken on from others—parents, teachers, society. We have to ask ourselves: Who am I when I’m not trying to please anyone? Who am I without the labels? Then we can look at what brings us joy, what we’re naturally drawn to, and begin to reclaim those parts of ourselves. It’s about tuning in to what lights you up and allowing yourself the freedom to explore that without judgment.
Why do so many people feel lost when trying to find their purpose or identity?
Because we’ve spent most of our lives living for someone else’s expectations. We were taught to conform, to fit in, to seek approval. For many of us, that meant suppressing our uniqueness. Over time, we lose touch with our true selves. Then one day, we look in the mirror and we don’t recognize the person staring back. That feeling of being lost is really just a call to come back to who you were before the world told you who to be.
How do we begin to unravel those belief systems and negative self-talk?
It begins with awareness. We have to pause and ask: What am I thinking? Is this thought even true? A lot of our inner dialogue is based on outdated programming from childhood. Once we become conscious of it, we can start to reframe those thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” we can ask, “Who told me that? And is it even true?” That simple shift allows us to begin choosing beliefs that support our growth instead of keeping us small.
What happens when people spend their lives trying to be what others expect of them?
They end up living out of alignment with their soul. They might appear successful on the outside, but inside, there’s a deep emptiness. They often feel unseen, unfulfilled, and disconnected from themselves. When you’re constantly trying to be what others expect, you end up abandoning yourself. Over time, that leads to self-doubt, depression, and even physical illness. We’re not meant to live someone else’s version of life—we’re meant to live ours.
What role does self-love play in personal transformation?
Self-love is at the heart of all transformation. But it starts with self-acceptance—embracing all of who we are, even the parts we’ve been taught to hide. True self-love isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself with kindness, even on your worst days. It’s how you speak to yourself, how you care for your body, how you honor your boundaries. And it’s a practice. The more we love and accept ourselves, the more we align with our truth.
Why do so many people feel guilty about taking care of themselves?
Because we’ve been conditioned to equate self-care with selfishness. Especially in environments where sacrifice was praised, putting yourself first can feel wrong. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. When you care for yourself, you’re actually more available and present for others. And more than that—you show others that their needs matter too. It’s about modeling what healthy self-worth looks like.
You mentioned that self-love starts with our thoughts. Can you expand on that?
Yes. The way we talk to ourselves is the foundation of self-love. If you look in the mirror and criticize what you see, that creates a ripple effect throughout your day. But if you look at yourself and say, “Hey, I’m proud of you for showing up,” that shifts everything. Our body listens to our thoughts. When we speak with kindness, our body feels it. And when we don’t, it reacts with stress, dis-ease, and emotional imbalance.
What are some of the physical consequences of negative self-talk and suppressed emotions?
When we suppress emotions or carry self-directed shame, it affects our physical body. Stress builds up, and it can manifest as fatigue, chronic illness, digestive issues, skin problems, and more. The body holds onto these unresolved feelings, and they create energetic blocks. That’s why emotional healing and energy work are so important—they help us release what the body has been carrying.
What are some baby steps people can take to begin healing and stepping into their true identity?
Start with pausing. Just pause before you react. That moment of stillness allows you to ask, “What am I really feeling?” Then tell yourself the truth. Not the old story, but the actual truth of the moment. Ask yourself, “What else could be happening here?” Reframe your perspective with compassion. Another great tool is EFT tapping—it helps calm the nervous system and clears emotional tension from the body. These are small, simple practices that create space for healing and clarity.
How can we begin to shift from self-doubt to self-worth?
It’s a gradual process, but it begins with becoming your own source of reassurance. You can ask, “What do I need in this moment?” and give that to yourself—whether it’s a calming breath, a kind word, or just permission to feel what you’re feeling. It’s about becoming present with yourself and choosing love over fear, again and again.
Tell us more about the services you offer.
I offer a three-month transformational coaching experience called the Possibilities Program. It’s a space for deep healing and soul discovery. We explore limiting beliefs, reconnect you with your inner voice, and integrate spiritual guidance and energy healing. The goal is to help you align with your essence, remember who you really are, and start living a vibrant, purposeful life.
How does spirituality factor into your coaching process?
Spirituality is the foundation. When you know that you’re not alone—that there’s divine support guiding you—you begin to feel safe enough to explore and grow. Whether you connect with God, Source, angels, or your higher self, that connection brings peace, strength, and a sense of purpose. I help my clients build that spiritual relationship so they’re grounded in something bigger than their fear.
You’re releasing a book soon. What can you share about that?
Yes, I’ve contributed a personal story to a collaborative book project led by Lisa Nichols. It’s about overcoming adversity and reclaiming your light. It’s very personal and vulnerable, but I hope it resonates with others who have walked a similar path. I’ll share updates about its release on my website and social media.
If readers take one thing away from this interview, what do you hope it is?
That they are not their story. What happened to them is not who they are. Each person has a divine essence that’s powerful, unique, and needed in this world. You are enough. You are worthy. And you don’t have to keep carrying what isn’t yours anymore. You can choose a new path at any moment.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can visit my website at diamondessencehealing.com, where you’ll find information about my transformational coaching programs, energy healing sessions, and upcoming events. It’s also the best place to join my newsletter for exclusive insights, personal reflections, and early access to new offerings—including the release of my upcoming book. I also invite you to connect with me on Instagram and Facebook under Diamond Essence Healing, where I regularly share practical tools, inspirational messages, and guided practices to help you reconnect with your inner truth and step into your highest self. Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or looking to deepen your spiritual growth, I’d love to walk alongside you and support you every step of the way.
Teri, this has been such a powerful and enlightening conversation. Thank you so much for sharing your story, your wisdom, and your heart. I know so many people are going to feel seen and inspired by your words.
Thank you, Stacey. It was truly an honor to be here. I loved this conversation—it was so real and meaningful. Thank you for the opportunity to connect and share.
