February 2025 Endorsement

When I think of my mentor, friend, and coach, Barbara Zurilgen Williams,

these words immediately come to mind:

Enthusiastic. Passionate. Determined. Gifted. Creative.

Insightful. Compassionate.

In May 2023, I began a life-changing journey by receiving business coaching

with Barbara Zurilgen Williams.

During that time, I have experienced a huge transformation.

She has challenged me to discover my own passions, gifts, and talents.

This has been an incredible area of growth for me.

For many years, I was a full-time caregiver to my husband.       

My identity and focus in life during the past few years had been

centered on his needs and care.

About six months ago, my partner of 49 years passed away.

Suddenly, I felt lost.

In the midst of my grief, I realized I no longer knew who I was.

Some of my financial resources disappeared, and my life became a blur.

Barbara came alongside me and

has been a compassionate, insightful encourager.

She challenges me when she senses I am strong enough to accept it,

and she listens when she knows that is what I need most.

This past month has been particularly challenging,

and I was experiencing “widow’s fog.”

Understanding that depression often leads to

neglecting self-care,

Barbara recommended a simple yet powerful technique.

She suggested that I do three healthy activities

for one minute each, every day.

Together we decided

I should exercise my injured shoulder for one minute,

play  my cello for one minute,

and dance for one minute.

The idea was simple: I would count myself successful

if I completed each activity for just one minute—

because anyone can succeed for one minute.

I tried the technique, and by golly,

it worked!

What excited me the most is that in

each situation I went “over-time.”

Each day I identified the three one-minute activities,

and each day I got a little stronger and

did a little more.

It was exactly what I needed to

get back on the road to finding Me.

I will forever be grateful for Barbara’s unwavering support,

her caring spirit, her strength,

and her profound insights.

She is a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and wisdom.

She’s worth every penny of $1000 a month

and much, much more. With her guidance and

instruction, I am finding my new purpose and

turning my negative into a mighty positive

to serve and benefit my fellow human beings.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:

if you are looking for someone to inspire and

empower you, look no further than

Barbara Zurilgen Williams.

• Diane Blanchard Alexander, Master of Science in Education