Meet Terry deAragon | Founder, RN. & Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Terry deAragon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Awaken Your Lioness Spirit as a nonprofit was inspired by the profound need for change and empowerment within the prison system and the lives of women. My journey started when I began serving on a prison ministry in 2019. It opened me up to the harsh realities that women face when forced back into unforgiving environments due to the lack of affordable housing. Witnessing their struggles, fears, and pain I felt an unshakable conviction to take action. The stories I heard became the motivation for change. I realized that breaking the cycle of generational curses and providing these women with the tools to regain control of their lives was a powerful way to contribute positively to our society. Drawing strength from my own life experiences overcoming adversity, including abuse, addiction, and divorce, I recognized the potential to be a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
My family’s history of incarceration and addiction further solidified my commitment. Knowing that my efforts could potentially change the trajectory of their lives, and also offer healing and hope to those who had lost their way, became my driving force.
My own personal journey of emotional and spiritual healing, which was profoundly shaped by an encounter with Jesus and His Holy Spirit, emphasized to me the importance of offering love, compassion, and grace to those who have endured trials. I believe that we are not defined by our past, but rather by our purpose and the potential we hold within us.
Starting Awaken Your Lioness Spirit as a nonprofit was my way of channeling my own healing and transformation into a tangible, positive impact on the lives of women in need. By empowering them to rise above their circumstances, rewrite their stories, and embrace their inner strength, I aim to leave a legacy of resilience and change for future generations including my own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey is one described by resilience and a relentless pursuit of a better future. As a registered nurse in active practice and a certified coach, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, but each one has led to the women I continue to become today. Fueling my determination to make a lasting impact. Nursing school was a pivotal moment, a time of immense struggle that mirrored the difficulties of my divorce. Balancing marriage, four boys, and the weight of financial burdens, I often felt like I was on the brink of failure. The thought of quitting crossed my mind briefly, but I knew that giving up wasn’t an option. The financial implications for my family were deep, and I was determined to contribute to a brighter future for my family. The support of my husband ant that time and my family’s encouragement reinforced my decision, along with my unshakable faith.
The decision not to quit was a turning point. Despite the challenges, I powered through nursing school, knowing deep down that this was my path. The experience taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, sacrifice, and the strength that lies within us even when we feel defeated. Nursing, for me, is more than a career; it’s a calling to bring care, hope, and healing to those in need.
What sets me apart from others is my personal connection to the mission of Awaken Your Lioness Spirit. My journey of overcoming trauma, adversity, and generational struggles has given me a unique perspective and empathy for the challenges that women face. Having walked a path similar to theirs, I understand the complex emotions, the pain, and the courage it takes to break free from repeated cycles of hardship.
Furthermore, my own encounter with Jesus and His Holy Spirit during my healing journey has transformed my outlook on life. This spiritual awakening has not only inspired my determination but also given me a profound sense of purpose and compassion. It has guided me to share mercy, grace, empathy and love with women who have faced trials like mine.
I’m not just an advocate or a leader, I’m a living breathing testament to the power of resilience and transformation. My family’s history, the battles I’ve won, and the hope I’ve found despite adversity have all contributed to my ability to connect on a more personal level. This authenticity allows me to inspire and empower others in a way that’s genuinely relatable and impactful.
Ultimately, what truly sets me apart is my commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of positive lasting change. I’m not just in this for a cause, I’m here to make a difference in the lives of women, to break generational curses, and to empower them to rise as lionesses—strong, fierce, and unbreakable.
My story is a testament to the fact that even when life’s circumstances seem insurmountable, our determination, support system, and faith can carry us through.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand, Awaken Your Lioness Spirit, is that every experience, every trial, has shaped me into a beacon of hope to others. My journey gives me a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding that allows me to guide and inspire others to overcome their own challenges in life.
Awaken Your Lioness Spirit is more than just a name, it’s a reflection of my journey and a symbol of the strength we all possess within us. I want to show the world that adversity doesn’t define us, our choices and determination do. My brand is a tribute to resilience, an opportunity to break free from generational cycles, and a testament to the fact that we have the power to create a better future for ourselves and the generations that follow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: My best friend arrives in Colorado * Start our adventure enjoying authentic Mexican food at places like La Loma, Las Delicias, or Los Arcos.
* Savoring margaritas.
* Local live music and dancing experience into the night to get into the Colorado vibe.

Day 2: Red Rocks Amphitheater
* Attend a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater, overlooking the Mile High City and live music.

Day 3: Colorado a Sports Enthusiast’s Dream
* Catch a professional sports event, whether it’s a Denver Broncos football game, a Denver Nuggets basketball game, or a Colorado Rockies baseball game, depending on the season.
* For a fun atmosphere and good pizza, head to Happy Camper.

Day 4: Amtrak Adventure to Glenwood Springs
* Amtrak train ride from downtown Denver Union Station to Glenwood Springs.
* Explore Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with thrilling rides and beautiful cave tours while overlooking the beautiful Colorado Mountains.
* Relax in the evening at Iron Mountain Hot Springs enjoying cocktails.
* Overnight stay at the Glenwood Canyon Resort.

Day 5: Mountain Thrills and Central City
* Experience Rocky Mountain Zip lining or snow tubing, depending on the season.
* Head to Central City for a prime rib dinner followed by a night of roulette.

Day 6: Mountains, Lakes, and delicious cuisine
* Spend the day near one of Colorado’s stunning lakes. Choose from Grand Lake, Blue Mesa, or explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
* Indulge in delicious cuisine at restaurants like Snooze for breakfast before our adventures begin.

Day 7: Breathtaking Denver views and Local Brews
* Enjoy our last day with options at Avanti Food & Beverage, offering a variety of foods from different vendors on its beautiful rooftop.
* Local cold cider beer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Edward Wheeler has been my mentor and coach for the past five years. I met him a year before entering one of the most challenging phases of my life – a divorce after a 21-year marriage. His patient guidance helped me navigate past traumas and the complexities of divorce, shaping my life’s direction. A pivotal figure, he taught me to set meaningful goals, develop effective coping strategies, and embrace a fresh perspective on my circumstances. His knowledge and personal expertise empowered me to rebuild my confidence, enhance my emotional well-being, and embrace a more positive and fulfilling future.

Red Rocks Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step ministry, met me at a crossroads of confusion and a search for meaning. Designed for individuals wrestling with past or present hurts, habits, or hang-ups, this community provided the support and relationships necessary to redefine my way of life.

At XiXi Success Academy, where I serve as the chair of the MindPower department alongside my mentor, Dean Dr. Ed Wheeler, I teach a course on mindset rooted in biblical identity. This organization spotlights the successes of both its instructors and students. Here, I discovered the strength in vulnerability, sharing my experiences to inspire others on their journey toward spiritual, mental, emotional, social, and financial wholeness.

Joyce Meyer’s “Battlefield of the Mind” shed light on the internal struggles we all face. Throughout my own mental battle, I recognized that my outward actions mirrored my inner thoughts. The cycle of broken relationships, detrimental habits, and low self-worth no longer aligned with my true purpose. Awakening my dormant desires, this book catalyzed the spiritual renewal I had been missing.

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz proved transformational. It revealed my ability to rectify past mistakes and shape a brighter future. Empowering me to eliminate emotional toxicity and judgments, it unlocked a path to a more peaceful and joyful existence. As I continue to embody its principles, my life unfolds in increasingly remarkable ways. This book truly set me free.

Website: https://www.awakenyourlioness.com/

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/awaken-your-lioness/

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