When Pain Turns into Purpose

As a Menopause Coach and Women’s Health Educator in the Shenandoah Valley, I participate in a local supportive network of women entrepreneurs in the field of holistic wellness. Each time this group meets, we can feel the positive energy and the passion flowing around the circle. Sure, we have developed friendships; and we always laugh A LOT, but there is something special that we share that undergirds our synergy.

Witnessing that premature baby grow into a thriving child.

Helping a family member recover from a major injury.

Deciding not to repeat unhealthy patterns in our family of origin.

Healing from an autoimmune condition when they said it was forever.

Flourishing in post-menopause when they told us to just accept aging.

Beating cancer when they said not to get our hopes up.

Living with someone trapped in addiction.

Losing that loved one way too early.

I’ve heard about a few of these journeys. I know several of the stories. But many of them I don’t. Some of us are still praying for the healing to come. Some of us carry deep grief. Some of us bear the scars of childhood trauma.

And I don’t have to know the details to know that it’s these life-altering experiences that led each of us to find our place in the health and wellness world. 

These experiences change us. 

These experiences call us to help others heal. We want them to receive the kind of help that we found, or the help that we didn’t find and wish everyday that we had. We want to share what we learned on our healing path. And we pray that our stories give others a glimmer of hope. 

Because the symptoms, the diagnosis, the predictions, the loss…

They don’t tell the whole story. They don’t tell about the physical goals that were reached, the mental sharpness that was restored, the sense of purpose that was discovered, and the spiritual resilience that was built.

Those of us who have experienced this kind of life-changing transformation or witnessed a loved one’s reformation, or who miss someone who lost their battle on earth- we will never be the same. 

That’s why we do it. 

That’s why we share the knowledge. That’s why we listen to the stories. That’s why we hold the space. That’s why we challenge and motivate. That’s why we organize the event.  

Because we know what is possible. 

We know because we either lived it, or we had a front-row seat to watch someone navigate their journey.

So at a meeting when we talk about what’s going well in our individual business pursuits or commiserate on the challenges that we all face, I hope we always honor the ultimate reason we are even sitting in our circle of compassionate, caring, competent women. 

We don’t have to know everyone’s story to instantly find common ground with anyone who joins our group. And let’s never forget that underneath the impressive credentials, well-coached marketing plan, and the 5-star reviews lies a tender heart that answered the call… 

It's the call to turn pain into purpose so that others might suffer less, dream bigger, and live their lives to the fullest; knowing that on this side of eternity, the healing goes on and on...

And if you have found deep healing or helped someone you love reach higher health, you don’t have to own a business to answer the call! You might not have a branded logo or a catchy tagline, but you participate in daily miracles… when that friend finally calls to schedule with the therapist you always talk about, your child watches the healthy lifestyle you are modeling, or your aging parents accept your help during a health crisis. 

Each of these moments matters. 

Each of us can make a difference right where we are.

How are you turning pain into purpose as you help those around you?

I'd love to hear your story!

I'll be sharing my story “When a Health Journey Leads to Self-Discovery” 

two weeks from tonight, Thursday Feb. 19th 2026 at 5:30 pm at McCain Whole Health Care SPA in Harrisonburg.

Join us for a time of conversation and authentic connection. To RSVP for this free event, call or text 540-738-7279.

And if you are a holistic health woman entrepreneur serving in the Shenandoah Valley and would like information about this network community of practitioners, please email me at higherhealthllcva@gmail.com