Finding meaning in the work you do when asking, "What’s all this for?"

Andrea B.

I’ve had roles that looked great on paper with titles, recognition, and fast growth, but they still left me feeling disconnected, unfulfilled, or like something was missing. I’ve changed careers four times in search of clarity, each shift fueled by that quiet inner nudge that said, “This isn’t it.” Through each pivot, I wasn’t chasing status. I was chasing meaning. I wanted to feel aligned, competent, and like my work mattered. What I’ve learned is that purpose doesn’t show up all at once. Instead, it’s built, uncovered, and revealed through small moments of truth, courage, and awareness. If you’re in a role that feels misaligned, or you’re asking, “What am I doing all this for?”, you’re not alone. I help people reconnect with what matters, redefine success, and find clarity when the spark fades. You don’t have to start over to feel purposeful, but you do have to start listening.

Finding clarity and purpose when life feels heavy, hopeless, or stuck

Angelica A.

There was a time when I looked like I had it all together—a stable job, a plan, a life that made sense on paper. But inside, I felt stuck, numb, and completely disconnected from any real sense of joy or purpose. I had always been the strong, independent one, figuring things out on my own. But this time, I was just exhausted. Every day felt like survival mode. I kept telling myself to “just make it work,” but my soul was getting heavier by the day. When I tried to talk about it, I didn’t have the words—and when I did, I was often met with surface-level advice or silence. So I turned inward. I journaled. I followed little sparks of hope wherever I could find them. I started asking myself, “What if life could actually feel better?” and that one question changed everything. Bit by bit, I realized I wasn’t just sad or burnt out—I was misaligned. I had outgrown the life I was living, and that misalignment was draining me. The more I got curious, the more I started noticing signs and synchronicities guiding me toward something deeper: purpose. Now, I live from that place. My life is still imperfect, but I have an inner anchor. I help others who feel stuck, tired, or lost remember who they are and why they’re here. Because I know what it’s like to feel like you’re carrying it all alone—and I also know what it’s like to come out the other side with clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of self.

Your Christian faith journey

Daneeta S.

I understand and respect that everyone's faith journeys are different. I grew up in the church and have experienced the effects of church hurt and religious practice. At the same time, I have benefited from gaining understanding of the core of my faith and developing a true relationship with God, both through personal experience and my education (a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies). Through that relationship I have gained an understanding of my purpose and value, self-love and love for others, a sense of peace, and much more. I love the opporutinity to encourage others in their faith journey, and to hopefully help them to uncover and understand what they may be seeking. I would love to accompany and assist you on your personal journey.

Navigating the challenges of sober living after homelessness and cocaine addiction

Deborah C.

After years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, I hit rock bottom and found myself homeless. I had lost everything: my home, my job, and most of my relationships. The pain of being at the bottom was overwhelming, but it also became the turning point for my recovery. I attended outpatient programs, AA meetings, and Cocaine Anonymous, and slowly began the process of rebuilding my life. The challenge wasn’t just staying sober; it was surviving each day, finding a sense of purpose, and learning to live with stability in a world that felt like it had fallen apart. I got low-income housing and began receiving SSDI benefits, which provided a foundation to start over. Through all of this, I learned that staying sober requires much more than just not using substances, it requires a shift in mindset and lifestyle. I learned to be patient with myself, seek help when needed, and build a new life one step at a time. Today, I run a successful dog boarding and walking business, and I’m proud to say I’ve been sober for over 16 years. I know how hard it is to rebuild from nothing, but I also know it’s possible, and I want to share the tools and mindset shifts that helped me along the way.

The search for meaning when purpose feels lost

Mike C.

There were times in my life when I felt completely untethered, unsure of where I was headed, doubting whether I had anything meaningful to offer the world. I went through phases of chasing achievements, external validation, or whatever seemed like the ‘right’ next step, hoping it would give me a sense of purpose. But it never felt quite right. Eventually, I realized purpose isn’t something you stumble upon in a single moment—it’s something that evolves, shifts, and grows with you. It’s about understanding your values, what truly resonates with you, and how you want to engage with the world. And sometimes, the first step is simply allowing yourself the space to ask questions without pressure to have all the answers right away. Through peer support, I’ve helped others explore what purpose means to them—not as an obligation, but as a process of discovery. If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or lost in the "what’s next?" of life, I get it. Let’s take the time to navigate it together.

Navigating self-worth after an extended depressive episode

Rick G.

After losing both of my parents to COVID during the height of the pandemic, I fell into the darkest period of my life. Though they were in their 90s, the experience of losing them so close together, and under such isolating conditions, shook me deeply. I withdrew from nearly everything. I was overwhelmed by anxiety, sadness, and an unfamiliar sense of aimlessness that lingered far longer than I expected. Even when I was physically present, I felt emotionally unreachable, like I was watching life from behind a thick glass wall. That chapter changed me. It forced me to slow down, reflect, and ultimately reimagine what a meaningful life looks like. When I started to emerge from that fog, I knew I needed to live with more intention. I retired from my long career in marketing and began focusing on service and connection. I founded a nonprofit that teaches digital art to inner-city youth, and I now work with Social Venture Partners in Chicago to support grassroots organizations creating real change. This journey through grief and depression reshaped how I show up in the world. I know what it’s like to lose your footing and how powerful it can be to find it again. If you’re feeling disconnected or lost in the wake of mental health challenges, I’d be honored to walk with you as you find your way back.

Getting sober after retirement

Tom N.

I had a fulfilling career as a filmmaker and college professor, but everything shifted when I retired. What started as social drinking gradually escalated into hiding bottles and drinking during the day. With more time on my hands and less structure, alcohol crept in and took over. It wasn’t until close friends stepped in that I truly recognized the problem. I entered a rehab program and met a peer support specialist who guided me through early recovery. The meetings, coaching, and community service gave me purpose again. I’ve now been sober since November 2021 and have become a Certified Peer Support Specialist myself. I've supported others, like a young man overwhelmed by family trauma, helping him find hope and stability. Recovery has helped me rediscover joy in music, laughter, and real connection. I know how isolating it can feel to face addiction later in life, and I want to offer the same steady support I was lucky to receive.