✨ Finding Yourself Again by Finding Your 'Why'

Have you ever looked at someone who’s making a real difference in the world and wondered, “What drives them?”, “What fuels that sense of purpose that seems to light them up from the inside out?”

This week on the podcast, I explored how discovering your personal “why”, which is that deeper sense of purpose - or calling - that some people seem to have, can help you transform even the most difficult life experiences into meaningful direction. Because sometimes, when it feels like life has shattered us, it’s in the tiny broken pieces that we slowly begin to pick up, that we find our own diamond-in-the-rough.

But what exactly do I mean by a “why” …?

“Finding your why” has become another one of those buzzwords in personal development, and business circles. It’s often tossed around in life coaching or goal-setting contexts. But the kind of “why” I’m talking about here goes much deeper than that. It’s way more personal.

This kind of “why” isn’t just about setting goals or chasing success. It’s about identity.

It’s about rediscovering who you are after life has knocked you on your ass. It’s about finding a way to get back up and find your footing again. Not by returning to who you used to be, but by intentionally becoming someone new, someone grounded in meaning.

When we go through something life-altering like a profound loss, a trauma, a shift in identity, it can feel like we’ve lost ourselves – or at the very least, pieces of ourselves. But sometimes, in that very experience, we can also find the compass that helps us find our next direction. If we’re willing to do the work to look for it.

The journey to find my why was borne from the loss of my 22-year-old son in a workplace fatality, It shattered everything I thought I knew - about life, safety, motherhood… and myself.

In those early days, I didn’t have a why. One of my identities had been as a mother – to nurture and protect my children. When my son died it destroyed my belief that I could keep my children safe.

In the beginning, I barely had the strength to get out of bed some days.

But over time - and it took time - I started searching for support. I needed to know I wasn’t alone. I found community with an organization that understood my kind of grief and helped hold space for my healing. They also gave me a way to give back. I started volunteering. Then I began speaking out. Advocacy became part of my why. It didn’t fix the broken pieces of my heart, but it gave those pieces a place to land. A way to matter.

I didn’t find my why overnight. (Let’s just say the scenic route is kind of my thing.)

But once I did, it brought me peace – and a sense of meaning that helped me rebuild, not just a life… but a life I want to live.

Sometimes, a why comes like a lightning bolt. That “aha” moment where you just know what you need to do.
More often, though, it takes quiet reflection, time, and curiosity.

Not sure what your “Why” is? That’s OK. You don’t have to have all the answers today. You just need to start asking yourself the right kinds of questions.

Here are a few journal prompts to help you begin:

• What life experiences have shaped me the most? What did I learn from them?
• What do I deeply care about? What do I wish others knew about, that I’ve learned the hard way?
• Who could benefit from my story, my insight, or my compassion?
• How might I want to use what I’ve been through to help others?

Start small. We aren’t necessarily talking about a career-change or launching a public movement (although hey, it happens).

Maybe your why is about being a more present parent. Maybe it’s about supporting others who are grieving. Maybe it’s simply choosing to live with more intention.

Doing something that truly matters to you can be a powerful part of healing. And when you begin to connect with your “why,” something beautiful starts to happen… You remember who you are - and envision who you want to become.

You might not be ready to shout it from the rooftops just yet. That’s okay.

For now, just start by listening to your heart.

It already knows.

If you’re journaling along with us on the podcast, here’s your reflection prompt this week:
What life experiences have shaped me — and how could I use those experiences to support others or make a difference?

You can keep these reflections private… or you’re always welcome to share them in our private Facebook community or tag me on Instagram @transformativejourneys.johanna. I’d love to hear what’s coming up for you.

✨ Want to dig deeper?

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here! 👉 https://transformativejourneys.buzzsprout.com

🎁 Grab your free Bounce Back Blueprint

📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @transformativejourneys.johanna

🙋‍♀️ Join my new community here https://www.facebook.com/groups/transformativejourneys/