From Personal Crisis to Professional Transformation

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure if the storm is really over. But one thing is certain: when you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”

This quote is from “Kafka on the Shore” by the writer Haruki Murakami. The storm mentioned here isn’t about a natural phenomenon, although it shares some similarities. What do a hurricane, a heavy rainstorm, an earthquake, and a storm have in common? They shake and disrupt what was once in place, calling for a rebuilding process based on what remains. And personal crises work in a similar way, shaking our inner world and demanding a process of reinvention.

There are people who, as a result of a personal crisis, have made it their mission to assist others in overcoming similar situations to theirs. 

Discover how, based on your personal experience, you can find a purpose that will help others.

How to turn it into a project 

All of this sounds great, but how can I actually begin to tell and share my story with the world? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Connect. Take advantage of social media and the internet. It’s a great starting point: share your story, see if others can relate to it and connect in a simple and free way. Many people have begun by creating an Instagram account, a blog or a newsletter.

• Create content. Explore audiovisual formats. Podcasts are gaining popularity because they can be enjoyed during your commute, while exercising or even while cooking. And the best part is, creating your own podcast is simple. All you need is a mobile phone to record, a quiet space, a profile on platforms like Spotify, Ivoox, or Apple Podcasts, and your own voice. This medium provides a warm and intimate way to share your story and the lessons you’ve learned, free from the constraints often found on social media.

• Grow your network. Connect with people who are involved in the field you want to contribute to. Do some research on social media, use relevant keywords and find individuals who are already doing something similar. This will help you create valuable connections, expand your reach and provide opportunities for collaboration. For instance, you can consider conducting interviews or going live on Instagram. Reach out to these individuals and inquire about their experiences and strategies.

Some stories that have inspired change

Sometimes, we humans make a common mistake: thinking that what happens to us or causes us suffering is unique to us. We forget that there are millions of people on this planet, and while we may be going through a challenging situation, there’s likely someone else out there experiencing the same thing.

Here are some individuals who, in addition to overcoming their own challenges, created projects to help others solve similar situations to theirs:

• Marta Marcè: a naturopath, nutritionist, and communicator. Her story is a perfect example not only of resilience and overcoming adversity but also of how she turned her own experience into a mission to help others in similar situations. At the age of 26, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which completely transformed her life overnight. From being a “normal” young woman with a regular job in a film production company, she suddenly had to endure chemotherapy and face the challenges of early menopause. This diagnosis became a turning point in her life as she delved into research on the connection between nutrition, health, and disease. Marta made the courageous decision to leave her job and pursue studies in naturopathy and nutrition. Today, she assists people dealing with hormonal, digestive, and intestinal issues, helping them restore their health through natural dietary approaches and supplementation. Marta has also shared her insights in a TED talk and recently published her first book, “Disfruta tu menopausia” (Embrace Your Menopause).

• Verónica Morera. She studied nutrition and psychology, and she is a multi-entrepreneur and author of two books. Verónica herself went through struggles with anorexia, bulimia, alcoholism, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Presently, one of her ventures focuses on mental health with a holistic approach. She assists individuals caught in mental loops, dealing with anxiety and chronic stress, helping them learn how to regulate their nervous system, understand their energy, and navigate their sensitivities. Verónica runs an online school called “El Camino“, which offers a monthly or annual subscription. Members gain access to a wide range of resources, including informative videos, practical exercises, guided meditations, a private WhatsApp group, and study groups with other participants.

• Julia Cameron. As a multi-talented artist —composer, playwright and author of forty fiction and non-fiction books—, she’s best known as the author of the bestselling book “The Artist’s Way”. This book is designed to help people overcome their creative blocks. It was born out of Julia’s own experience of feeling inadequate, insecure and creatively stuck for many years. “The Artist’s Way” brings together a wealth of resources, tools and exercises that she personally tried and tested on her own path to overcoming creative blocks.