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What Surviving Twice Taught Me About Purpose—And What It Didn’t

By The Artful Woman
  Questioning the idea that survival comes with a purpose to fulfill I’ve survived two life-altering events, and what I’ve learned about purpose isn’t what people expect. They say, “God kept your alive for a reason,” or “God still has a purpose for you.” And I need to be honest about how that lands for me. It doesn’t feel comforting. It feels like pressure. Like surviving something traumatic automatically comes with an assignment—something I’m supposed to figure out later, some hidden meaning I’m expected to uncover. And in my case, this hasn’t been said just once. It’s been said twice. Once after my stroke in 2020. And now again after a near-death accident on September 6th 2025 that changed my life forever. So it starts to create a pattern I can’t ignore—that my survival is always being tied to some purpose I haven’t “fulfilled” yet. And that raises a real question for me: Why does it sound like I have to go through something catastrophic in order for my life to be cons...
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Through My Lens: Finding Light After Darkness with Photography

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By The Artful Woman


Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, those curveballs can knock you down and leave you feeling broken and lost. That's exactly what happened to me. In 2010, the loss of my father left a gaping hole in the world. I felt a deep emptiness and a grave sense of loss. In a desperate plea, I prayed for a creative outlet, unsure of what form it might take. Despite a former multi-decade fulfilling career in fashion across multiple continents, I found myself searching for a new purpose and creative direction. 


 I've always been one of those people who needs to express themselves creatively. The answer arrived unexpectedly. Picking up a camera, I embarked on a journey of photographing everything and anything. With each click, a piece of me began to heal. Through the lens, I experienced a series of epiphanies, gaining a newfound perspective on life. Little by little, the darkness receded, replaced by the light I found Through My Lens.


In the midst of that darkness, I discovered a powerful tool for healing: photography. It wasn't a sudden epiphany, but a gradual process of rediscovering the beauty in the world, and in myself.


One of the most profound shifts I experienced was through nature photography. Standing on a beach, camera in hand, the vastness of the ocean made me realize how small my problems were in the grand scheme of things. It offered a calming perspective and a sense of meaning. Focusing on the intricate details of a flower or the majestic sweep of a mountain range pulled me out of myself and into the present moment.


Photography also opened my eyes to the beauty in people. Initially hesitant to photograph people, I eventually embraced portraiture. Learning to see and capture the unique essence of each person became incredibly rewarding. Transforming perceived flaws into features of character or highlighting someone's inner light through the lens was a truly magical experience.


I went from judgment to connection, my perspective shifted further when I began photographing couples. Public displays of affection that once bothered me became testaments to love, captured in a way that showcased the raw emotions I hadn't noticed before. It fostered a deeper understanding of human connection.


Helping women embrace their bodies and feel confident in lingerie photography became another unexpected chapter. It wasn't just about capturing beauty, but empowering them to see themselves in a new light. Witnessing this transformation was incredibly fulfilling.


Nature remains my go-to refuge. Whether it's finding solace in a quiet forest or drawing strength from the power of the ocean, time spent outdoors grounds me and reconnects me with my inner peace. These experiences became a way to connect with a higher power, a source of strength that transcends the physical world.


My journey through photography fueled a passion to help others discover its healing power. That's why I created The ART of Healing Through Photography. This course is designed to guide you, regardless of your experience level, in using photography as a guide to help you find your happy place in the outdoors and rediscover the beauty that surrounds you.


Photography can be a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and reconnecting with the world around you. By joining the ART of healing through Photography, you'll learn the skills and techniques you need to embark on your own photographic adventure.


From Healing to Helping:

My journey through photography fueled a passion to help others discover its healing power. That's why I created The ART of healing through Photography. This course is designed to guide you, regardless of your experience level, in using photography as a tool for

  • Reconnecting with Nature: Find your happy place in the outdoors and rediscover the beauty that surrounds you.

  • Exploring Different Genres: Experiment with nature, portrait, or even fashion photography to discover your passion.

  • Mind-Body-Soul Connection: Photography can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and overall well-being.

  • Unleashing Creativity: Find a new way to express yourself and ignite the creative spark within.

  • The course also includes assignments to help you:

  • Develop Your Photography Skills: Learn basic techniques and composition to capture stunning images.

  • Find Your Genre: Explore different types of photography to find what resonates with you.

  • Build Confidence Behind the Lens: Overcome any hesitation and embrace the joy of capturing the world around you.

The course also includes assignments to help you:

  • Develop Your Photography Skills: Learn basic techniques and composition to capture stunning images.

  • Find Your Genre: Explore different types of photography to find what resonates with you.

  • Build Confidence Behind the Lens: Overcome any hesitation and embrace the joy of capturing the world around you.


Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?




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What Surviving Twice Taught Me About Purpose—And What It Didn’t

By The Artful Woman
  Questioning the idea that survival comes with a purpose to fulfill I’ve survived two life-altering events, and what I’ve learned about purpose isn’t what people expect. They say, “God kept your alive for a reason,” or “God still has a purpose for you.” And I need to be honest about how that lands for me. It doesn’t feel comforting. It feels like pressure. Like surviving something traumatic automatically comes with an assignment—something I’m supposed to figure out later, some hidden meaning I’m expected to uncover. And in my case, this hasn’t been said just once. It’s been said twice. Once after my stroke in 2020. And now again after a near-death accident on September 6th 2025 that changed my life forever. So it starts to create a pattern I can’t ignore—that my survival is always being tied to some purpose I haven’t “fulfilled” yet. And that raises a real question for me: Why does it sound like I have to go through something catastrophic in order for my life to be cons...
Post a Comment
Read more