Finding Purpose After Crisis for Caregivers

When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on purpose. Maybe it’s because I recently celebrated a birthday, or maybe it’s the result of walking through seasons that didn’t kill me—but definitely made me stronger.

The word keeps showing up everywhere:
In my social media feed.
In conversations.
At a conference I recently attended.
Even at my daughter’s drill team competition.

Purpose, purpose, PURPOSE.
It rings loudest during the quiet moments—when the house is still and I’m alone with my thoughts.

What is purpose, really?
And how has mine changed over the years?

Survival Mode Was All I Could Manage

My faith tells me life is about more than present circumstances, that what we face is part of something bigger.
But I doubted that when my daughter first became ill.

I had to step away from my role as a college instructor and pull back from a thriving psychotherapy practice.
It floored me.
Purpose?
Not even part of the conversation.

Life became about just two things:

1. Figuring out what was wrong with My Girl, and

2. Making sure she had as full and joyful a life as possible—no matter what.

Everything else took a backseat.
Including me.
In fact, I didn’t even make the list.

From Barely Hanging On to Building Something Beautiful

Here’s the thing about life:
It moves. It shifts. And somehow, even when you feel like you’re just surviving, seeds are being planted beneath the surface.

You’re not being isolated.
You’re being prepared.

Over time, I moved from just surviving to creating a life that is good—and even thriving.
And I now realize:

My purpose wasn’t lost during the hard seasons.
It was being perfected.

As a therapist, I’ve always had a heart for helping others live fully—even in hard times.
But I didn’t know life was preparing me for something deeper:

To walk alongside parents in the trenches—
Parents fighting to save the ones they love most in this world.

If You’re a Caregiver Right Now, I See You

If you’re reading this and feel like survival is all you can manage—I see you.
I’ve been you.

And I want you to know something:

Your purpose isn’t lost.
It’s being refined. Even now.

Gentle Ways to Find Your Purpose Again

If you're stuck in survival mode, here are simple, compassionate steps that helped me—and might help you too:

1. Remind Yourself: In Survival There Is Strength

There’s no shame in survival mode. It’s a natural, brave response to crisis.
Say it out loud:
This is not forever. This is for now.
Grace is powerful.

2. Look for the Silver Linings

Shift your focus to small, meaningful victories.

Advocated for your child?
Took a five-minute walk?
These aren’t small.
They’re the building blocks of resilience.

3. Stay Open to What’s Still Possible

Sometimes purpose finds you in the mess.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Just stay open to the idea that even this season may shape something meaningful for later.

4. Prioritize You Again (Yes, Really)

You matter too.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Start small—pick one thing this week that nurtures you, and commit to it.

5. Find the People Who Get It

Isolation breeds despair.
Find someone who gets it. A support group, a coach, a trusted friend.
Connection is life-giving.

Even Now, Your Purpose Is Being Written

Purpose isn’t about perfection.
It’s about believing—even in your darkest seasons—that something meaningful is being born.

Your story matters.
Your fight matters.
And even now—

Your purpose is unfolding, one brave step at a time.

💛 Let’s Stay Connected

If this resonated with you, you’re not alone.
I'd love to support you on your journey.

👉 Visit Resilient Parent Consulting for resources, encouragement, and support for caregivers navigating complex parenting journeys.

And if you ever need a listening ear or some help finding your next step—I’m here.

Finding Purpose After Crisis