Closing the Year with Gratitude, Compassion & Hope

As we move through December and towards a brand-new year, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for every one of you who has walked alongside me in 2025.

To my clients, thank you for trusting me to guide you in your healing, your vulnerable moments, and your courageous steps forward. Each session has been a reminder of the incredible strength of the human spirit.

To my retreat groups, Reiki students and practitioners, and all who gathered in shared intention, your openness created spaces where healing could unfold in the most beautiful ways. Every circle this year held its own magic.

To my beloved Soulful Journeys online community, thank you for showing up with honesty, humour, and heart. Your willingness to connect, learn, and grow together continues to inspire me.

To everyone who attended the Heart Space Gatherings, thank you for bringing your presence, your energy, and your wisdom. These moments of reflection and connection have woven a thread of unity through the year.

And to my podcast guests and listeners, thank you for your stories, your support, and your curiosity. Each conversation has been a celebration of resilience, and every listen has helped these stories reach the hearts that needed them most.

Honouring Where You Are This December

December carries its own rhythm, quiet reflection for some, emotional heaviness for others, joy and celebration for many. Wherever you find yourself, may you meet that place with compassion rather than expectation.

This month is an invitation to pause…
To soften…
To breathe…
And to honour what this year has asked of you.

You don’t need to be anything other than who you are in this moment.

Meeting Yourself with Kindness, Meeting Others with Patience

As the world speeds up with festivities and obligations, the inner world often needs something slower and gentler.

A few reminders that may help:

• Your energy is precious - protect it.

You are allowed to say no. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to choose where you show up and where you don’t.

• Boundaries are acts of love.

They protect your wellbeing and allow your “yes” to be wholehearted. Choose the engagements, conversations, and spaces that feel aligned.

• Remember that everyone carries their own story.

Patience gives others the space to be human too.

• Pause often. Breathe deeply. Ground yourself.

A moment of presence can shift an entire day.

Caring for Your Wellbeing Over the Holidays

This season can be nourishing, but it can also be overwhelming. Consider these gentle practices:

• Create small rituals of stillness: a morning cup of tea in silence, a mindful walk, a few minutes of stillness or breathwork.

• Stay connected to what supports you: your journaling, your grounding practices, your community.

• Let joy in where it naturally flows not where you feel pressure to perform it.

• Balance giving with receiving: allow others to support you too.

• Choose simplicity whenever possible: you don’t need to do everything for this season to be meaningful.

• Please enjoy a guided meditation I recorded to support you through the holidays

Stepping Into the New Year

As 2026 approaches, I look forward to continuing this work with you, supporting your healing, growth, and inner awakening.

I’m delighted to share some of the upcoming offerings for the new year:

Upcoming Events for 2026

• Reiki Training & Share Circles — deepening your connection to your healing gifts.

• Retreat Days & Soulful Journeys Gatherings — spaces to reset, reconnect, and nourish the spirit.

• Heart Space Community Meet-Ups — continuing to build a compassionate, supportive circle.

• Online Program — to guide you into clarity, alignment, and wellbeing as the year begins.

• New Podcast Conversations — more stories of resilience, healing, and human courage.

I can’t wait to welcome you into whatever calls to your heart.

With Deep Gratitude

Thank you for being part of this beautiful year of healing, learning, and soulful connection. You have touched my life in ways I hold with great appreciation.

May this December bring you gentleness.
May the holidays offer you moments of true rest.
And may the coming year open with hope, intention, and the knowing that you are supported every step of the way.

With love,
Sharon

What does it mean to live your Soul Purpose

Every one of us carries a quiet inner knowing, a soft pull that guides us toward a life that feels deeply aligned. Some call it intuition, others call it calling. I call it the voice of the soul. When we talk about finding your soul purpose, we’re really talking about remembering who you truly are beneath the noise, expectations, and busyness of everyday life.

Your Soul Purpose Isn’t Something You Chase, It’s Something You Uncover

Many people imagine purpose as a single grand mission, a lightning bolt moment, or a path lined with certainty. In truth, your purpose is often revealed gently, through experiences, healing, and the willingness to listen inward.

It lives in the things that light you up.
It grows in the spaces where you feel most connected.
It shows itself in the ways you naturally help, love, and uplift others.

Your soul purpose is the essence of you, the energy you bring into the world simply by being who you are.

The Journey Begins Within

Finding your soul purpose starts with coming home to yourself. This may look like:

• Pausing long enough to truly feel what your heart is asking for

• Letting go of old stories that were never yours to carry

• Healing past wounds so they transform into strength

• Rediscovering your passions, the ones that feel like nourishment, not obligation

When you create space within, your soul has room to speak.

Your Purpose Is Already There

One of the most comforting truths is that you are never without purpose. Even in moments of doubt, confusion, or stillness, your soul is guiding you. Every challenge, every connection, every chapter has shaped the wisdom you carry today.

Often, people realise their purpose by noticing:

• What feels meaningful

• What brings peace

• What keeps nudging their heart

• What they feel naturally called to share with others

Your soul purpose doesn’t need to be extraordinary in a worldly sense. It becomes extraordinary because it is true.

Alignment Feels Like Freedom

When you begin living your life in alignment with your soul purpose, something shifts. You feel more grounded, more alive, and more open to growth. There is a sense of inner freedom, a peaceful certainty that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be, even if the path ahead is unfolding one step at a time.

That’s the beauty of purpose: it evolves as you do.

Following the Signs

Sometimes the soul whispers. Sometimes it roars. You might recognise your purpose in:

• Synchronicities

• A sudden clarity

• A long-held dream resurfacing

• A deep desire to help or heal

• A knowing that you can no longer ignore

Pay attention. These moments are invitations.

A Conversation That Inspires This Journey

This week on my podcast, I shared a beautiful and deeply insightful conversation with Dr. Jeanne Comeau, a woman who embodies what it means to take a courageous leap inward. After years of success in a corporate career, she felt the unmistakable pull of her soul urging her toward a more aligned path. Her transformation became a powerful example of how purpose can shift, expand, and call us into a life that feels more authentic.

Today, Jeanne supports others by offering astrological blueprints that illuminate their highest purpose and most aligned direction. Her work helps people understand the cosmic patterns that shape their strengths, challenges, and soul-led path.

Listen to our conversation

You Are Here to Grow, Love, and Contribute

At its heart, your soul purpose is about expansion, growing into the fullest, most authentic version of yourself and sharing that truth with the world in your own unique way.

Whether your purpose leads you to nurture others, inspire through creativity, support healing, build community, or simply spread kindness through your presence, it is powerful.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to have everything figured out.
You don’t have to rush.
You don’t have to compare your journey to anyone else’s.

You are already on the path.

Your soul purpose is unfolding with every breath, every intention, every choice that honours who you truly are. Join our Soulful Journeys Online Community for a transformational program - Walking as Soul in Body with Mentor Sharon Fitzmaurice

About Sharon Fitzmaurice

Sharon Fitzmaurice is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, a space that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. She is the author of Someone Please Help Me, So I Did and Awaken Your Wellbeing, and a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and survivors of childhood abuse. Through her Soulful Journeys Online Community and one-to-one work, she supports others in reconnecting with their inner wisdom, healing their stories, and creating a life rooted in purpose and wellbeing.

The Spiral Path: Rediscovering Ourselves Through Recovery and Ancient Wisdom

When we talk about recovery, we often begin with the struggle, the heavy moments, the setbacks, the emotional storms that leave us feeling fragile and uncertain. Yet there is another side to this journey, a quieter truth that often goes unnoticed: the magic begins the moment we choose ourselves. Recovery is not just about leaving pain behind; it is about opening to what becomes possible once we gather the courage to take even one step forward.

Recently on the podcast, I had the joy of speaking with Sunshine Witchski known to many as The Pink-Haired Sober Witch, whose journey to sobriety began in 2019. She shared how traditional recovery methods didn’t quite speak to her heart, so she turned inward and returned to the spiritual path she knew best: witchcraft. Her healing became a tapestry woven with rituals, intuition, energy work, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Listening to her story, it became clear that healing does not follow one path. It does not need to be tidy, logical, or conventional. It simply needs to be true. Sunshine’s journey illuminated something profound: when we align recovery with the wisdom of our soul, transformation unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

We often hear the phrase “healing is not linear.” But what does that really look like? It means moving in spirals rather than straight lines. It means returning to old lessons with new awareness. It means moments of expansion followed by moments of contraction, both equally essential. It means the journey deepens us, softens us, and reveals layers of ourselves we once tucked away.

And sometimes, healing asks us to remember the ancient threads of wisdom that our ancestors lived by.

Witches as the Healers of Old

During our conversation, Sunshine spoke beautifully about reclaiming the word “witch.” Historically, witches were the wise women and men of their communities, the ones people sought for guidance, comfort, and care. They were:

• Midwives who helped bring new life safely into the world

• Herbalists who understood the healing power of plants long before modern medicine

• Spiritual advisors who offered rituals, blessings, and counsel

• Keepers of earth wisdom, attuned to the cycles of the moon, seasons, and nature

• Community healers, tending to the body, mind, and spirit

These individuals held knowledge that was intuitive, inherited, and deeply respected. Their work was rooted in connection with the land, with spirit, and with the human heart. It wasn’t until later, through fear, control, and misunderstanding, that the term “witch” was distorted into something to be feared. Yet the true essence, the healer, the guide, the wisdom keeper never disappeared.

Sunshine’s path is a reclaiming of that lineage. In her sobriety, she draws strength from ritual, energy, and intention. Her healing is connected to the ancient ways of honouring the unseen, trusting the intuitive, and celebrating the sacred within everyday life. This, too, is recovery, returning to who we truly are beneath the noise.

The Magic Found Along the Way

The magic of recovery rarely bursts through in dramatic moments. It arrives softly and steadily:

• The first time you breathe without heaviness

• The moment clarity breaks through the fog

• The unexpected laughter you thought you’d lost

• The pull toward something meaningful and soul-aligned

• The strength to set a boundary or speak a truth

• The desire to care for your body, your heart, your spirit

These moments may seem small, but they are signs of profound inner shifting, signs that your spirit is awakening, remembering, and reclaiming.

Recovery invites you to step back into your own wisdom. It reminds you that nothing is wasted, every setback is information, every pause is guidance, every spiral is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself. Healing is not about becoming someone new; it is about returning to the essence of who you have always been.

Reflection

If you find yourself somewhere on this winding path, at the beginning, in the messy middle, or circling back again, know that you are not behind. You are not broken. You are not failing. You are unfolding.

Your healing is sacred.
Your courage is real.
Your journey is worthy.

The spiral path may feel unpredictable, but it is ancient, wise, and uniquely yours. And along the way, there is so much magic quietly gathering around you, waiting to be noticed.

A Gentle Invitation

If this resonates with your heart, I invite you to listen to the full conversation with Sunshine Witchski on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast. Her story offers insight, honesty, and a reminder that recovery, like magic is a deeply personal, beautifully powerful path of returning to ourselves.

May it inspire you to honour your own healing, in your own way, at your own pace. If you would like support and guidance along the way, join my new online program starting on the 8th January - Awakening Your Inner Truth

Sharon Fitzmaurice

With over 18 years of experience as a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, and Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sharon Fitzmaurice has dedicated her life to guiding others toward healing and self-discovery. Through Reiki Energy Therapy, Personal Development coaching, her online community Soulful Journeys, wellness retreats, mindfulness programs, and workshops, she empowers clients to embrace their true potential and cultivate inner peace.  

Author and Advocate 

Sharon's books reflect her passion for resilience and transformation. "Someone Please Help Me, So I Did" shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, anxiety and depression, offering inspiration to those seeking healing. In "Awaken Your Wellbeing"  she collaborates with 13 other therapists to provide a powerful collection of wellness tools, with all proceeds supporting Galway Simon Community.  

The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast  

Launched in 2020, The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast is a platform for honest and inspiring conversations on mental health, resilience, and personal growth. Sharon and her guests share stories of overcoming adversity, offering encouragement to listeners worldwide.  

Mentor & Speaker  

Sharon’s expertise goes beyond one-on-one mentorship. She has been an exceptional speaker on topics including mental health, overcoming adversity, resilience, and transformation, inspiring audiences at wellness events, corporate settings, and community workshops. Her compassionate and engaging approach makes her a sought-after voice in the field of holistic well-being.  

Through her books, podcast, mentorship, workshops, and speaking engagements, Sharon Fitzmaurice continues to inspire and guide people toward healing, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Finding the Courage to be Seen and Heard

I had the privilege of sitting down with the inspiring Dr. Caren Hession – a woman whose passion for voice, music, and personal transformation shines through everything she does.

Dr. Caren Hession is a vocal coach, choir leader, creator, director, and social entrepreneur, specialising in guiding others on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through music. Drawing on over 15 years of education and experience in Music, Creative Arts, Philosophy, Neuroscience, NLP, and Special Needs, Caren brings together a rare and powerful blend of wisdom, science, and soul.

She is the creator of Born To Rise – Ireland’s first Self-Development Programme through Music, and is currently leading a 100-voice choir preparing for a live performance at the Town Hall Theatre. Alongside her one-to-one coaching, workshops, public speaking, and research, Caren’s work is a beacon for those ready to find their voice – both literally and spiritually.

In our heartfelt conversation, we explored the courage it takes to stand up, be seen, and be heard. Caren spoke about the profound connection between our voice and our sense of self, how when we use our voice authentically, we begin to reconnect with the deepest parts of who we are.

So many of us have been taught to stay quiet, to be seen but not heard. Over time, that conditioning creates distance between what we feel and what we express. Through music and song, Caren helps people to bridge that gap, to release the emotions that live within and allow them to flow freely. Singing becomes a beautiful way to transform vulnerability into strength, and to share that truth with others.

Caren reminded us that we are all born singing. From the moment we exist in our mother’s womb, we are immersed in rhythm, the sound of her heartbeat and her breath. This primal connection lays the foundation for how we experience our own voice. For some, life’s challenges lead to silence; for others, finding their voice again becomes the path to healing.

When we allow ourselves to express freely – not perfectly, but authentically – we give permission to others to do the same. As Caren beautifully said, finding our voice is not just about sound; it’s about feeling. It’s about reclaiming our right to show up in the world exactly as we are – whole, imperfect, and real.

Our voice is more than an instrument – it’s a bridge between our inner and outer worlds, a way to connect, to heal, and to rise.

✨ Tune in to this empowering episode with Dr. Caren Hession to reconnect with your own voice and remember the power that lives within it.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the conversation on YouTube.

💬 I hope this conversation awakens something in you – share your reflections in the comments below, or connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Sharon

Sharon Fitzmaurice is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Speaker, and Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast. She is the author of Someone Please Help Me, So I Did and Awaken Your Wellbeing, and the founder of Soulful Journeys Online Community.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness and survivors of childhood abuse, Sharon’s mission is to inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, writing, and conversations, she reminds us that within every story lies the power to transform and rise.

Who Am I Beneath the Noise? Rediscovering Our Own Beliefs in a World of Influence

We often hear that social media is shaping our opinions, manipulating our emotions, and influencing how we see the world and in many ways, it does.

But if we pause for a moment, we might realise that influence isn’t new. Long before we began scrolling through feeds and hashtags, we were absorbing the beliefs and worldviews of others.

From the moment we’re born, we’re taught how to see the world. Our parents or caregivers pass down their experiences and beliefs, many shaped by their own upbringing and fears. Teachers guide us with the best of intentions, but within the framework of what society deems acceptable. Religion, culture, politics, books, and media all layer on top of one another until, without realising it, our inner world is painted in colours chosen by someone else.

So how can we ever know what we truly believe?

The Many Voices That Shape Us

Every story we read, every film we’ve watched carries someone else’s perspective. None of this is inherently bad - after all, it’s how we learn and connect.

But there comes a time when we begin to question:

Is this what I believe, or what I’ve been told to believe?

For many, that question arises during moments of change, when a long-held value no longer fits, or when an experience shakes what we once thought was certain. That discomfort is often the first whisper of awakening: the moment when our true self begins to stir beneath layers of conditioning.

The Pull of Collective Thinking

It’s easy to see how others can be swept away by strong opinions or divisive narratives, especially in the digital age. We see people fiercely defending their beliefs online, joining movements, or sharing outrage. But beneath that surface noise lies something tender - a deep human need to feel seen, heard, and safe.

When we feel threatened, uncertain, or powerless, we instinctively reach for belonging. We look for others who share our feelings and validate our fears. This is where confirmation bias creeps in, the comforting thought that if others think this too, it must be true. And negative bias makes fear and anger louder than calm reason, because those emotions make us feel momentarily in control.

When groups unite around shared fear, they often need an “other” to blame someone to project their discomfort onto. This pattern has existed throughout human history, from tribal divisions to online shaming.

What’s heart-breaking is that much of this behaviour doesn’t come from hatred, but from fear.

When we forget who we are at our core - loving, aware, connected beings - we cling to what feels familiar, even if it hurts others.

The Courage to Question

Learning to think for ourselves isn’t about rejecting everything we’ve been taught. It’s about seeing clearly where those beliefs came from and choosing, consciously, what we want to keep.

This takes courage, because questioning inherited beliefs can feel like betraying our families, our communities, or even our faith. But true self-awareness doesn’t destroy connection - it deepens it.

When we understand our own conditioning, we also develop compassion for the conditioning of others.

We begin to see that everyone is carrying stories - stories that shaped them, just as ours shaped us.

Finding Our True Voice Amid the Noise

To rediscover our own beliefs, we must learn to listen inwardly again. The world is loud, but the soul speaks in whispers.

Here are a few gentle practices to help you return to your inner truth:

Pause and notice. When you feel strong emotion about a topic - outrage, fear, or certainty - take a breath. Ask yourself, What part of me feels unsafe right now?

Question with compassion. Before sharing or agreeing with an opinion, reflect: Does this align with love, empathy, and the person I am becoming?

Create stillness. Spend time in silence, nature, or journaling. When the noise of the world fades, what truths rise within you?

Stay open. True wisdom isn’t about being right; it’s about being willing to see differently.

Through these practices, we begin to separate what is ours from what we’ve inherited. It’s not an act of rebellion - it’s an act of remembering.

Coming Home to Authentic Truth

When we strip away the conditioning, we don’t lose ourselves - we uncover who we’ve always been.

Beneath the noise, beyond the narratives and the borrowed beliefs, there is a quiet knowing that has never been influenced or swayed.

It’s the part of us that recognises truth not because others agree with it, but because it feels like peace.

When we live from that space, we don’t need to shout to be heard or cling to what others believe. We simply stand in our own authenticity - gently, courageously, and with love.

“In learning to think for ourselves, we don’t reject others - we just stop abandoning ourselves.”

A Reflection from My Heart

As a holistic wellness coach, Reiki Master, and soul guide, I have seen how easy it is for people to forget their own inner wisdom beneath the noise of life. Every day, I meet souls who are longing to reconnect with their truth - not the version of themselves the world expects, but the one their spirit remembers.

This journey back to self isn’t about becoming someone new; it’s about remembering who you’ve always been before the world told you who to be. Healing happens when we come home to that remembrance - when we reclaim our beliefs, our voice, and our capacity to love, beginning with ourselves.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join me and our beautiful Soulful Journeys Online Community as we embark on a transformative new chapter.
The Soulful Journey Series: Awakening Your Inner Truth

Together, we’ll explore the tender art of coming home to ourselves through shared wisdom, guided practices, and heartfelt connection.

If this message resonates with you, know that you are warmly welcome.
Come journey with us and remember, you’ve never truly been lost. You’ve only been finding your way back to love. 💫

Sharon Fitzmaurice is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Speaker, Author, and Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast. She is the author of Someone Please Help Me, So I Did and Awaken Your Wellbeing, and the founder of Soulful Journeys Online Community.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness and survivors of childhood abuse, Sharon’s mission is to inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, writing, and conversations, she reminds us that within every story lies the power to transform and rise.

Reclaim Your Well-being

This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Gaines, a woman whose journey into functional health didn’t begin in the world of science, but in the world of survival.

For more than a decade, Elizabeth worked in non-profit trauma recovery, supporting victims of domestic minor sex trafficking. She poured her heart and energy into helping others heal from the unimaginable. But like so many who dedicate themselves to service, she did so at great personal cost. The emotional weight, urgency, and unrelenting pace led her into burnout and chronic illness, an experience far too many people quietly carry.

When conventional medicine dismissed her symptoms, she was left feeling unseen, unheard, and unwell. And this is where her turning point began.

Through Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN), Elizabeth discovered a different way of understanding the body, not through labels or guesswork, but through deeper investigation. Functional lab testing opened a doorway into the true state of her health, revealing imbalances in hormones, immune function, digestion, detoxification, energy production, and diet. With this knowledge, she was finally able to create a personalised path to healing.

What began as a desperate search for answers evolved into purpose.

Today, Elizabeth is the Director of Education at FDN, leading curriculum design, live training and mentorship for one of the most respected health certification programmes in the world. She is living proof that when we understand what’s actually going on in the body, we can take back our power, our clarity, and our energy.

The Hidden Physiology of Burnout

In our conversation, we explored something many of us feel but rarely name:

Burnout isn’t just emotional. It’s physiological.

So often we believe we just need more rest, more motivation, or more willpower to “bounce back,” but the truth is that burnout changes the body. It shifts hormones, drains energy reserves, weakens digestion, disrupts immune function and creates inflammation long before symptoms show up on a standard medical report.

Which means many people are walking around unwell, and being told: “Nothing is wrong.”

Yet their body knows something is very wrong. And so do they.

The Lie We’ve Been Conditioned To Believe

We also reflected on the cultural programming so many of us have absorbed:

• Work harder.

• Move faster.

• Push through pain.

• Don’t slow down.

• Rest equals laziness.

At what point did we begin believing that exhaustion was normal and self-neglect was strength?

Like nature, we are designed to move through seasons: activity and rest, growth and stillness, expansion and retreat. But we’ve built a world that only rewards one season -productivity.

And when we finally collapse under the weight of it, we are left feeling broken or ashamed, when in truth, we are simply out of rhythm with the way we are meant to live.

The Four Rooms of Holistic Wellness

There is a beautiful metaphor that guides my own work:

We each live in a house with four rooms - emotional, mental, physical and spiritual.
Wellness comes from visiting each room every day.

But so often, we camp out in only one or two, usually the mental and physical - while the emotional and spiritual rooms gather dust and silence.

So I ask you:

• When was the last time you checked in with all four rooms?

• What needs clearing, tending, or listening?

• What part of you has been ignored because life is “too busy”?

When we ignore the imbalance long enough, the body will speak louder, through fatigue, inflammation, pain, brain fog, anxiety, or a sense of disconnect from ourselves. And when we are told “there’s nothing wrong,” we begin to feel invisible.

You Are Not Invisible – And You Are Not Meant to Do This Alone

If you are reading this and feel depleted, stretched thin or lost in symptoms you can’t explain, know this:

There is nothing lazy about needing rest.
There is nothing weak about breaking down.
There is nothing wrong with you for not being able to keep going the way you used to.

What is wrong is the belief that you must continue alone.

Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that when we finally understand what the body is trying to communicate, we create space for real healing. And when healing begins, purpose returns. Energy returns. Hope returns.

There is always support available.
There are always answers available.
And you deserve both.

Ready to Go Deeper? Listen to the Full Conversation

If this message speaks to something inside you, if you’re tired of feeling unwell, unheard, or uncertain about where to turn next — I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode with Elizabeth Gaines.

In our conversation, she shares:

• the real physiological roots of burnout

• why so many people are misdiagnosed or dismissed

• how functional lab testing can reveal what traditional testing often overlooks

• empowering next steps for anyone ready to reclaim their well-being

And as a gift to you, Elizabeth is offering a free resource to support your next steps on the healing journey.

🎧 Click here to listen to the episode and receive your free gift.

Join our Soulful Journeys Online Community for our upcoming 2026 Program -

Walking as Soul in Body with Mentor Sharon Fitzmaurice

Sharon Fitzmaurice is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Speaker, and Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast. She is the author of Someone Please Help Me, So I Did and Awaken Your Wellbeing, and the founder of Soulful Journeys Online Community.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness and survivors of childhood abuse, Sharon’s mission is to inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, writing, and conversations, she reminds us that within every story lies the power to transform and rise.

Honouring The Stories That Shape Us

Some stories are written because they want to be told. Others are written because they need to be remembered. My guest on this week’s podcast, Jane Buckley, is a writer who carries both intentions close to her heart.

Born in Derry, Londonderry in Northern Ireland, Jane grew up during one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history – the Troubles, a conflict that shaped generations from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. For many, this era is a chapter spoken about in hushed tones, half-remembered or misunderstood. But for Jane, it was lived experience. It was childhood. It was home.

Writing to Remember, Writing to Heal

Jane’s powerful four-part book series, Stones Corner — Turmoil, Darkness, Light, and Hope brings readers right into the emotional core of that time. Although the characters and storylines are fictional, they are rooted in real events and lived realities. Through her writing, Jane shines a light on the human cost of conflict, the fear, the quiet acts of bravery, the divided streets, and the resilience that helped ordinary people survive extraordinary circumstances.

Her books don’t just tell a story, they honour a generation.
They invite readers to understand the Troubles not as a distant headline, but as something deeply human, personal, and still echoing today.

Jane writes to make sense of it all.
She writes to honour those who lived through it.
She writes so it will not be forgotten.

From Checkpoints to Imagination

During our conversation, Jane shared how ordinary life was anything but ordinary. Passing armed checkpoints. Being warned not to speak to children from “the other side.” Navigating a world divided not just by politics, but by fear.

And yet, she still found escape - not in place, but in books and swimming.

She buried herself in stories, long before she began writing them. That love of reading became the seed of her storytelling years later, proving once again how imagination can carry us through what reality cannot soften.

A New Chapter: Project Children

Jane’s next work returns to the theme of hope, this time through a true story many have never heard. Between the 1970s and 1990s, a US initiative called Project Children flew 23,000 children from across the Northern Irish divide to America. For a few weeks every summer, they lived in peace, welcomed by families who simply wanted to offer safety, possibility, and normal childhood memories.

It wasn’t a political movement. It was a human one, changing lives not through speeches or treaties, but through compassion. One child. One home. One summer at a time.

Jane is writing this story not only to honour the people behind it, but so her own grandchildren in New Zealand will one day know where she came from, and more importantly, the strength, solidarity, and hope that existed even in the darkest times.

Why Stories Like Jane’s Matter

As we spoke, I found myself reflecting on how many people only know history through a single perspective, a headline, or a distant documentary - never through the voices of those who lived it.

Jane’s work reminds us that storytelling is a bridge. Even when told through fiction, truth finds a way through. And when we listen to stories that challenge our assumptions, something powerful happens, we expand our understanding, and healing becomes possible.

We cannot rewrite the past, but we can learn from it.
We can choose to listen.
We can choose to open our hearts.
We can choose to make sure these stories are never buried again.

🎧 Listen to the Full Conversation

If this story speaks to you, if you are curious about the human side of history, the power of storytelling, or the resilience of the Irish spirit, I invite you to listen to my full conversation with Jane Buckley on the podcast.

Her wisdom, warmth, and honesty will stay with you long after the episode ends.

Click here to listen now.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Sharon Fitzmaurice is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Speaker, and Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast. She is the author of Someone Please Help Me, So I Did and Awaken Your Wellbeing, and the founder of Soulful Journeys Online Community.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness and survivors of childhood abuse, Sharon’s mission is to inspire others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Through her work, writing, and conversations, she reminds us that within every story lies the power to transform and rise.

Some people Make the world a little brighter

This week on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I had the honour of speaking with someone I can only describe as an Earth Angel . Her story is one of compassion, courage, and purpose, reminding us of the power one person has to make a difference in the world. From a single act of kindness that changed countless lives to her unwavering strength in the face of adversity, Karen’s journey is a true celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. I invite you to take a quiet moment, listen to her story, and feel inspired by the extraordinary impact of an open heart.

There are moments that stay with you because they awaken something deep within your heart. My latest guest, Karen Olson, is one of those extraordinary souls who reminds us what it truly means to live with purpose, compassion, and courage.

When I called Karen an Earth Angel, I meant it wholeheartedly. Her story is one of grace in action, a life transformed by a simple act of kindness that rippled out into the world in ways she could never have imagined. In 1981, when she stopped to help an elderly homeless woman named Millie on the streets of New York City, Karen’s heart opened in a way that would change not only her life, but the lives of countless others.

Out of that single encounter, Family Promise was born, a national non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting homeless and low-income families. What began with one woman’s compassion became a nationwide movement that has now touched thousands of families, offering them not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope.

Karen’s journey is one of incredible resilience. Behind her compassion lies deep personal pain, the loss of her mother to suicide when she was only 12 years old. It’s often through our own heartbreak that we find the strength to reach out and heal others, and Karen embodies that truth so beautifully. Her purpose became clear not through what she planned, but through what life presented, a gentle reminder that we are often guided toward where we are needed most.

Even when faced with unimaginable challenges, like the accident six years ago that left her with severe injuries, Karen’s light has never dimmed. Through faith, gratitude, and sheer determination, she continues to move forward, walking with the help of a special walker and sharing her story with such humility and grace. Her spirit radiates resilience; her gratitude, even in adversity, is a lesson in itself.

As I listened to Karen speak, I found myself deeply reflecting on the power of one person to create meaningful change in the world. Her story reminded me of my own small act a few years ago, when I decided to sleep out in my back garden to raise awareness and funds for the Galway Simon Community, an organisation close to my heart that supports those affected by homelessness here in the West of Ireland. What began as a personal gesture soon grew beyond me , the following year, I was joined by family and friends, and today, the Sleep Out for Simon has become their largest community fundraiser in the West. It’s a powerful reminder that when we take one step with intention and compassion, the ripple can reach further than we ever imagined.

Inspired by that experience and by stories like Karen’s, I felt called to do more. In 2020, I reached out to some of my therapist colleagues and invited them to collaborate on a book that would share personal stories of overcoming adversity, healing, and finding purpose. That book, Awaken Your Wellbeing, was launched on November 1st, 2020 and every single copy sold supports the Galway Simon Community and their vital work. It’s yet another example of how when hearts come together, healing expands outward into the world.

Homelessness is something that touches me deeply. It’s easy to pass by and not see, yet behind every person sleeping rough or struggling to find shelter, there is a story, a life, a human being who longs to be seen. Many who experience homelessness describe feeling invisible, as though they no longer belong anywhere. But the truth is, every one of us deserves to have a place to call home, a place of safety, warmth, and belonging. It could be any of us. Lives can change in an instant through illness, job loss, family breakdown, or circumstances beyond our control. When we open our eyes and hearts to that reality, compassion becomes not just a feeling, but a responsibility.

Karen’s book, Meant for More – Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose, captures that same spirit, reminding us that we are all meant for something greater when we lead with love. Her story is a living example that kindness, even in its smallest form, can change lives and ignite a movement.

As Karen shared during our conversation, if you are not sure how you can help, maybe start with volunteering, connecting with a local homeless organisation, or simply finding a way to offer your time or support, every little helps. Her message is a beautiful invitation to look within and ask how we can each contribute to the collective healing of humanity, no matter how small our actions may seem.

I am deeply grateful for our conversation, for Karen’s presence, wisdom, and the light she continues to share. She truly is an Earth Angel walking among us, and her journey reminds me that we each have the power to be one too - one act, one heart, one ripple at a time.

Listen to our full conversation here: https://youtu.be/RA3T0j6btBw

November is National Homelessness Awareness Month

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Adapting to Life's challenges

There are some stories that reach into the very core of your being, stories that don’t just move you, but awaken something inside. My recent podcast conversation with Tracy Martin was one of those moments.

By the age of fifteen, Tracy had already experienced profound loss, both her parents gone before she had even finished growing up. Just three years later, a life-altering car accident changed everything. At eighteen, she was left a paraplegic, grieving the loss of her then-boyfriend who died in the crash, and their unborn child.

To sit across from Tracy and listen to her speak with such honesty, strength, and grace was a humbling experience. Her story is not one of simple survival, it is one of continual adaptation. She had to learn to live in a body that no longer felt like her own, to rebuild a life after unimaginable pain, and to find purpose where only loss once existed.

As I listened, I found myself reflecting on my own younger self, the part of me who once lived in survival mode. When we face trauma, whether it’s the pain of abuse, loss, or any kind of deep suffering, our instinct is to protect ourselves. Our brains and bodies move into survival mode, doing whatever it takes to keep us safe. But survival, while necessary in the moment, isn’t a place we are meant to stay forever.

Living in survival becomes exhausting. It narrows our world and limits our capacity for joy, love, and connection. The real healing begins when we start to unlearn the coping mechanisms that once kept us safe but now hold us back. We begin to adapt in new ways - ways that invite in trust, surrender, and courage.

This journey isn’t easy. It requires us to do the very thing that once felt impossible, to let go of control and allow life to hold us again. To believe that we can be more than what happened to us.

Tracy’s story is a testament to that truth. Through immense loss, she found the strength not only to keep living but to use her voice and creativity to inspire others. Her debut book, So Not Me, is loosely based on her own experiences and delves deeply into the themes of trauma, healing, and the power of human connection. It’s a reminder that even through pain, we can create meaning, that adaptation can lead us to transformation.

Listening to Tracy reminded me that adapting isn’t about forgetting who we were before the pain, it’s about allowing life to reshape us into who we are meant to become.

May we all find the courage, like Tracy, to adapt, to grow, and to keep choosing life - even when it breaks us open.

Listen to the full conversation here: What keeps you going when you are told - You will never walk again.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Honouring the Darker Half of the Year - Listening to what you need

As November begins, nature quietly invites us inward. The days grow shorter, the air cools, and light softens into shades of gold and grey. For some, this darker season brings a deep sense of comfort, a time to rest, reflect, and replenish. For others, it can feel heavy, lonely, or uncertain, as though the spirit itself is dimming with the fading light.

Neither experience is wrong. Both are part of our human rhythm.

Our ancestors recognised this turning of the year as sacred, a time to honour the cycle of life, death, and renewal. Today, science offers another understanding through the circadian rhythm, the internal clock that governs our sleep, energy, hormones, and mood.

As daylight fades earlier, our brains naturally produce more melatonin, inviting us to rest, and less serotonin, the chemical that supports motivation and balance. This shift can make us feel slower or less energised, not as a failing, but as a biological reflection of the season itself.

The darker months are, in many ways, a mirror, showing us where we need to pause, tend, and realign.
True wellbeing is not about constant brightness or endless productivity. It’s about learning to move with the natural ebb and flow of our energy, rather than against it.

Some of us may find nourishment in quiet evenings, comforting rituals, and deeper self-reflection. Others may feel supported by gentle movement, laughter, or creative expression that keeps energy flowing. What matters most is that we listen, really listen to what our bodies, minds, and hearts are asking for.

This season invites us to ask:
What does wellbeing mean for me in this moment?
What truly helps me feel balanced, whole, and at peace?

A few ways to nurture yourself as we enter the darker half of the year:

• Seek light each morning. Even a few minutes outdoors helps balance your natural rhythm and lift your mood.

• Nourish your body kindly. Warm foods, rest, and gentle movement support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

• Create cosy rituals. Candlelight, music, gratitude journaling, or mindful breathing, small acts that ground and soothe.

• Connect with others. Shared warmth, conversation, and community remind us we’re never alone in our cycles of change.

The darker season is not something to endure; it’s an invitation to realign with your inner light, to restore balance, deepen connection, and remember that every pause has a purpose.

Darkness is not the absence of light. It is where light is nurtured, where healing begins, and where wellbeing quietly takes root.

Reflection

As you move through this month, take a few quiet moments to ask yourself:
What part of me is asking to slow down?
Where might I bring more gentleness and care?
What does my soul need to feel well this season?

Write what comes, breathe deeply, and know that you are exactly where you need to be, moving in harmony with the rhythm of life itself. 

Enjoy my guided Mindful Awareness meditation to support you.

Catch up with my latest podcast guests to keep you company in the darker evenings.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Taking a leap

I was in my fifties when I finally did my first stage dive.
Yes, you read that right, fifty-something and flying through the air into a sea of strangers’ hands. For a brief, heart-stopping moment, I felt weightless. Then came the rush, the laughter, the freedom, the deep knowing that I had just rewritten an old story.

For much of my life, my body carried memories of fear and survival. It remembered what it meant to brace, to protect, to hold back. Healing taught me that trust isn’t something that simply arrives one day, it’s something we build, breath by breath, choice by choice. That night, standing on that stage, I wasn’t just jumping into a crowd. I was leaping into trust in myself, in others, in the sheer joy of being alive.

As a coach and therapist, I often encourage others to step beyond what feels safe, to challenge the stories that whisper, “You can’t.” But this time, it was me putting that wisdom into practice , embodying what I so often share. It reminded me that healing doesn’t end when the pain subsides; it deepens when we allow joy to take up space where fear once lived.

When I jumped, I wasn’t just stage diving, I was surrendering the weight of “what if” and choosing “why not.”
And in that surrender, I discovered something beautiful: our bodies and our spirits are capable of more than we ever imagine when we trust them to soar.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Finding our Creative Path

This week on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leslie A. Rasmussen, a woman who truly understands what it means to start over and to keep rediscovering herself through the seasons of life.

Leslie’s journey is one of courage, creativity, and reinvention. From writing beloved sitcoms like Roseanne and The Wild Thornberrys in Hollywood, to running her own nutrition business, to becoming a novelist and speaker, Leslie has lived many creative lives - each chapter guided by a deeper sense of curiosity and authenticity.

Leslie’s honesty about how life’s transitions can be both daunting and defining. She began her career wanting to be an actress, but when the industry’s treatment of women dimmed her spark, she chose to pivot rather than lose herself. That decision led her to writing comedy - a space where her voice could flourish without compromise. Later, as a mother, she made another heartfelt shift, training as a nutritionist so she could nurture both her family and her own interests.

And then, as life gently nudged her once more, she returned to her first love - writing. With humility and determination, she began again: reading, learning, researching, and taking baby steps toward a dream that had never truly left her. Today, Leslie is the author of three novels, including her latest, When People Leave (May 2025), a moving exploration of family, forgiveness, and the quiet resilience of women navigating loss.

What I find so inspiring about Leslie’s story is that it reminds us creativity isn’t a straight path - it’s a living, breathing journey that evolves as we do. Every turn, every pause, every new beginning is part of finding the rhythm that feels most true to who we are.

Sometimes we think we’re moving away from our purpose, only to find that we were actually circling closer to it all along. The careers we choose, the roles we play, and the shifts we make are not detours - they are pathways toward self-discovery.

Leslie’s story is a beautiful reflection of how we learn who we are through the choices we make, and how we shine brightest when we align our lives with what we love.

We don’t have to have it all figured out. We just need to listen to the gentle callings of our soul, to the quiet excitement that comes when we do something that feels right, to the creative spark that asks us to begin again, no matter how many times we’ve already started over.

Because, in truth, starting over is not about beginning again from nothing. It’s about beginning again from wisdom.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Opening to Love again

There are moments in life that change everything in an instant. A phone call, a diagnosis, a loss , they can shatter the world as we know it, leaving us standing in the debris of what once was.
My guest this week, Jenny Brandemuehl, knows this truth all too well. A single phone call changed the course of her life forever, and yet, it also led her toward a deeper understanding of healing after loss, resilience, and the power of love and hope.

Jenny’s husband, Mark, was an experienced pilot and her soulmate for more than three decades. On what should have been a routine flight, his plane crashed and burst into flames. Miraculously, he survived - but with burns over 80% of his body. In the aftermath, Jenny became his voice, his advocate, and his unwavering companion through countless surgeries, painful recoveries, small victories, and heart-breaking setbacks.

From this unimaginable experience came her deeply moving memoir,
Forever Fly Free: One Woman’s Story of Resilience and the Power of Hope and Love.
It is both a love story and a story of rebirth, one woman’s journey through grief recovery and personal transformation, finding purpose in her darkest moments, rebuilding her identity from the ground up, and learning to open once more to the fullness of life.

In our heartfelt conversation, Jenny spoke with warmth and authenticity about the healing process, the courage it takes to live and love again, and how grief can become a gateway to personal growth. Her story is a reminder that even in the depths of loss, there is always a spark of life waiting to be rekindled, if we are willing to open our hearts to it.

So much of what Jenny shared resonated deeply with me. We will all, at some point, experience profound loss - moments that shift our entire perspective and quietly transform us from within. In those moments of deep emotion, something within us awakens. We begin to see, feel, and sense the world differently - perhaps more tenderly, more truthfully. It’s as though we begin to truly wake up to life again.

Even though I did not experience the same trauma as Jenny, I felt an undeniable connection to her words, the recognition that love is constant and change is inevitable.
And when we can find acceptance in this truth, we begin to move through the hardest days with a little more grace, a little more softness, and a deeper appreciation for the love that still surrounds us.

Jenny’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, to the healing power of hope, faith, and love.
May her courage remind us all that no matter how life may change, love will always find a way to lead us home to ourselves.

🌷 Listen to the Full Conversation

Join me on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast as I sit down with Jenny Brandemuehl to explore her powerful journey of love, loss, and renewal.
Her wisdom will inspire anyone seeking emotional healing, self-discovery, and the courage to live again after heartbreak.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

If Jenny’s story touches your heart, please share it with someone who may need a gentle reminder today that even through deep loss, hope and love can guide us back to ourselves.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

The Journey of Remembering

There was a time in my life when I thought I had lost everything - not in the physical sense, but in the way that leaves you hollow on the inside. What I call my darkest night of the soul. It was a place of despair, self-doubt, and disconnection. And yet, it was in that same darkness that a light began to flicker - a knowing that I was more than the pain I carried, more than my body, more than the roles I played in life.

That moment was my awakening. Not an instant transformation, but the beginning of a slow, tender journey of remembering. Remembering that I am soul in physical form. Remembering that there is a deeper wisdom always available to me when I dare to turn inward.

It’s why soul-led work isn’t just something I do now - it’s who I am. Every client I sit with, every group session, retreat or workshop I hold, every podcast conversation I share comes from this place of knowing. It is the compass that guides me back when I forget, when I stumble, when life feels heavy again.

This week on the podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with Suzanne Roberts, someone whose journey resonated so deeply with my own. Suzanne, Founder of Unifying Solutions and author of It’s Deeper Than That: A Pathway to a Vibrant, Purposeful Life, also walked through the fires of pain and self-hatred. Her childhood trauma led her into darkness, but her love of physics opened a doorway to something greater -the reality of polarity, of energy, of soul.

Listening to Suzanne describe her “inner laboratory” - the way she turned inward to explore and discover the truth of who she really is - felt like hearing my own story reflected back to me. That same turning inward is what saved me too.

In our conversation, we explored the science of magnetism and the current of life force that runs through us all, how meditation and mindfulness open the gateway to soul presence, and how healing is never about becoming someone new but about remembering the wholeness that was always there.

What touched me most was her reminder that being of service is at the heart of a purposeful life. That, I believe, is why so many of us who have walked through darkness feel called to guide others toward their own light.

As I sit with this episode, I feel an immense gratitude for my own journey - even the painful parts. Without that dark night, I might never have woken up to the truth of who I really am. Without it, I would not be living this soul-led path today.

My hope is that in listening to Suzanne’s story and hearing a little of my own, you will be reminded of your soul too. That quiet voice within that whispers: you are so much more than the physical, you are light, you are energy, you are soul.

✨ Listen here https://www.youtube.com/@sharonfitzmauricepodcast

An Invitation to You

If this conversation touched something within you, I’d love to invite you into my Soulful Journeys Online Community. It is a heart-centred space where like-minded souls gather to connect, share, and support one another on the path of healing, awakening, and purpose.

Inside, you’ll find monthly soul circles, guided practices, live teachings, and a community of people who truly understand the ups and downs of walking a soul-led path. It’s a place where you don’t have to pretend to be anything other than yourself - where your story, your light, and even your struggles are welcomed and honoured.

Together, we remind each other that we are never alone. Together, we walk each step more courageously and more lovingly than we might on our own.

If your soul feels called, you are so welcome to join us. 💜
👉 Join our Community — Sharon Fitzmaurice

Love, Loss and Living On

We all grow up with the hope of finding that special person - the one we can spend our days with, the one who “gets” us. Someone whose presence feels like home, where even the silences are filled with love and comfort.

My guest this week, Tony Stewart, shared the most moving story of his life with his beloved wife, Lynn. Their love story was not about grand gestures or big declarations - it was about the quiet, steady companionship they shared as they moved through life’s adventures together.

And then, as life often reminds us, everything changed.

When Lynn received her cancer diagnosis, Tony told me how they sat across from each other, holding hands across the table, and began to say out loud all the words of love they had carried inside them for years. Words that had always been there but had never felt urgent to speak.

It struck me deeply - how often we assume that our loved ones “just know” how we feel. And yet, when we speak those words aloud, they become anchors. They become something to hold onto, especially when time becomes fragile.

Tony expressed his love to Lynn not just through his actions, but through heartfelt words that she needed to hear. And Lynn gave him words in return - words that Tony now carries with him, memories that continue to guide him through his grief and into a new chapter of life.

Tony’s book, Carrying the Tiger, is a testament to this love story - not just about the joy of their life together, but the raw, honest reality of losing someone so deeply woven into your being. It is also about the strength it takes to continue living, to keep moving forward while carrying both the pain and the beauty of that love.

This conversation reminded me - and I hope it reminds you - to say the words that are in your heart today. To tell the people you love what they mean to you, not just in moments of crisis, but in the quiet, ordinary moments too.

You can listen to my full conversation with Tony on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast

I promise, it will touch your heart and maybe inspire you to pick up the phone, send a message, or simply look into the eyes of someone you love and tell them.

Because love - spoken aloud - truly matters. ❤️

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Reiki Energy Therapy: Why Attunement and Self-Awareness Matter

In recent times, I’ve noticed many conversations online about Reiki and whether one truly needs to be attuned by a Reiki Master in order to practice it. The argument is often this: Reiki is universal life force energy, and since we are all part of that universal flow, we already have access to it.

To this, I wholeheartedly agree. Reiki is not something that only a select few can access, it flows through all of us because it is life itself. We can all learn to connect more deeply with this energy, and we often do so in different ways throughout our lives, whether through meditation, prayer, breathwork, nature, or quiet moments of inner stillness.

But here is where I’d like to pause and offer some perspective, not only as someone who has worked with Reiki for over 18 years, but also as a Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner:
Just because we all have access to universal energy does not mean we are all ready to hold space for others.

The Responsibility of Holding Space

When someone comes to you for Reiki, whether they are struggling with physical pain, mental stress, emotional wounds, or spiritual blocks - you are not simply placing hands on them. You are holding a sacred container for their healing process.

In that space, emotions may surface. Old trauma may stir. Physical sensations may arise that the person does not fully understand. Your role as a practitioner is not only to channel Reiki but to remain grounded, compassionate, and responsible for how the person is supported during and after the session.

This responsibility requires more than just a good intention- it asks for presence, maturity, and self-awareness. Without these, the person seeking healing may feel unseen, unsafe, or even more destabilised.

Why Attunement Matters

Attunement is not about hierarchy or exclusivity. It is not a “certificate” to say you are more spiritual than someone else. Rather, attunement is a process of alignment, a way of opening yourself more fully to the Reiki energy while learning how to hold it responsibly for others.

Through attunement and training with a Reiki Master, you are guided into the practice with awareness, ethics, and tools to support not only those you treat, but yourself as well. It’s a path of humility and service, not ego or control.

The Value of Training and Experience

I often see criticism directed at Reiki Masters for charging for attunements or classes. What is rarely spoken about is the amount of time, energy, and resources we have invested - not only in our training, but in our personal development.

For me, this journey has spanned over 30 years. Along the way, I have dedicated myself not just to studying Reiki, but to exploring my own healing, deepening my self-awareness, and developing the skills to support others safely and effectively. This work is not just about “learning a technique” - it is about becoming a person who can truly hold space for another’s vulnerability and transformation.

Charging for attunements or classes is not about “profiting from energy” - it is about recognising the years of learning, healing, and lived experience that allow a teacher to guide others responsibly. Just as in any profession, the exchange honours the value of what has been cultivated and the support being offered.

Self-Awareness Comes First

In my classes, whether Reiki or other healing modalities, I always begin with one essential truth: you cannot truly support others until you are willing to look within yourself.

Before we step into the role of a practitioner, we must first learn to meet our own wounds with compassion. We must cultivate the ability to sit with discomfort, to recognise our own triggers, and to heal from the inside out. Only then can we safely and authentically hold space for someone else’s journey.

A Gentle Invitation

So, yes - Reiki is universal, and it belongs to all of us. But if you feel called to share it with others, I encourage you to approach it not only with openness, but also with responsibility. Seek guidance. Explore your own healing first. Allow yourself to be attuned not only to the energy, but to your own heart and awareness.

Because Reiki is not just about energy - it’s about how we embody it, how we hold it, and how we serve others with it.

“I had the pleasure of completing my Level 1 Reiki and Seichem with Sharon. There are no words to explain what a beautiful, empowering, healing and uplifting experience it was. In my opinion, Sharon is an amazing professional teacher, practitioner and facilitator who also brings a gentle, human and compassionate approach. I felt in very safe hands. The energy and healing over the 2 days was magic....and I'm going back for Level 2 soon. Can't wait 😁💫” Elaine Long

“I had such a positive experience with Sharon during my reiki session. The atmosphere and energy in the room was so calming. From start to finish Sharon gave me her undevided attention, all the information Sharon gave me was so relevant to my experience. I couldn't recommend her highly enough. And will make it my business to visit her again soon! An absolute lady” Maura O’Callaghan

“Blown away in the first 30 minutes of our session. Sharon was compassionate and kind. By tapping into my energy, she accessed another level I never knew existed. I will recommend to others and I will be back.” Ria Mannion

“Had an amazing experience doing the level 1 Reiki training, being around such beautiful souls made it all the more special, I concur with all the previous reviews that Sharon is a Great teacher, very welcoming, compassionate and her laugh is very infectious! Enjoyed every minute of it and would highly recommend, thanks again Sharon” Jason Coyne

“I recently attended Sharon's reiki level 1 training in Galway. Having had no experience with reiki before. I am so grateful to have attended this course with Sharon. From the very start we were met with a warm welcome from the lovely Sharon and made to feel totally at ease. Her deep knowledge, kindness and sense of fun creates a wonderful space to explore, learn, grow and connect. Having listened to her wonderful podcast, attended her course and recently joined her community I cannot help but feel inspired and empowered by all this lady has to teach and share. I'm excited and grateful to learn more!” Grainne McLaughlin

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner

Embracing Change & Creating Space for Growth

October always feels like an invitation to pause. As the leaves turn and fall, nature reminds us that letting go is not an ending - it’s part of making space for what comes next.

Change, whether we choose it or it arrives unexpectedly, often stirs up uncertainty. It can feel unsettling. But what if we saw change as a teacher, gently guiding us toward the next version of ourselves?

This month, as we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, I’ve been reflecting on how much our inner wellbeing depends on our ability to hold space for transition - to allow what is leaving to go, and to stay open to what might be arriving.

I invite you to take a quiet moment and ask yourself:

What changes are happening in my life right now - big or small?
Where am I being invited to let go?
What new growth might these shifts be creating space for?

Sometimes it’s just about softening into the process rather than pushing against it. Gratitude can be a beautiful anchor here - a daily practice of noticing even the smallest moments of light, reminding ourselves that there is always something steady to hold onto.

This season, let’s honour transition with gentleness. Let’s create room for new beginnings by releasing what we’ve outgrown. And let’s support one another, knowing that we are all moving through changes of our own, whether visible or unseen.

Enjoy a gentle 15-minute guided healing meditation to clear, cleanse, and release on all levels - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Breathing out letting go of anything that no longer serves you. Bathing the mind, body, and spirit in this divine white light. So relaxing and renewing.

My guests on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast last month are examples of how we all go through transitions in life - whether physically, mentally or emotionally. Save for later and listen in your own time.

Caroline Conroy - The Unseen World

Tracy Carroll - When Love Becomes Advocacy

Karen Kruger - How Cancer Changed My Life

Dr. Mary O’ Kane - Anxiety V’s Connection

October Offerings From Sharon Upcoming Events — Sharon Fitzmaurice

• Saturday 4th October – Reiki Refresher Morning (In-Person)
  → A gentle space to reconnect to your practice 

• 17th – 19th October – Weekend Retreat: Ancestral Healing

• → A sacred journey of release, healing, and honouring those who walked before us.

• Saturday 25th October – Group Reiki Healing & Meditation (In-Person, open to all)
  → Rest, receive, and recharge in the healing embrace of Reiki and guided stillness.

• Soulful Journeys Online Community Gatherings
  → Cultivating Gratitude & Sacred Stillness through Mindfulness – with Sharon.

• Our guest speaker for this month is fellow member Helena Enright who will talk about Burnout to Bliss - Reclaiming health, energy and purpose .

  In 2016, while navigating a crossroads in her personal and professional life, Limerick born, Helena discovered Systematic Kinesiology in Bristol. Fascinated by its ability to uncover the emotional roots of stress and support lasting change, she began a journey of learning and transformation that reshaped her own health, energy, and sense of purpose. Today, Helena is the founder of Infinite Wellbeing a Holistic Coach, Systematic Kinesiologist, and course leader for Kinesiology Zone Ireland’s Balanced Health programme. She offers heart-led, holistic experiences that blend Systematic Kinesiology, energy healing, and creative practices to help individuals reconnect with themselves, release what no longer serves them, and unlock their full potential.

  Our community is open to new members. Please visit https://sharonfitzmauricemindfulness.com/membership for more information.

Step into a space of connection, healing, and soulful support this October.

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Reawakening our Connection to the Unseen World

One of my favourite parts of hosting my podcast is sitting down with incredible guests who share their wisdom, stories, and insights about life’s deeper meaning. In my latest episode, I had the absolute joy of speaking with Caroline Conroy, a woman whose journey reminds us of the magic that happens when we reconnect with the unseen world – the realm of Spirit, the Divine, and our truest selves.

Caroline and I spoke about how, as children, we are naturally open to the world beyond the physical. We sense things others can’t see, we feel energies, we speak to loved ones who have passed. For Caroline, speaking with the “dead” was a daily part of her childhood, something as natural as breathing.

But as so many of us experience, the world gradually taught her to shut that part of herself down – to be “normal,” to fit in, to stop imagining or sensing what others could not.

This part of Caroline’s story deeply resonated with me because I, too, have been “seeing,” “hearing,” and “feeling” the energetic world since I was a child. Like Caroline, I learned to close that door for a time, to quiet what felt too big or too different. But when I began my own journey of spiritual development, I reawakened what I had once forgotten. I embraced the truth of being connected to everything – even the unseen. This connection is now a guiding light in my life, shaping how I see the world and supporting me in helping my clients awaken to their own inner wisdom and knowing.

Caroline eventually found her way back too – back to herself, back to Spirit, back to the unseen guidance that had always been with her. Through her healing journey and holistic practices, she reawakened her intuitive senses and began living in harmony with that deeper truth.

Today, she helps others do the same through Yoga Walks Ireland, guiding her clients to connect with nature through mindful movement, breathwork, and sensory awareness. As she beautifully shared, when we truly anchor ourselves in nature – hearing the wind, feeling the ground beneath our feet, breathing deeply – we don’t just calm our nervous systems, we open the door to the Divine.

This conversation was such a powerful reminder that:
✨ We are not separate from Spirit – we are part of it.
✨ Our intuition is always speaking – we just have to quiet the noise to hear it.
✨ Nature is one of our greatest teachers – showing us how to slow down, to listen, to reconnect.

If you’ve ever felt that whisper inside you, that longing to feel more connected to something greater, this episode is for you.

You can listen to my conversation with Caroline on The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host

Giving a Voice to the Unseen

This week on the podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Tracy Carroll, a woman whose strength, honesty, and love left me deeply moved.

With over 500,000 family carers in Ireland, Tracy is a leading voice for parents and carers of children with life-limiting disabilities. She is a passionate advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves - children who deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.

Tracy is Mum to two superheroes, Willow and Noah, and wife to John. Since Willow suffered a brain injury shortly after her birth in 2016, Tracy has been a full-time carer, devoting her life to her daughter’s needs. In our conversation, she opened up about the daily realities of caregiving - the exhaustion, the heartache, the endless appointments -but also the immense love and joy that fill her home.

Tracy’s story is not just one of courage and resilience, it is a call to action. We are all just one step away from becoming a carer ourselves - whether for a child, a parent, or a partner. If that day came for you, how would you want to be supported?

What struck me most in speaking with Tracy was her wisdom about grief — not grief in the loss of a person, but grief for the life you thought you and your child might have had. She spoke of how she has learned to hold space for that grief, while also finding peace in acceptance and celebrating her daughter for exactly who she is.

Her words resonated so deeply with me, as my own sister, Bonnie, was left physically and mentally disabled after contracting meningitis just three days after birth. She was the angel of our house, and my mother became her voice and her carer. Listening to Tracy brought me right back to those moments of watching my mother carry so much - the love, the fight, and the heartbreak of navigating a system that so often does not provide enough support.

Tracy’s story reminds us that carers are not just quietly coping in the background - they are holding families, and often entire lives, together. They need to be seen, heard, and supported by all of us.

I invite you to listen to this powerful episode, to sit with Tracy’s words, and to reflect on how we as a society can do better. Carers like Tracy should not have to shout to be heard - but until they are given the resources, respect, and recognition they deserve, voices like hers are essential.

This conversation is one that will stay with me, and I hope it stays with you too.

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Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Podcast Host