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.