What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we carry—and the ways we learn to move through it—can define who we become. We asked community members from a broad array of industries to reflect on their defining wounds and have shared the responses below.

Heidi Johnson

Losing my mom was, without question, the defining wound of my life. Grief has a way of hollowing you out. It changes everything you thought you knew about love, purpose, and what matters most. When she died, I felt untethered, as if the world had lost its color. But what I didn’t realize then was that heartbreak can also be a doorway. Read more>>

Kenneth McCoy

I had a scheduled meeting with a very busy client that I had wanted to reconnect with for more business and a proposal. Unfortunately, my wife had became very ill and was hospitalized. This concern caused us cancel a 5 day vacation to the coast and caused major stress and worry for my and our kids. I missed my business appointment. Read more>>

Lex Koettig

I clearly see three defining wounds. Betrayal. Abandonment. Mistrust. I cannot sufficiently put into words how deep these wounds rooted themselves within me. For many years it felt like I would never stop their ripple effect into my life. Moments would surface – what people refer to as being triggered – when I couldn’t see through the web of their delusion. Zero visibility. Read more>>