Turn pain into purpose with shared journeys

After his retinal diagnosis, Mark felt adrift—like the darkness inside him had no outlet. Then one afternoon, he stopped by the vision-loss support centre and offered to stack chairs for an event. The moment he greeted someone who’d just lost their sight, Mark’s gloom shifted. Their shared laughs over crumpled braille labels and weird eye-drop schedules brought unexpected relief.

Mark spent that evening talking with new friends who’d walked his path. A week later, he joined their volunteer team, hosting city tours of historic murals for low-vision guests. Each time he led someone safely past curbs and through alleys, a sense of purpose bloomed in him. His own fear of darkness thinned, replaced by a glow of solidarity.

Social psychology calls this “helper’s high”—altruism spurs endorphins, reducing stress and building meaning. When you convert personal pain into service, you gain a deeper purpose and a community that carries you. Shared journeys bridge the gap between isolation and belonging.

Pick one struggle you’ve overcome—illness, bureaucracy, or loss—and find a local charity or support group serving that community. Volunteer just one hour: welcome participants, answer calls, or sort supplies. Notice how listening and helping shifts your own perspective. Afterward, jot down three moments that touched you. Let that purpose fuel your healing journey. Give it a try this week.