This episode of Proof of Life explores what it really means to find your purpose in life, especially when you feel stuck or unsure about your direction. Laura Hoy speaks with writer and advocate Gillian Kirkwood about the moments that shift us, the fears we carry into new chapters, and the unexpected experiences that lead us toward a deeper sense of meaning.

Gillian shares how her own journey into motherhood changed everything she thought she knew about purpose. A single recommendation from a friend led her to hypnobirthing, which transformed her birth experience and opened a path she never expected. That experience became the start of a mission to change how we talk about childbirth, women’s stories, and personal growth.

Together, Laura and Gillian talk about:

• What finding your purpose actually looks like when life does not go to plan
• How fear, uncertainty and major life events can spark long term change
• Why ordinary stories often carry the most truth
• What ikigai means and how it can help you understand your direction
• How creativity and storytelling help us make sense of our lives
• Why women often downplay their own experiences and how to break that pattern

If you have ever felt lost, unfulfilled, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will help you see your story with fresh eyes. Purpose does not always arrive in one big moment. Sometimes it appears in small decisions, quiet shifts, and the things you cannot stop thinking about.

Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who feels stuck. It might give them the proof they need that their story matters.