Reflections on My Humans of Purpose Podcast

Last week, I had the privilege of joining Melanie Greblo on her Humans of Purpose podcast to share the story behind Women’s Healing Sanctuary and to speak about my soon-to-be-released book, Finding Tomorrow, which chronicles my journey through the loss of my son, Ryan.

Women’s Healing Sanctuary: Born from Loss, Built on Compassion

My journey to founding Women’s Healing Sanctuary began in the depths of personal tragedy. After my son Ryan died in a car accident, I found myself lost in grief, unsure how to move forward or even function as ‘normal’ again. My close friend and co-founder of Women’s Healing Sanctuary, Janine Hanna, witnessed my struggle and encouraged me to take some time to step away from it all and retreat to a women’s sanctuary in New Zealand to just pause, rest, and allow myself to really ‘be’ with my son. That experience was transformative. It allowed me to honour my pain, find room for it in my life, and begin to rebuild.

This healing journey inspired me to create a sanctuary where other women could experience the same kind of support and transformation. At Women’s Healing Sanctuary, we offer retreat-style therapeutic spaces for women facing life’s most challenging seasons—grief, trauma, exhaustion, and the overwhelming pace of modern life.

The Power of Community and Shared Stories

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned through this work, and one I discussed with Melanie, is the strength that emerges when women come together in a safe, supportive space. Many women arrive at the Sanctuary believing they want to be alone, to process their pain in solitude. But something beautiful happens when they begin to share their stories:

“Many women come thinking they want to be on their own, but they eventually join with the other women, and when they find the similarities in their stories, it’s incredibly empowering.”

This sense of community and shared experience is at the heart of what we do. When women realise they are not alone in their struggles, it unlocks deep insight and lasting change. Women’s Healing Sanctuary becomes a place not just for individual healing, but for collective empowerment.

Honouring Grief, Embracing Transformation

My upcoming book, Finding Tomorrow, is an intimate exploration of loss, healing, and the ongoing relationship I have with Ryan. Writing it has been both painful and cathartic; a way to give voice to my grief and, I hope, to offer comfort and solidarity to others walking a similar path.

At Women’s Healing Sanctuary, we honour the need to slow down, to step away from the relentless demands of productivity, and to simply be with ourselves and each other. It’s in these quiet moments that profound transformation becomes possible.

A Sanctuary for Every Woman

If you or someone you know is navigating grief, trauma, or exhaustion, I invite you to consider the healing power of retreat and community. At Women’s Healing Sanctuary, we believe that every woman deserves a place to rest, reflect, and reconnect with her own strength.

Thank you to Melanie Greblo and Humans of Purpose for the opportunity to share this story. I look forward to sharing Finding Tomorrow with you all soon.

Warmest regards

Sharalyn Drayton

For more about Women’s Healing Sanctuary, our retreats, and upcoming events, please visit our website or connect with us on social media.

Listen to the Podcast:

To hear the full conversation and learn more about my journey, Women’s Healing Sanctuary, and Finding Tomorrow, listen to my episode on Humans of Purpose here.