In this special two-part conversation on The Samurai Way Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie Vieira, an author, certified Ikigai life coach, speaker, and trauma survivor, to explore her powerful journey from trauma and survival to healing, gratitude, joy, and purpose. Stephanie shares her story of growing up with abuse, experiencing coaching abuse as a young competitive swimmer, and eventually beginning the difficult but transformative journey of healing through recovery, therapy, shadow work, and mindfulness. At a turning point in her life, Stephanie asked the universe for guidance. The answer was gratitude. That discovery became a doorway to something deeper: Ikigai. Together, we explore Ikigai beyond the Western Venn diagram and career-focused formula. Stephanie shares how reconnecting with the things she loved as a child helped her rediscover parts of herself that had been buried by trauma, and how small moments of joy can become meaningful reasons to engage with life. We also talk about something many of us can relate to: losing our identity in our careers. After more than two decades in hospitality, Stephanie realized she had become defined by her job title. Today, she helps others discover that their career does not define them. Who you are goes much deeper than what you do. And perhaps one of the most powerful lessons from our conversation is that gratitude does not mean ignoring pain. Pain and gratitude can coexist. Stephanie explains how her past is part of her story, but it doesn't have to be part of her present. By practicing mindfulness, noticing the small things, and reconnecting with what brings us joy, we can begin moving from survival toward a life of greater meaning and purpose. This is a conversation about healing, resilience, gratitude, identity, and Ikigai. If you've ever felt lost, defined by your career, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of your purpose, Stephanie's story offers a beautiful reminder: You can heal. You can rediscover yourself. And you can find joy again. Join us for both episodes of The Samurai Way Podcast as Stephanie and I explore the journey from trauma to healing, from survival to gratitude, and from gratitude to Ikigai. Connect with Stephanie: Website: https://www.coachstephnewpaths.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-vieira-ikigainewpaths/... Book: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Gratitude-Practices-Rebuild-Neurodivergent-Friendly/dp/B0G3M6LQR6 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
