Awakening on Purpose by Stephanie Hrehirchuk (Review by Shelley Jomaa)

Rating: 4.5 Stars

This is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by this author. Although her first book is mentioned in this one, each can stand on its own.

In Awakening on Purpose, we follow the author as she embarks on a spiritual journey in search of her purpose. She experiences close connections with Nature in her own neighbourhood, as well as in the mountains of California, the sacred Red Rocks of Sedona, and the beaches of Hawaii. Her writing is raw and authentic as she shares her fears and struggles along the way.

As part of her journey, the author begins to learn about the healing properties of herbs, and becomes consumed with creating herbal products to heal herself and others. She creates a business selling these products until her heart literally tells her to stop, and she carries on with the search.

Next we hear about her calling to write. After the closure of her business, she was not sure how she could manage financially to enroll in a writing course. Yet, the call to write was so strong she refers to it as a noose around her neck pulling her in if she tried to stop. By turning inward and seeking divine guidance, she finds the answers and support she is seeking.

I love so many things about this book, in particular the deep connection to Nature, and the guidance available through this connection. The story of a butterfly guiding her to a safe place for practicing outdoor yoga left me in awe, and her heartbreak over damage to the land left me in tears. I love her willingness to be vulnerable by sharing such personal and emotional experiences with Nature.

As with the previous book, I loved her writing style. The chapters are short, making the book quick and easy to read, and I loved the organized structure. My favourite part is that each chapter ended with a short poem, capturing the spirit and emotion of each chapter. Anyone who appreciates a good memoir, poetry, and spirituality will enjoy Awakening on Purpose.