From Grief to Purpose – A Mother’s Awakening Journey Through Loss and Advocacy
When grief arrives, it doesn’t ask if you’re ready. It simply breaks you open. And for some, like Julie Cini, it becomes the doorway to something far deeper—purpose, healing, and a connection to something greater than we can see.
In this special episode of Spiritual Awakening with Shaz, I had the honour of speaking with my cousin, Julie. Her story is one that no mother ever expects to live: the loss of not one, but two daughters to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). What followed was a journey through unimaginable grief, and yet also one of profound spiritual awakening and transformation.
A Mother’s Love, A Soul’s Journey
Julie shared the early signs, the challenges, and the moments that cracked her open. Losing her daughters changed everything—but it also revealed her strength. In the stillness of loss, she began to feel their presence in ways that words can barely explain. Dreams, signs, and soul whispers became her new connection to them.
Through the pain, she awakened to something deeper. She realised that her daughters hadn’t just left—they had gifted her a mission. And so began her advocacy work in the rare disease space.
A Mother’s Awakening Through Grief
Julie’s spiritual journey wasn’t about bypassing the pain. It was about sitting with it, learning from it, and letting it teach her how to live again. As she shared in our conversation, it was grief that became her teacher, her guide, and ultimately her catalyst for spiritual growth.
She began asking new questions:
- What am I here to do now?
- How can I honour my daughters through action?
- What would healing look like if it included both sorrow and strength?
These questions led her to found Advocacy Beyond Borders, a global movement supporting rare disease families, creating awareness, and fighting for policy change.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
What stood out most in our conversation was Julie’s ability to turn deep pain into meaningful purpose. She didn’t shy away from the hard truths, but she didn’t let them define her either.
From lobbying for newborn screening to creating international support networks, Julie’s advocacy is saving lives. And all of it comes from the love she still holds for her girls.
Julie’s Book – Leaving Life Legacies
Julie’s journey has also been captured in her heartfelt book, Leaving Life Legacies. In it, she shares the intimate moments of love, loss, and healing that shaped her path, along with practical wisdom for others facing grief and hardship. The book serves as a guide and a tribute—a message of hope for anyone learning to navigate life after unimaginable loss. Through her words, Julie continues to inspire and empower others to leave meaningful legacies of their own.
Healing Isn’t Linear
Julie reminded us that healing isn’t a straight line. It’s messy, emotional, and often deeply spiritual. She spoke about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and learning to say no without guilt.
She continues to feel her daughters around her, guiding her steps, supporting her mission. In every part of her journey, they are with her—and through her, their legacy continues.
A Mother’s Message for Anyone Grieving
If you’re navigating deep loss or trying to find your purpose in the wake of pain, Julie’s story is a beacon. It doesn’t offer easy answers, but it offers something far more valuable: hope. The kind of hope that says you are not alone. That it’s okay to fall apart. And that you are capable of rising again.
Tune In Now
This conversation is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Whether you’re in the depths of grief, moving through a spiritual awakening, or simply curious about what it means to find light in the dark, this episode is for you.
Julie’s story is a testament to the power of the human spirit—and a reminder that from the deepest pain, the most beautiful purpose can be born.
Listen now and share with someone who needs it.
