From Trauma to Triumph: Sarah May on Healing, Forgiveness, and Life in a Van

"What felt like the darkest night became the beginning of something brand new." — Sarah May

In this inspiring episode of Uncorking a Story, host Mike Carlon speaks with yoga instructor, Reiki healer, and debut memoirist Sarah May about her transformative journey through heartbreak, healing, and radical reinvention. From living in a van with her husband to exploring plant medicine and energy work, Sarah shares how writing her memoir She Journeys helped her process trauma, rediscover herself, and ultimately forgive. This episode is a powerful reminder that healing is nonlinear—and always possible.

Sarah May’s writing journey began with daily journaling inspired by her mother, an author. Her memoir She Journeys chronicles her first marriage, divorce, and the healing road trip that followed. Living in a van full-time became a lifestyle of freedom, minimalism, and deep personal growth. Writing for herself—not an audience—allowed Sarah to be radically vulnerable and honest. Reiki and plant medicine played key roles in her emotional and somatic healing. Forgiveness, like grief, is not a one-time act but a continual process of release and compassion. Sarah’s story offers hope to anyone rebuilding after loss, trauma, or heartbreak.

Buy She Journeys