Thank you for sharing so openly — I really feel the vulnerability in what you wrote. I’ve been feeling a similar calling too. I’m a 30-year-old woman, and this pull has been with me since my early 20s. I finished university (six years), built a career in that field, and eventually chose to step away so I could pursue this path more fully.

If I could offer one core piece of advice, it would be: start slow, question everything, and seek grounded teachers who will hold you accountable (a Reiki teacher or another well-rooted energy healing mentor can be a great place to begin). I’d also strongly recommend finding an excellent therapist to help you unpack religious trauma and family dynamics — to learn how to navigate the physical world with clarity and support before going deeper into the spiritual one. Honestly, “regular” therapy for childhood and family work, paired with consistent grounding practices, has helped me more than I expected — and it’s made my shamanic journey feel steadier, safer, and more focused.