Samphire Hayes has travelled a remarkable path shaped by resilience, self-discovery, and healing. Once held back by chronic pain and invisible illness, she now draws on her journey to support others seeking transformation.
In this personal story, Samphire shares the challenges she faced, the turning points that reshaped her outlook, and how embracing a natural lifestyle changed her life.
Living behind the smile: my journey through chronic pain, isolation, and silent strength
About seven years ago, I found myself overwhelmed by pain, loneliness, and despair, which is when I decided to get a mobility scooter. Walking had become a real challenge for me, and I was missing out on precious moments taking my kids out for fun adventures.
While their dad took on the active parent role, I was left at home feeling frustrated and down. The persistent discomfort in my body wasn’t just affecting my daily life; it was also keeping me from being the mum I wanted to be.
After receiving a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease, I felt like I had been dealt a tough hand, especially when the doctors said I would face a lifetime of pain. But instead of letting that define me, I looked for ways to take charge of my life.
Every day felt like I was serving a sentence. I’d wake up to the delightful greeting of pain, ready to challenge me right from the start. Even the simplest tasks, like going to the bathroom or attempting a shower, turned into mammoth tasks. But I kept pushing through, getting my kids ready and getting them off to school, all while trying to mask my struggles.
The school playground felt like a battlefield for my emotions as other parents chatted so freely. I dodged eye contact, worried that a friendly chat would keep me standing longer than I could manage. I really wanted to engage with the other school mums and create some great friendships, but retreating to my cosy bubble felt like the safest option. So, I kept my head down, engaging only when absolutely necessary.
At home, I found myself spending endless hours on the sofa, trying to find comfort in the television as a way to escape my reality. Yet, the pain never left, and guilt weighed heavily on me as I often had to send my children off to occupy themselves with screens because I couldn’t muster the energy to play with them.
My sadness deepened, worsened by the chaotic environment in our house, which sparked conflicts with my husband, who struggled to grasp the magnitude of my suffering. To everyone else, I seemed perfectly fine, carefully hiding the invisible struggle I faced daily.
A frustrating fight for answers: battling chronic pain and a broken system
In search of relief, I set out on a quest for answers. I tried various medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, and strong pain relievers. I reached out to physiotherapists, rheumatologists, and neurosurgeons, but their attempts didn’t bring the desired results.
As I navigated the healthcare system, I became increasingly frustrated with the lack of communication among my doctors and their approach to my care. The relentless struggle with chronic pain took a toll on me, leading to a deep sense of disillusionment with the medical field.
How mindfulness sparked my healing
Refusing to accept the idea of enduring this challenge for life, I sought a spark of hope in the shadows. Beginning sessions with a kind counsellor and openly sharing my experiences turned out to be a positive step forward, allowing me to explore the principles of mindfulness.
One evening, during my children’s bedtime routine, the pain overwhelmed me. Collapsing on the floor in tears, I found solace in an unexpected source of support. My three-year-old son had absorbed the mindfulness techniques we had learned together and urged me to focus on my breath, guiding me through deep inhalations and exhalations. In that moment, I realised the immense power of mindfulness and the breath. His reminder to breathe became the catalyst for my journey to recovery.
Motivated by the influence of mindfulness and breath awareness, I started to emphasise its practice in my daily routine. Over time, I took to the outdoors for brief strolls in nearby meadows, letting the tranquillity of nature nurture my spirit. Although I was initially hesitant due to concerns about flare-ups, I moved forward gradually, step by step.
From chronic pain to purpose: reclaiming my body and identity through holistic healing
Wanting to share the healing essence of therapy, I chose to pursue training as a counsellor, inspired by my own journey. The process of becoming a counsellor was life-changing, revealing to me that my identity had become intertwined with my suffering, which had hindered my ability to extend compassion to myself and others. Through this training, I cultivated empathy and learned to leverage my own challenges to assist those facing similar experiences.
In my quest for improved well-being, I explored the concept of evolutionary health. Working with renowned natural lifestyle coach Tony Riddle, I participated in natural movement sessions and made changes like walking barefoot and opting for floor seating over traditional sofas.
While these shifts were initially difficult, they yielded unexpected benefits: my hips relaxed, my lower back pain lessened, and within months, I could take longer walks and even start running again.
Immersing myself in nature and introducing cold water therapy into my routine further enhanced my physical and mental health. Embracing Tony’s principle of “Playing with the edges of discomfort” helped me overcome fears and move beyond the barriers I had set for myself.
I also investigated how nutrition affects pain and inflammation, making dietary adjustments that minimise flare-ups. Remarkably, just under a year after changing to ground sitting, I completed the London Marathon.
Reflections on my life reclaimed
Reflecting on my journey now feels almost miraculous, and the transformation has astonished my friends and family. I have since trained to become a natural lifestyle coach, blending counselling, mindfulness, nutrition, nature therapy, breathwork, and movement to assist others in their own journeys toward thriving.
I truly believe that healing involves both the body and mind, and by addressing both areas, we can unlock our true potential. Living a chair-free life and fully embracing natural living has not only enhanced my physical health but has also freed me from the confines of chronic pain and its effects on my mental well-being.
Today, I support and guide others, empowering them to take the steps they feel ready for and to realise their potential. I understand my approach might not resonate with everyone and may seem unconventional in social contexts. Yet, I share my story as one who once relied on crutches and a mobility scooter; I now walk marathons thanks to these lifestyle changes.
Even the smallest steps can lead to extraordinary transformations, and a life previously overshadowed by pain and misery can be revitalised with freedom and joy. Through embracing a natural way of living and maintaining unwavering determination, I have risen above the constraints of chronic pain.
Now, I lead a purpose-driven life, sharing my experiences, knowledge, and empathy to help others embark on their own journeys of transformation. My story serves as a testament that even in the darkest times, hope exists, and a future brimming with possibilities can be reclaimed.
You can find out more about Samphire Hayes and her work by following her on Instagram @wildsamfire.
If you’ve ever felt isolated, overwhelmed, or limited by chronic pain, Samphire’s story may resonate with you. Can you relate to her journey? Have you faced similar struggles or found healing in unexpected ways? Let us know in the comments box, on social media or contact us to share your own personal story.