Clarity in the Chaos: Why I Keep Going
Last week was one of those weeks that feels like a month packed into a few days—stretching me emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. But it also reminded me, deeply, of why I do what I do.
A week ago, I returned from Santa Barbara, where I had the honor of participating in the inaugural meeting of the Global Leadership Council—a powerhouse group of six founding members in the health, wellness, and beauty space. I’m humbled to be one of them. The experience was beautifully facilitated, and we were lucky enough to be hosted at the Rosewood Montecito, which may now top my list of favorite hotels.
There was something truly magical about that place. Beyond the gorgeous lawn that stretches across the back of the property, trains cross throughout the day, adding a nostalgic pulse to the serene environment. What made it especially enchanting was the velvet rope attended by valets—yes, valets—who would stop and guide you across the tracks to a beach bar and the beach house rooms perched right over the ocean. It felt like something out of a dream. The spa wasn’t overly luxurious, but the services were impeccable. Their massage tables and linens? The same ones we’ve used at Heights for years. It felt like a little nod from the universe.
Our time together as a council was rich with conversations about the future—challenges in our industries, opportunities ahead, technology, artificial intelligence, and the shifting consumer expectations. I left full of ideas, grounded by the connection, and inspired by the caliber of people in the room.
Back in Texas, I took one rest day and then dove straight into a full schedule—team one-on-ones, leadership meetings, and strategic planning sessions centered around our evolution from Massage Heights to Heights Wellness Retreat. By midweek, we were deep in our EOS Quarterly Planning, and let’s just say—it got real. The kind of real that ends in some tears, reflection, and a whole lot of heart. It’s in those moments—when it’s hard and human and raw—that I remember how lucky I am to lead a team that shows up fully.
That day didn’t end there. I jumped into a long evening meeting with our construction build partners, who are helping us bring our first Heights Wellness Retreats to life. By the time I wrapped my final meeting—after an emotionally charged day—I felt drained and, honestly, a bit like a failure. I went to bed in tears, questioning everything. And yet, the next morning, I showed up again. That’s what we do.
The week didn’t let up—traveling between San Antonio and Dallas, trying to be present with both my team and my daughter. I was tired. Not just physically, but emotionally, too. And still, today—Easter—I was reminded of everything I have to be grateful for.
I spent the day surrounded by my girls, their friends, their boyfriends, and my beautiful mama. It was a moment of joy, of stillness in the middle of the storm. I’m reminded often that the pressure, while heavy, is what builds strength. And still, damn, sometimes it’s just hard.
There are days I wonder why I chose to start again. But I know why—I started with a new perspective, a renewed mission. We're building something with real purpose. I’m building a brand to help franchisees thrive, to bring more profitability, clarity, and value into their lives. And I believe, now more than ever, that our Heights Wellness Retreats will change lives.
The truth, though? My deepest motivation started when my youngest daughter began experiencing mysterious health challenges. We’ve been told she may have CMT, a neuromuscular disease, but even after full genome sequencing, we’ve found no match in the known genes. Her symptoms are real. Her struggles are daily. And our search for answers continues. We work constantly to preserve her muscle, her balance, her strength. Watching her navigate this has changed me.
It’s made me obsessed with understanding the future of wellness. I believe that food is medicine. That the body whispers when it needs something—and screams when it’s ignored. I believe there’s power in personalized health, in rituals, in prevention, and in listening to what the body is asking for.
So yes, this week was full. It was heavy. But it also brought clarity. I know my purpose more than ever. I’m doing this for her. For my girls. For every woman trying to live her best life in the midst of pain, confusion, and invisible battles. I’m doing it to create something bigger than myself—something that can elevate, inspire, and heal.
I’m walking this path with love, fire, and a whole lot of faith. And I’m not stopping anytime soon.
Enjoy your journey,
Shane
Want to know more about me? Visit shaneevans.me. Thinking about owning a Heights Wellness Retreat? Start at heightswellnessretreatfranchise.com.
