In Episode 101 of The Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC shares the personal story behind his path into chiropractic and the experiences that shaped both his life and his approach to care.

Dr. Steve reflects on the challenges he faced early on, including being born prematurely and growing up with speech and learning difficulties. Those early experiences affected how he saw himself for many years, often leaving him questioning his abilities. Rather than holding him back, those struggles eventually became a driving force—building empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of what it means to heal.

The conversation traces the key moments and people who helped Dr. Steve recognize his potential and reconsider the story he had been telling himself. He talks openly about the role of encouragement, mentorship, and self-acceptance in changing direction—not just professionally, but personally. These moments ultimately led him to chiropractic and reshaped how he views limitations, both in himself and in others.

Dr. Steve also walks listeners through his time in chiropractic school, including the surprises, self-doubt, and philosophical shifts that came with it. He discusses how early expectations around technique and adjusting evolved into a broader understanding of care—one that includes behavior, patterns, and the way people live their lives. A memorable story from his early career highlights the importance of guidance and timing, and how seemingly small moments can leave a lasting impact.

As the episode unfolds, Dr. Steve explains how his practice grew from a focus on adjustments alone into a more comprehensive approach that includes behavioral awareness and coaching. His own health experiences played a major role in that shift, sharpening his ability to read the body and recognize patterns without relying solely on imaging. The result is a conversation about resilience, growth, and the value of listening—both to the body and to life’s lessons.

1. Early health challenges can shape empathy and purpose later in life
2. Encouragement and mentorship play a critical role in overcoming self-doubt
3. Chiropractic education often challenges assumptions about healing and care
4. Personal experiences influence how practitioners connect with and support patients
5. Moving from adjusting to coaching can expand impact and understanding
6. Learning to read the body’s signals builds deeper awareness and trust

This episode is available in its entirety to all podcast subscribers.

In this first episode of The Adjusting Your Life Podcast, Dr. Stephen M. Ward, DC talks about why having a sense of purpose matters more than most people realize. Purpose isn’t just a big idea or a long-term goal—it’s what guides your decisions, shapes your habits, and influences how you respond to everyday stress. Without it, life can start to feel reactive or directionless.

The conversation explores how purpose often develops early in life and how family dynamics and generational patterns influence the way we see ourselves. Dr. Steve discusses how parents, often without realizing it, pass along beliefs about self-worth and identity. One of the key themes in this episode is that self-love isn’t something taught through words alone—it’s modeled through behavior. When parents struggle to value themselves, that message can quietly carry forward.

Dr. Steve also shares practical ways to start identifying your own “why,” especially for listeners who feel disconnected from a sense of direction. Rather than focusing on surface-level goals, he encourages looking at personal experiences, recurring patterns, and meaningful moments that reveal what truly matters. A clear sense of purpose, he explains, becomes an anchor during times of stress, change, and uncertainty.

1. Purpose influences daily choices, not just long-term goals
2. Knowing your “why” helps you stay grounded during change
3. Family and generational patterns shape self-worth and direction
4. Self-love is learned through example, not just affirmation
5. Small wins build momentum and clarity over time

1. Ward Chiropractic
2. Chiroman — https://chiroman.com
3. The Adjusting Your Life Podcast — https://adjustingyourlifepodcast.com

Adjusting Your Life is a weekly health and wellness podcast hosted by Dr. Stephen Ward, DC, a chiropractor with over 30 years of clinical experience. Each episode explores the powerful connection between spinal curvature, nervous system function, disease patterns, and mental and emotional behaviors—along with the influence of behavioral scripts passed down from one generation to the next. Designed for listeners seeking practical insight and lasting change, the show bridges chiropractic care, nervous system health, and generational wellness to help you make meaningful adjustments that improve your life from the inside out.