Have you ever found yourself trapped in a situation so stressful that it felt like there was no way out? Picture this: a family road trip designed to create memories takes a turn for the worse when our son Zach gets locked in a bathroom with a malfunctioning lock. With a lit candle adding a dangerous twist, our panic rose as we struggled to free him, ultimately needing the help of firefighters. 

By examining these experiences, we uncover how our most challenging moments can drive growth and offer practical strategies for navigating caregiving and grief with resilience and compassion. Listen in for inspiration and actionable advice that will resonate deeply with anyone walking the path of care and healing.

For a visual of the crew that helped us get Zach out, visit www.lisamcfarland.com/the-z-suite/

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

What if the instinct to run away when life gets tough could actually teach us something profound? Join me, Lisa, as I unravel the concept of the "Inclination to Bolt," a powerful idea from Geneen Roth that has helped me navigate some of life's toughest challenges.

Drawing from my personal life, I open up about the daily challenges of caring for my 25-year-old son, Zach, who depends on a feeding tube and will never leave the nest. Parenting Zach has been both a gift and a Herculean task, filled with moments of overwhelming frustration and incredible insights. This episode is a raw reminder that we're not alone in our struggles, and that our scars are indeed medals of love if we decide that they are.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Have you ever felt a surge of emotion so powerful that it brought you to tears and connected you to strangers? That's the unexpected journey we undertook on April 8, 2024, during the total eclipse – an event that became a profound emotional touchstone. In our latest podcast episode, we unwrap the layers of this shared celestial experience and how it can unexpectedly strip us of the barriers we build around our lives. 

Yet, the eclipse serves only as a backdrop to a deeper reflection on how we cultivate joy and connection in our everyday lives. We probe the idea that our most content moments are born from an internal wellspring, rather than the external world, and how recognizing this can craft a life of fulfillment and less dependence on external validation. I discuss the shifting societal attitudes towards gratitude and abundance, and the need for fostering inclusivity and gratefulness to forge a more harmonious society. With no guest to guide us, this episode is an intimate conversation about our ability to support one another and contribute to a world that's more connected at its core.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

When my son Zach confuses "down" for "up" or points to his elbow when his knee hurts, it's not just a quirk—it's a window into the intricate world of emotional communication. 

Our latest episode embraces the tender, sometimes perplexing journey of connecting with the heart of what it means to truly communicate.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

As Zachary's 25th birthday nears, I am honored to share how his journey through serious health trials and countless medical procedures has been marked by an unwavering zeal for life. His uninhibited dance at a University of Maryland basketball game is more than just a spontaneous act; it is a testament to living authentically, undeterred by comparison, and an invitation for us all to savor the present with the same zest.

CLICK HERE for corresponding video of Zach’s dance!

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Join this episode as I recount a story of Zach and Alexis, two siblings united in narrative though separated by fate,.  It's a poignant reminder to embrace the present moment, practice gratitude, and commit to a journey of love that transcends our understanding, inviting us all to cultivate a life rich with compassion and connection.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Have you ever found yourself shouting into a phone, desperate for a human response, only to be met with unending robotic menus? Picture the frustration that crept into my day when I lost my son Zach's feeding pump during travel, and the ensuing battle with an impersonal customer service system. That's the springboard for our latest episode, where we unravel the threads of systematic dehumanization that are becoming entwined in the fabric of our society. We explore the emotional toll of our increasingly automated world and share insights on how to reclaim the human connections we're at risk of losing.

Pull up a chair and join us for a heart-to-heart on the critical role empathy plays in our day-to-day lives. We've all been there—caught in the snarl of inefficient service or feeling unseen by the world rushing around us. But through personal anecdotes and engaging conversation, we lay out actionable steps for cultivating deeper, more intentional relationships. It's about acknowledging our collective impatience and leaning into empathetic exchanges that remind us of our shared humanity.

Our conversation comes full circle as we delve into the art of finding common ground through communication. It's not just about making small talk; it's about those moments of connection that sow the seeds of a stronger community. We share strategies for enhancing these interactions, whether they be over the phone or in-person, with simple yet profound gestures like using someone's name. As the episode winds down, we leave listeners with a gentle reminder of the power of staying present and the beauty of expressing gratitude for the ties that bind us all. Join us on this journey towards a more connected and compassionate world.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Tis the season for giving, and nothing brings more joy than the act of generosity itself. Let's make a pact to shift our focus from the usual holiday frenzy to contemplate the less fortunate and find our unique ways of extending a helping hand. 

I'll be taking you along my personal journey of little acts of giving that have brought immense fulfillment. Inspired by the touching words from the Isha Foundation, we'll uncover how to give without draining our empathic selves. So, ready to make this season truly festive by spreading some warmth?

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Picture this: Your child is seeking your attention, yearning for the magic that unfolds when you’re fully present. In our latest heartfelt episode of the Healing Path podcast, we journey through a transformative experience where I chose to be 'be here now' with my son, Zach, leading to a beautiful unexpected bonding moment. It was a bedtime story miracle, an embodiment of the power of presence.

Being a mother to a special needs child comes with its own unique challenges. We'll navigate through one of my personal struggles and how consciously hitting pause, instead of reacting, opened up a space for joy and gratitude. We'll also focus on the importance of recognizing when we're on the verge of losing control and how to reroute our path mindfully. I invite you to join us in this compassionate space, as we wear our scars proudly, celebrating them as medals of love. The magic lies in showing up fully in each moment, and the transformation that follows. Let's explore this together.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.