Write Your Best Chapter

From the time we are born until the moment we die, our life is just simply a series of stories. When you focus on what matters most, those stories get to be more magical and you live a life of high definition. Instead of waking up every day focusing on all that can go wrong, let me help guide you to pivot and shift toward gratitude and focus on what is going right in your life: No matter if you are well or not. Today, this very moment, and also the day you face a serious illness. As a palliative care physician and a life coach, let me help guide you manage your mind when the overwhelm and inner chatter fools you in thinking all cards are stacked up against you. You have this one precious life: Let me help you live it fully and intentionally.

"Transformational Woman" 04/12/2024

"Healing your Trauma for Authentic Parenting" 04/01/2024

"Living a Wealthy Life" 03/15/2024

"Parenting with Hope and Ease" 03/08/2024

"Medicine and Marriage" 03/02/2024

"Get to Do List" 02/27/2024

"The Weight of the World" 10/13/2023

"When The Grief Doesn't Move" 10/06/2023

"When The Grief Doesn't Move" Wait, it's been FOUR months since my LAST podcast? So much has happened, yet, I still want to keep going. This week's message is a big one. You have deal with your pent up emotions, because you can't move on. This episode should help you a little. Here is why accepting grief is valuable. In thie episode I will share THREE steps to accepting what we resist. Acceptance is a crucial aspect of dealing with grief because it plays a fundamental role in the healing process. Grief is a natural response to loss, and accepting the reality of that loss is a significant step towards moving forward and finding a way to live with the pain. Here are some reasons why acceptance is important in dealing with grief: Facilitates emotional processing: Acceptance allows individuals to acknowledge and express their feelings about the loss. This emotional processing is essential for understanding the depth of the grief and working through it. Paves the way for healing: Acceptance is a bridge between the initial shock and the eventual healing. It is through acceptance that people can begin to adapt to their new reality and start to rebuild their lives. Reduces emotional resistance: Resisting or denying the reality of the loss can prolong the grieving process and intensify emotional pain. Acceptance helps to reduce this resistance, making it easier to cope with the emotions that accompany grief. Promotes self-compassion: Accepting the pain of grief allows individuals to be kinder to themselves. It's common for people to feel guilty or blame themselves for their emotions during this time, but acceptance helps them recognize that their feelings are normal and valid. Encourages seeking support: When individuals accept their grief, they are more likely to reach out for support from friends, family, or professionals. This support can provide comfort and guidance as they navigate the grieving process. Fosters personal growth: Grief can be a transformative experience. Accepting the loss and the associated emotions can lead to personal growth, increased resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself. Improves mental health: Prolonged denial or avoidance of grief can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Acceptance is a crucial step in preventing or alleviating these conditions. Enhances relationships: Acceptance of grief can help individuals communicate their needs and emotions to others effectively. This can strengthen relationships and create a support network that helps in the healing process. Allows for meaning-making: Acceptance can enable individuals to find meaning and purpose in their grief. It can lead to a search for ways to honor the memory of the lost loved one or contribute to a cause related to the loss. Promotes long-term well-being: While grief never fully goes away, acceptance allows individuals to integrate the loss into their lives in a way that enables them to move forward with a sense of purpose and hope, ultimately leading to long-term well-being. /episode/index/show/writeyourlastchapter/id/28242533

"Why Me?" 06/09/2023

"Why Me?" When you find yourself thinking "why me?" and experiencing negative thoughts or emotions, it's important to manage your mind and shift your perspective. Here are some strategies that can help: Recognize and accept your emotions: It's normal to feel frustrated, upset, or overwhelmed when faced with challenging situations. Allow yourself to acknowledge and accept these emotions without judgment. It's okay to feel what you're feeling. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Instead of being self-critical, offer yourself words of encouragement and support. Remind yourself that everyone faces difficulties at times, and it's not a reflection of your worth or capabilities. Challenge negative thoughts: Question the validity of your "why me?" thoughts. Understand that life is full of ups and downs, and unfortunate events can happen to anyone. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support the belief that you are singled out for misfortune. Often, you'll find that this belief is based on a biased perception. Reframe the situation: Try to reframe the situation in a more positive or realistic light. Look for any potential silver linings, lessons, or growth opportunities that may arise from the experience. Focus on what you can learn and how you can become stronger through the challenges you face. Practice gratitude: Cultivating a gratitude mindset can help shift your focus from negativity to positivity. Take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for, even amidst difficult circumstances. This can help you develop a more balanced perspective. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist to talk about your feelings and gain a fresh perspective. Sharing your thoughts and concerns with someone who can offer support can be incredibly helpful. Take care of yourself: Engage in activities that promote self-care and well-being. This can include exercise, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness or meditation, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Taking care of your physical and mental health can positively impact your mindset. Remember that managing your mind takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and give yourself permission to experience the emotions that arise. With time, you can develop a more resilient mindset and navigate through challenging situations with greater ease. /episode/index/show/writeyourlastchapter/id/27096162

"Did Not See This Coming" 06/02/2023

"Did Not See This Coming" Dealing with the impending death of a loved one or facing our own mortality can be an extremely challenging and emotional experience. Denial is a common coping mechanism that helps us protect ourselves from the overwhelming pain and grief associated with death. However, it is important to acknowledge and accept the reality of the situation in order to begin the process of healing and finding closure. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the emotions and avoid denial during this difficult time: Educate yourself: Understanding the physical and emotional aspects of death can help you come to terms with the reality. Learn about the medical condition or circumstances surrounding the impending death. This knowledge can help you process the situation more rationally. Seek support: Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, or professionals who can provide comfort and understanding. Sharing your feelings and fears with others who have experienced loss can help you face the reality of death and process your emotions. Express your emotions: Give yourself permission to experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, fear, and even denial. It's natural to have mixed feelings during such a challenging time. Find healthy ways to express your emotions, such as talking to a trusted confidant, writing in a journal, or engaging in creative outlets like art or music. Practice mindfulness and self-care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, provide relaxation, or help you feel grounded. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you stay present and process your emotions without judgment. Communicate openly: Have honest conversations with your loved one or with yourself about death and the feelings it evokes. Express your love, gratitude, and any unresolved issues. Open and compassionate communication can help create a space for acceptance and healing. Seek professional help if needed: If you find yourself struggling to cope with the impending death or experiencing prolonged denial, consider reaching out to a therapist or grief counselor. They can provide guidance, support, and tools to help you navigate this difficult process. Remember, everyone grieves differently, and there is no right or wrong way to feel or process death. It's okay to take your time and be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to grieve, and over time, you will find your own path towards acceptance and healing. Want to work with me? Have questions? Learn more at /episode/index/show/writeyourlastchapter/id/27028635

"Mom Rage" 05/12/2023

"How To Tame Shame" 05/10/2023

"How To Tame Shame" I was mortified: The last podcast was a DISASTER. I was so ashamed that I could not record another episode. You have to listen to this episode to know what I am talking about. Shame is a complex and intense emotion that can be difficult to overcome, but it is possible with patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to work through the underlying issues. Here are some strategies that can help: Recognize and name the shame: The first step to overcoming shame is to identify and acknowledge it. Recognize the thoughts and feelings that arise when you experience shame. Try to name the specific emotion, such as embarrassment, guilt, or humiliation. Practice self-compassion: Shame can be a self-critical and self-destructive emotion, but self-compassion can help counteract these tendencies. Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. Acknowledge your mistakes and shortcomings, but don't beat yourself up over them. Challenge negative self-talk: Shame often arises from negative self-talk and beliefs, such as "I'm not good enough" or "I'm a failure." Challenge these thoughts by examining the evidence, questioning their validity, and replacing them with more positive and accurate self-talk. Seek support: Shame thrives in isolation, so seek out supportive friends, family members, or a therapist who can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to process your emotions and experiences. Take action: Shame can be paralyzing, but taking action can help you feel more empowered and in control. Identify small steps you can take to move forward and make positive changes in your life. Practice vulnerability: Shame often arises from a fear of being vulnerable or exposing one's true self. Practicing vulnerability by sharing your thoughts and feelings with others can help build trust, connection, and resilience. So there you have it, if you go through what I had to go through maybe take the above steps to get over your shame. Before I forget: Go to to sign up for the retreat in Hawaii. I hope to see you then. /episode/index/show/writeyourlastchapter/id/26795736