Claim OwnershipUncomfortable Friend
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© 2025 Uncomfortable Friend
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Grief is an Uncomfortable Friend. The pain can be unbearable and yet, it's often one of the few things remain after the loss of someone so special. Join me on the journey of "now what" after everything falls apart. My mission is to authentically share my story in an effort to help others feel seen, develop vocabulary around their grief, discuss finding oneself after loss, ways to feel comfort, how to establish meaning, find hope, embrace continued connection, and more. Nothing is off-limits… everyone’s path is unique. I’m honored to have you join me and look forward to your questions, comments, personal stories, and observations. Until we meet again...
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Send us a text I experience conflict on a very regular basis, most of it through the decisions I am asked to make at work, but often through the differences in communication with those I work with, care for, and love. Today I took time to sit down and write out the evolution of my ability to say sorry... something that was and is still extremely challenging for me in hopes of gently nudging you in a different direction if you too learned to fight unfair... and/or to celebrate the ways we can ...
Send us a text Just over a week ago, I turned 40! In the west, woman are sometimes made to feel like we are over the hill or used up by now... but I'm feeling quite the opposite. 40 has felt refreshing, and today, I spend my time answering 10 reflective and profound questions about the first 40 years of my life and what I've learned. I hope all of you can join me on this journey, and reflect on your own answers in hopes of digging more into who you really are instead of "what should I be doin...
Send us a text Hey Friends... Thankful to be back for another season of Uncomfortable Friend. Each year since Lincoln died, I've started looking at a word of the year instead of a resolution. For me, 2025 will be about Joy. We can certainly use more of it, AND I believe we will be facing more dark times ahead as we and the world decide how we truly want to be. For this journey, we're going to need some joy. I look forward to sharing more wisdom with you all, talking through my challenges and ...
Send us a text During mass this weekend, Fr. Bryan had a moving homily around suffering... how life is full of it, and yet, we can find ways to suffer well. Suffering well doesn't mean that we suffer less... it means suffering with purpose, dignity, and awareness. Today I dive into 5 core methods of suffering well. All of them share threads through each of my episodes whether it's been my own thoughts or the shared experiences of my amazing guests. I hope in hearing more around what suffering...
Send us a text About a week ago I had an anaphylactic reaction to a wasp sting... something that hasn't happened to me in almost 30 years. I worked hard to focus on the next right steps until I could get the help I needed, AND it became this beautiful reminder that I'm Not Ready to go anywhere. After Lincoln died, it was easy to feel like I wanted to succumb to the cold and dark. I promise you, all you need to do is focus on the next right thing... hold on a little bit longer, and if you're o...
Send us a text We're currently going through some challenges as a company during my day job, and during a leadership meeting today, advice was given about being and modeling strong leadership and what our people need right now... and frankly, that just made me angry. If I've learned anything over the last six years navigating grief, it's that it's OK to be mad, and sad, and angry... it's OK to feel frustrated, annoyed, and overwhelmed... AND it's OK to share it with others. So here is to me, ...
Send us a text Bruce Feiler writes and speaks about how we are no longer in a space where life is linear... in fact, it probably has never truly been that way, yet we in the west believe it's the way things "should" be. After reading his work, "Life is in the Transitions", I've mapped out my own personal journey, and reflect on it today (along with a book review) and share his amazing insights on the deck of disruptors, the phases of a lifequake, and the tips he shares for navigating through ...
Send us a text Life has been getting away from me a bit these last few months. Between starting a new role at work, getting my daughter ready for kindergarten, after school activities, and my parents coming to visit, I just haven't had the time. I'm sure you can related, so here's your reminder this week to give yourself some grace... especially if you think you don't deserve it... especially if you need a break... especially for no reason at all other than to practice being a human being (in...
Send us a text There are several definitions of Joy and Happiness all over the internet, and I for one cannot tell you that I definitely know which is which... but I can share my current understanding of the two, and work through processing what those differences are. Through today's insights, I stumble my way through explaining how Lincoln has opened me up to the concept of joy, and how responsibility and freedom play a big role. I also challenge you to think about if you are loving like you...
Send us a text Like many of us, growing up, Rebecca had a script in her head of how her life should go. After adopting her children, her husband gave her an ultimatum that shattered her expectations. Today, she bravely shares some of her challenges and various tools and methods she has used to process the emotions (like anger!) in a healthier way. Through the grief and pain, she's been able to accept what is, work on her own feelings of guilt and shame, and help herself and organizations reco...
Send us a text Way back in Season 1, Episode 28 I discussed the difference between Love and Fear. Today, I honor that but do it Disney Frozen style. I talk about the characters, how they show up in both the positive and negative masculine/feminine energy, and the consequences of making choices out of fear. We also get to see what love looks like, through the lens of Anna, as well as an unfolding of stepping into your own power, and how to handle when grief comes knocking at your door... Reso...
Send us a text Emily Kelly-Peterson was surrounded by grief at a very young age. After years of witnessing friends, and even her own father, pass away, she started searching for answers and stumbled upon permission to "...live to the max." Please join us in our conversation around Huntington's disease and how Emily has dealt with some challenging questions while navigating her tough, yet joyful journey. Resources: Emily Kelly-Peterson's Coaching WebsiteSeattle Coach - Patty Burgin, MA,...
Send us a text Today I have a very short episode, but one that is extremely meaningful to me. I'm experimenting with what love looks like in the workplace, and how to be more intentional about where I put that energy. Through my thoughts around boundaries, hugs, feedback, and thank you notes, I come to realize an amazing gift that modern women have in today's workplace... the opportunity to model to others what work could look like if we poured more love and connection into it. Thanks for goi...
Send us a text We've all been there - in the heat of an argument or frustrating situation where our emotions start taking over. The adrenaline is pumping, harsh words are flying, and it feels like things are rapidly spiraling out of control. In this episode, I unpack a passage from 1 Samuel 25 in which I discuss the invaluable role a trusted friend can play in being that voice of reason when we're on the verge of making rash decisions we may later regret. I talk about two significant times in...
Send us a text Speaking with Patty has left a lasting impression on me. Throughout our conversation and her journey, she’s shared two amazing quote that ring true to me… first "The most important thing is what you do next," and "through grief I learned how big my heart could be." I hope this conversation inspires you to take that step into the wilderness and start living your life like it's the only one you get. Resources: Seattle Coach Until we meet again <3
Send us a text Let's dive right into the complex topic of generational trauma - the emotional and psychological wounds that can be passed down through families over generations. I talk today about 7 basic ways that trauma forms over the course of our childhood, often without us even realizing it, and some methods for managing/stopping the cycle that work for me (when I can be present enough to use them). Have you ever experienced... Your emotions being minimized - Being told your fee...
Send us a text In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Emily Graham, an author, speaker, grief coach, and fellow bereaved mother, to explore the profound journey of grief and healing. Emily opens up about her beautiful son, Cameron, and the lasting impact of grief. Together, we discuss the love vs. fear, navigating friendship changes, and the delicate balance of managing limited energy amidst loss. Emily also discusses a powerful framework she uses to help her make decisions! I hope yo...
Send us a text Grace is the disposition of offering kindness or compassion to yourself or someone else, ESPECIALLY when it's undeserved. Let that sink in for a minute! Today I delve into the profound concept of grace and its transformative power. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, I share how embracing grace has led me to release the burden of shame and through relatable examples and insights, I hope to show you how grace can become a guiding force for navigating life's challenges wi...
Send us a text Ted opens up about his experience navigating the corporate landscape, sharing the grief he felt when his unique skills were overlooked. He takes us through the challenges of finding his place in corporate America, shedding light on the transformative moment that led him to reevaluate his path. Ted delves into his remarkable journey of turning adversity into triumph, channeling his storytelling prowess to focus on communication and development for university students. I hope you...
Send us a text Lately I have been seeing and reading a lot of content around what positive masculine and positive feminine energy looks like. For too long we've seen the shadow sides of this energy play out in our communities and in politics. While I can't influence much of that, today I explore the my journey of embracing positive masculine and feminine energies within my marriage. I shares personal experiences of how my husband and I have stepped into these traits, and what has surpri...
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