Uncomfortable Friend

Send us a textI 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 get off the hamster wheel and find more meaningful ways to connect. Stages of Sorry:Well... this person did x, y, z...Sorry BUT I'm upset too...Sorry IF your feelings were hurt...I'm sorry.I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention...I'm sorry... I need a minute to calm down...I'm sorry... I see how what I said has made you angry, sad, disappointed, etc...I'm sorry. I feel myself getting defensive... and I want you to feel comfortable in sharing what you have to say because that's the only way we're going to learn how to work together more effectively.Did I miss any? Feel free to use the text the show option above to share you questions, comments, and requests. Or, you can always write to me at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again

Send us a textJust 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 doing now". Questions:What have I learned about myself that surprised me over these decades?What old fears or insecurities have I outgrown, and which ones still need attention?When do I feel most alive and in alignment with my authentic self?How has my definition of success evolved since my 20s and 30s?What dreams or aspirations did I set aside that might be worth revisitingWhat relationships have shaped me most profoundly, and how have I shaped others?What do I want the second half of my life to feel like, rather than just look likeWhat wisdom would I share with my younger self, and what might that reveal about what I still need to learn?How do I want to channel my accumulated experience and capabilities in ways that feel meaningful?What parts of myself am I finally ready to accept or embrace?   Until we meet again

Send us a textHey 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 decisions, and sharing more from some amazing guests to help us all figure out to to keep putting one foot in front of the other toward a better tomorrow.If you'd like to be a guest on my show, please feel free to use the text the show option at the top of this description. Be sure to include your name, email and/or phone number as they are delivered anonymously. You can always email Lincoln at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com, and share your thoughts and questions if you feel more comfortable doing so.Resources:Lead with Quiet Confidence Program w/ Jennifer Marcou4 Ways to Access Joy Anytime - WDYKTBT Podcast hosted by Roger Kastner  w/ Anna Hall Looking forward to sharing this next year with you all. I wish you much peace, love, and joy in 2025.  Until we meet again

Send us a textDuring 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 can look like, and how it can bring deeper meaning for you, you can find the broader human experience... the connection we all have, and feel a little less alone.As a side note, this is my last episode of Season 2 - 2024. I'll be taking the next few months to work through some challenges at work, start reading a bit more, and interviewing some amazing people for season 3. I look forward to sharing again in 2025. If you'd like to be a guest, have an idea for the show, or would like to offer some words of encouragement, please use the "text the show" feature and include your name, number and/or email, and a brief message and I'll get back to you! Otherwise, you can always reach out to me via lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.Resources:Fr. Bryan's Homily   Until we meet again

Send us a textAbout 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 open to it, you will be given a gift. This is my challenge to you... to transform that/those experiences that feel dark and heavy into something so meaningful that it will make you WANT to be here. You are needed... and you are enough.

Send us a textWe'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, and to any of you who are feeling not OK. Phone a friend, discuss the challenges, then find some productive ways to cope... because on the other end of all of those feelings will come gratitude for all the things that are going right. Apple Podcasts now has a new feature called FanMail! You can text the show and offer your thoughts, suggestions, or if you'd like to be a guest. Just be sure to leave a name and email if you'd like to hear back from me. Or, if you'd like to leave Lincoln a note, you can always contact him (me) at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again

Send us a textBruce 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 the messiness/suffering we all unfortunately experience for the sake of evolution and growth. Special shout out to coach, Jennifer Winnick PCC, for the recommendation! Resources:Deck of Disruptors - Bruce FeilerTed Talk - The Secret to Mastering Life's TransitionsIf you'd like to be a guest on the show, have a topic you'd like me to cover, or would like to give me feedback of any kind, you can send me fan mail via your podcast listening app and/or write to me at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.   Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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 (instead of a human doing). I look forward to the next time...  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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 ought, speaking like you ought, and living like you ought (notice I removed the "shoulds"), as I feel these few reflections can lead you down a more meaningful path to choose joy... regardless of the weight of the responsibility.  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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 recognize what they fear and work toward a world where we integrate ourselves back to wholeness. I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I enjoyed speaking with Rebecca.Resources:Where to find Rebecca:Website - Regenerative WorkplacesInstagramTikTokLinkedInDisruptHR - "Get off the $%@# Hamster Wheel"OnsiteYoga for Grief Workbook Write Lincoln a Note: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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...Resources:Favorite quote of the episode "To expect anything of a woman is to trap the ocean" - Teal SwanInto the Unknown - Panic at the Disco!The Next Right Thing - Kristen Bell  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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, MCCHuntington's Disease  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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 going on this journey with me, and as always, if you'd like to send me a note, be on an episode, or thank my beautiful son, Lincoln... you can email lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or use the new fan mail option wherever you listen to podcasts.  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.I had the honor of meeting Roger toward the end of 2023, and have been blessed to be on his podcast, "What Do You Know To Be True?". Today, he honors me with his presence as we talk about both the joy and grief associated with kiddos growing up and moving out of the house. I felt this topic was important as we embark on this graduation season, and know that Roger's important lessons like, "Time moves on and doesn't care whether you take advantage of it or not," is ever more true for me everyday. Resources: Roger's Podcast: What Do You Know To Be True?My episode on CourageHow to Stay Connected to Your TeenagerIf you'd like to share your thoughts or comments on this episode, have an idea for an episode, or would like to be a guest, please reach out to me! Also, if you'd like to send Lincoln fan mail, you can write to him (and me) @ Lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. I appreciate all of the messages and truly believe it keeps his energy and memory alive.  Until we meet again

Send us a Text Message.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 my 20s when I was the wrong-doer and how my actions negatively impacted both myself, but the persons involved as well as my community. Keep listening, because toward the end, I even start having my own realizations of how the choice of discipline for our own actions and words is in itself a demonstration of love. Resources:The Bible in a Year Podcast w/ Father Mike SchmitzIn Sheep's Clothing by Dr. George K. Simon, PhD. Until we meet again

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

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 feelings are "not that big a deal" or to "get over it" Being told not to feel a certain way - being prohibited from expressing anger, sadness, or other "undesirable" emotionsSomeone comparing their experience to yours - "Your problems aren't as bad as mine were" or "back in my day..."Someone distracting or redirecting you instead of validating your emotions - Changing the subject rather than listening and acknowledging your feelingsExpressing irritation or impatience with your emotions - Sighs, eye rolls, or blatant annoyance when you open up about how you're feelingBeing called attention-seeking for having big emotions - Dismissing strong feelings as "drama" or you just wanting sympathyYour perspective being invalidated - Telling you you're "making too big a deal out of it" or that "it wasn't that bad."Identifying these subtle patterns is the first step toward breaking free from the cycle of generational trauma. With self-awareness and compassion, we all can start to heal. Until we meet again

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 you enjoy our conversation as much as I do.Resources:Confessions of Child Loss by Emily GrahamEmily's Facebook PageAfter Child Loss - Helping Bereaved Parents Heal Until we meet again

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 with compassion and understanding. Resources:The Gifts of Imperfection - Brene Brown Until we meet again

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 enjoy his valuable insights, lessons learned, and the inspiration behind his mission to empower the next generation of leaders. Until we meet again

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 surprised me. Reflecting on this topic has truly brought about a transformative impact of embracing and balancing these energies in the context of a loving relationship... all of which I probably would never have found without Lincoln.Resources:Divine Feminine vs. Divine MasculineStrong Fatherhood in a Soft World Until we meet again

Today I engage in a profound conversation with Coach Karen, delving into the multifaceted aspects of grief, identity struggles, and the nuanced dynamics of personal and professional growth within the workplace. Karen shares her experiences witnessing various types of grief in organizational settings, shedding light on the impact these challenges can have on individuals and teams. We will also be unraveling the threads of workplace dynamics, resilience, and the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in leadership. This episode is a testament to the profound impact that thoughtful coaching can have on navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.Resources:Karen Konrath LinkedInTransitions Coachingkaren@transitionscoachingllc.com Until we meet again

When will this feel better? What does the work of grieving look like? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, I invite you to join me today as delve into the profound and often challenging journey of grief. Today I discuss the importance of doing the emotional work, and emphasize some paths I've taken on my own healing journey. Patience, self-compassion, and grace will be your loving guides along the way, and I can guarantee the process will lead you to a place where hope and joy can be found, while still having a deep and meaningful relationship to whomever or whatever you've been grieving. Until we meet again

I'm so incredibly honored to introduce you to my friend, Courtney, and her beautiful light of a son, Lucas. This week we sit down with this resilient mama of four as she shares the heart-wrenching experience of navigating grief while also holding space for her surviving son. The conversation delves into the complexities of grief, exploring the unique challenges that arise when trying to support a child through the loss of a sibling.Amidst the shadows of loss and infertility, Courtney reveals the glimmer of hope that has sustained her. The episode explores how she found strength in the midst of despair, ultimately uncovering a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future. Listeners will be moved by Courtney's resilience and inspired by her ability to find hope even in the darkest moments.Resources:Helping Parents HealIsabella Johnson - The Soul Reading Medium Until we meet again

"It's my fault!", "I should have known this would happen", "I need to stay strong for..." do any of these statements sound familiar? I've recently read a book that opened my eyes to some deeply packed down trauma and the lies I've been telling myself over the years. I share some of these narratives today to hope it helps you to recognize what a lie could look like to yourself, give yourself a difference lens to look at it, and through your vulnerability acknowledge the struggle and what you've needed to embrace self-compassion. Resources:The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel A. van der Kolk Until we meet again

Hello again to the amazing listeners of Uncomfortable Friend. I've been so moved from some of your stories and emails over the course of recording that I've decided to come back with a Season 2! This time, we'll be talking about a wider variety of subjects including generational trauma, grace, masculine/feminine energies, and thoughts around active waiting. Most of all, I'm looking forward to introducing you all to some remarkable people share how they've transformed their journey of loss, trauma, grief, and sadness into something more meaningful to bring comfort and support to others.Season 2 will begin January 3rd! Hope you all have a restful and peaceful holiday season.With love, April McCormick (Host of Uncomfortable Friend) Until we meet again

I've been so very blessed with the support I've received from hosting this podcast and sharing my story. Thank you for coming on this journey with me as I work to figure out life after the loss of my beautiful son, Lincoln. I've been recently motivated to combine my focus and use my energy for something that can be even bigger... what that looks like, I'm not sure yet... but when I start to get nervous AND excited, I'll know I've found it. Until then, thank you for letting me into your ears and for the beautiful messages you have sent me through Lincoln's email. Resources:SeattleCoachPlaying Big - Tara MohrIf you'd like to be a guest and share your story of loss, grief, hope, and love, please reach out and I'd be honored to interview you. If you'd like to leave me a message, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

Nothing stays the same, especially not grief. Impermanence is a fundamental concept in various philosophies and spiritual traditions, highlighting the idea that everything in life is in a constant state of flux and that nothing remains the same forever. This week doesn't have much structure... I discuss some observations from a walk we recently did to remember another beautiful child who has passed on, how challenging it's been to find space for grief with two young kiddos at home and the impacts of COVID on work, and share some memories while scrolling through some pictures of my son, Lincoln.If you'd like to be a guest on an episode, would like to share a story of your beautiful child, and/or would like to send me a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com Until we meet again

Have you ever let your emotions take over your thoughts? Use them to justify why you should or shouldn't do something or if you like or dislike someone? We all do it... and  judgement can definitely be important... but how may we shift this thinking into something more meaningful? Something that allows you to better align your desires with the situation or people you're with? Bonus points if you can do that AND let go of what the outcome could be.Resources:Center for Action and ContemplationIf you have thoughts on how you judge vs discern, would like to be a guest on a future episode, or would like to send me a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

I am inspired by this concept of individuals known as "volunteers" or "volunteers from other dimensions" who have come to Earth to assist humanity during times of transition, struggle, and transformation. If you haven't listened to "The Matrix" and/or "Finite vs Infinite Game", you may want to listen for greater context, but I tried my best to make it as stand alone as I could within a 40ish minute time frame.Resources:The Three Waves of Volunteers and The New Earth - Dolores CannonThe Team - Teddy & Frances KeyShort Film by Charles Eisenstein (from Grief 2 Growth Channel by Brian Smith)Jesus RevolutionIf you have thoughts or comments about what I've discussed, if you'd like to be a guest on my show, have an idea for a new episode, or would like to send me a note of encouragement, please write to lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or april@mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

"Before Lily and After Lily has marked my entire adult life". Today I have the honor of speaking with Ron, an amazing facilitator and volunteer, for the East Side Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, here in Western Washington. He taught me about the concept of "Collateral Losses", has been powerfully vulnerable with his struggles of grief, took me through how he became a volunteer, and most importantly, shared the brilliant light that Lily shone upon her family and exponentially growing number of friends. Resources:The Compassionate FriendsTCF ResourcesRon's Facebook Book Club Coping with Guilt During BereavementIf you'd like to be a guest on the show, have an idea for an upcoming episode, or would like to send me or Lincoln a note, you can contact me via email through lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or april@mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

I've been taking a coaching course on positive intelligence and found myself struggling with many of it's concepts as it relates to significant trauma and grief. Today I discuss a little of what I've learned around our saboteurs, our inner sage (or inner God), the gifts that we can pull from difficult situations and how I've been looking at positive intelligence as a way to processes my pain. Resources:Positive Intelligence - Saboteurs by Shirzad ChamineJapanese art of KintsugiIf you'd like to be a guest on my show, have a topic for a future episode, and/or would like to send Lincoln a note... please email lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or april@mccormick.coach.  Until we meet again

I was so incredibly fortunate to sit down with one of the amazing facilitators of the Helping Parents Heal Seattle Chapter, Wendy, to talk about her "Firecracker" son Hugh. We discussed a variety of topics including the opioid epidemic, what she's learned from his life, surprising aspects of grief, how her views on life have changed, what has brought her comfort, and what she's doing now to honor her son.Resources:GRASPThe Shift NetworkHelping Parents HealGive Back FoundationIf you have a story you'd like to share with Uncomfortable Friend, have suggestions for upcoming episodes, or would like to send Lincoln a note, you can email me at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or april@mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

This week I was motivated by Simon Sinek's talk about the Infinite Game. So much of our life, especially the first half of it, has us lost in a world of finite... did we get married, have children, have a good job, retire, etc...? But does this matter? What would it look like if we examined what an infinite game could look like in the major areas of our life? Listen along this week to hear my thoughts.Resources:The Infinite Game - Simon SinekCheck out Paul's Blog post about S.N.O.W (See, Name, Own, Work)If you'd like to share your thoughts on what your infinite game looks like for you, would like to be featured on my podcast with your story of grief/love/hope, or would like to send a note of encouragement, please contact me at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or april@mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

Ok... I think I actually believe we are in the matrix... we are in a virtual reality, wearing a meat suit, experiencing this life through our consciousness. Did I lose you? Do you think I've gone crazy? Well, this week, I'll elaborate on what I mean by the matrix and dive into some philosophy that showcases that this is a topic humans have been thinking about for quite some time.Resources:Grief2Growth - Awakening to New Realities with Mycailin CallahanKegan's Theory on Adult Development - The Medium ArticleMeet Your Inner Mentor - Tara MohrIf you agree OR disagree, let me know! I'd love to hear your insights. If you have an idea for the next episode or would like to be a guest, please write me at lincoln.m.mccormick.com. You can also find me at www.mccormick.coach or through my email april@mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

I've been so very blessed to receive signs from my son, Lincoln, since his passing. They started out a bit obscure and over the years I've gotten more specific with what I've wanted. Today I share a bunch of signs that I've received, and encourage any of you who are missing a loved one to ask them for a sign of their love. Resources:Helping Parents HealCate Coffelt - Pshychic MediumWater Lantern FestivalHave you received a sign from a loved one who's crossed over? How do you remember the love that you share? If you have an idea for a future episode, would like to be a guest and talk about your journey, and/or would like to send a note, please email lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or find me on www.mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

I planned for this episode to be a deep dive into the difficult decisions we make as parents, and ended up on a completely different tangent. I decided to share an amazing lesson about love (see link below), and go through some ah-has I've had this week. By no means is this an exhaustive list of love filled moments I've had the honor to experience, but it's a deep dive into what gives my life meaning, where I plan to put more of my focus and attention, and how love puts life in order.  Resources:Ed Mylett & Dr. Gladys McGarey InterviewCrossing The River Seven Stories That Saved My Life by Carol SmithWhat moments of love have you experienced? How has it impacted your life? What meaning has it given you? If you have an idea for a future episode, would like to be a guest and talk about your journey, and/or would like to send Lincoln a note, you can email me at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or www.mccormick.coach.  Until we meet again

Love despite imperfections demonstrates acceptance, understanding, and empathy to name a few. While this does not mean ignoring or condoning harmful behavior, it does acknowledge weaknesses and the continued necessity to work together to grow and support one another. Today I talk about the 8 categories of people (children, partner, friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers, and criminals) I'm working toward loving, and where I've had successes and failures.Where do you struggle with your own or other's imperfections? If you have ideas for a future episode, would like to share your grief to hope story, or would like to send me a message, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com or find me on www.mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

I truly believe that resilience is one of the six major gifts/lessons we come to learn here while on Earth. There's a lot of suffering that comes with life, AND life can be so beautiful. This week I explore Lucy Hone's TedTalk on the three secrets we can learn from resilient people and and how I've personally worked through them.Resources:Helping Parents HealLucy Hone - 3 Secrets of Resilient PeopleBible Project - JobIf you have thoughts around where you like to focus your attention, or what has been helpful/harmful on your grieving journey, have ideas for an episode, would like to be a guest, and/or would like to send Lincoln a note, you can do so at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.If you're interested in coaching, check me out at http://www.mccormick.coach. Until we meet again

I feel like I've been going a million miles a minute. As more and more people wake up to the choices they have in life, a big one we uncover is about how we're spending our time. Maybe it's the post-COVID world that is trying to get "back to normal", but I have a feeling it's going to get a bit worse before it gets better. If you're feeling the same, join me as I discuss my struggles, some tactics for slowing down, how it's going, and what I'm experimenting with next.Resources discussed:Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MDMeet Your Inner Mentor exercise from Playing Big by Tara MohrIf you'd like to share what's helped you slow down, have an idea of an episode of Uncomfortable friend, would like to be a guest, or would like to send Lincoln a message, please email lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. You can also check me out on www.mccormick.coach to learn more! Until we meet again

Have you ever been listening to music in the car and immediately get taken to a place where you can feel the love and pain of loss? Just ugly tears rolling down your face, and yet you want to belt it through the roof? In today's episode, I share my "Good Ugly Cry" playlist... songs that have moved me to tears and continue to allow me to feel a special connection with my son, even if it stirs up some pain in the process.My Song List:Drive - IncubusI Could Never Say Goodby - EnyaHow Do I Say Goodbye - Dean LewisBoulevard of Broken Dreams - Green DayTears in Heaven - Eric ClaptonMy Immortal - EvanescenceLandslide - Fleetwood MacI Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston In the Arms of the Angel - Sarah McLachlanI Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlanI Will Follow You into the Dark - Death Cab for CutieThe Scientist - ColdplayLearn to Love Again - PinkDiamonds - RihannaIf you'd like to add a song to my "Good Ugly Cry" playlist, have an idea for an episode, or would like to send a message to my son, please email me at: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com Until we meet again

Choice is fundamental to our human existence. This week I talk about how choice has affected my personal autonomy, my self-expression, how it's empowered me, helped me to learn and grow, and how it's also a responsibility that I have to myself and those around me. Choice saved my life... understanding that loss and grief wasn't happening to me, and that I had a choice in what I do with it has made all the difference.References made during the episode:My Big Toe - Thomas CampbellChat GPTIf you want to share reflections on how choice has impacted your life, you have an idea for a new episode, you want to be a guest on an episode, or want to send a note to Lincoln, please email lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

Parenting is a FULL TIME job that never ends... it can feel impossible to think we are ever doing something right... or when we do something well, the game changes and our kiddos require something different. Today, on the upcoming 5 year anniversary of my son Lincoln's passing, I take some time to discuss some of my parenting highlights through 2023 that have been inspired by him and his impact.If you'd like to share something you're proud of, have thoughts/ideas for a topic, would like to be a guest to talk about your own journey, or just want to send Lincoln a note, please do so! lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

It's probably not surprising that there's a lot of darkness that comes with grief... however, so many people feel scared or ashamed to talk about it. Today I touch on 8 different aspects of the dark side of grief in hopes to shine a light on these very real and human feelings: Guilt, anger, ambivalence, physical symptoms, longevity, existential questions, and loss of safety/control. If you have similar or different experiences with the dark side, I'd be honored for you to share them with me. You can check out my website or send Lincoln an email at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again

Someone recently asked me... "Can you tell me how you decided to make the choice to have children?" If you read the news, the worlds feels like a scarier place every single day. She had heard that I wasn't the "motherly" type growing up and was looking for some data points on my decision, especially since I seem to be extremely content with my choice. That got me thinking, and today I share my thoughts around the decision to have children, especially after loss of a child.If any part of this episode has touched you, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again

Does silence make you uncomfortable? Do you find yourself wanting to fill the void with TV, social media, or gaming? Today I explore what happens when you allow for silence, what I've observed, and offer a challenge to those who are listening...If you'd like to share what revelations you've had with silence, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again

In this episode I explore how I evaluate what would be the response of fear vs. love. I've mentioned a few different times that I think this is the ultimate decision we have, but what does it look like in application? Today I give some examples for my family, my children, my marriage, and at work. What are some situations that you experience where you aren't quite sure what the love response would be?If any part of this episode has touched you, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

"Shut up, Rachel!"... Rachel is the name I give to the negative critic in my head, not because I've ever met a bad Rachel, but because I most frequently get called Rachel by mistake. Well she is an expert at blame... especially a blame directed toward others. In this week's episode, I talk about how blame shows up for me and what I do about it. I also offer a load of resources to help you learn more about your own internal critic. Send Lincoln a note if you have named your critic too! I'm sure he'd love to hear it.Resources:Illeism - Thanks Dave Stern for giving me vocabulary around this!Brene Brown on BlameThe Gifts of Imperfection by Brene BrownGist: The Essence of Raising Life-Ready Kids by Michael W. Anderson, LP, and Timothy D. JohansonIf any part of this episode has touched you, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again

Establishing true confidence is really tricky. There are so many experiences that can take it away: Failure, criticism, comparison, trauma, shame.... Today I talk about some of my life experiences that broke my confidence, especially the loss of my son and the medical challenges of my daughter, and how some great resources have helped me to re-establish that. If you want to learn more about how to build your confidence, and to use it for good in this world, please take a listen!Resources mentioned:Gist: The Essence of Raising Life Ready KidsPastor Jerry Flowers - Check out his Planted Series! If any part of this episode has touched you, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

I feel a sense of relief that I never questioned whether or not I "should" talk to people about Lincoln, especially my kiddos. While I have no clue what's "right", I share how my family has chosen to remember him, some of the items and traditions that we have, some of the conversations I have with my kids, and the surprising questions I've been asked.Resources:While not mentioned in the podcast, I wanted to offer some resources on talking to young children about loss. Sesame Street Episodes About GriefHelping your child when a loved one diesIf any part of this episode has touched you, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. Until we meet again

My husband Kevin has left for a work trip to India. The last time either of us were apart internationally, our son Lincoln died. In this episode, I talk about the leading indicators that let me know I was numbing the pain I expected to feel, and the process I've grown to use when doing the hard work of incorporating and moving forward from a trigger. Borrowed from a beloved Disney Frozen 2 song "The Next Right Thing", I talk about how seeing too far into the future is unbearable, yet if we lean into the next breath, step, and choice that we can make it can be truly healing.For any of you that make it through to the end, I did get my eggs Benedict. If any part of this episode has touched you, you have a question/idea for an episode, or if you'd like to send Lincoln a note, please email: lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com.  Until we meet again