Write Your Last Chapter

So, I want to tell you that sometimes all you need is a quick little shift. Going from "To do list" to "Get to do list" is all the mindset hack you need to get back on the saddle again. This way of thinking can create a sense of gratitude and self acceptance and opens you up from thinking less about an obligation and more about a privilege. Before I forget, are you a woman physician? Read on: there is still time for you to join us.  Hey, do you love incorporating wisdom as how to live your life from a place of acceptance and self compassion? Then, you want to join me, Ami and Gen for a 4 day magical retreat in the legendary Turtle Bay Resort Oahu, Honolulu.  This October, for the third time, we are gathering to eat well, practice yoga, dive into breath work as well as connect with like minded women physicians to deepen our gratitude and celebrate who we are.  Don't miss this intimate gathering.  October 2-6th. BE THERE!!! To learn more or simply to sign up go to www.drfaryal.com/retreat2024   

What is happening in this world? It seems like every where we turn, there are news of violence and human atrocities that don't seem to end.  In our short episode today, I offer you what you CAN do to bring a breath of solice into your life.  I hope you enjoy this episode and share it with others.  Mahalo.

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.  

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.

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 www.drfaryal.com 

It's a real thing, although I am not sure I have heard it call this.  Mom Rage is when you lose your s$@! as you are trying to be a good parent and set a good example.  Well, as you can imagine, it leaves a terrible after taste. How is you? What were you thinking?  Shame in all aspects of our lives can be overwhelming, but our shame around how we parent and how every interaction with our kids can leave a lasting impression on them, can lead to regret and endless spiral into self judgement.  I don't want that for you. So this mother's day weekend, take a listen to this episode. And remember: If it's hysterical, it's historical.  It's your trauma response coming out to fight for you somehow.  Give yourself grace and move on.  You are doing the best you can.  And remember: When you know better, you do better. 

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 www.drfaryal.com/retreat23 to sign up for the retreat in Hawaii.  I hope to see you then.   

I am so excited to share my episode with you.    Corinne Crabtree is an amazing human success story. A young mom with very humble beginnings, struggling to lose weight and find her way to happiness, she had one AHA moment and never looked back.  After successfully losing more than 100 pounds and keeping it off, she decided it was time she helped others do the same. This doing the same turned into an 8 figure business and now she is out there teaching us how to get out of our own way so we can be successful, too.  I hope you'll enjoy her story as much as I did. To learn more about her go to www.nobsweightloss.com and listen to her podcast "Losing 100 pounds with Corinee".

Can you practice medicine on your own terms? We hear this all the time, but what does that even mean? This week I am at the White Coat Investor Conference 2023, one way I like to invest in my own financial literacy for myself and my family.  I thought it would be the perfect time to showcase a physician who is an inspiration to me.  Dr. Una is the creater of so much goodness in the world of medicine: EntreMD is not only one of my favorite podcasts, it is also a place you can learn to work with other physicians who want to learn more about working as an entrepreneur.  I think you would love my conversation with her. In this episode you will learn how can you get out of your own way to start something completely new.  Learn more about all her amazing work and resources by checking out: www.entremd.com  You will be so happy you did.   

As women, we can do hard things.  We know this intuitively, but still, some how, some where in our brain, we are told that we are not good at math; that we are not good with money. This is even true with women physicians. Why is that? This episode with my special guest Dr. Latifat Akintade will change the way you think about money.  It was such a pleasure to listen to her story and her mission. Do not miss this episode.  See how you, too, can do hard things.  You can learn more about Dr. Akintade by listening to her podcast and visiting her site at www.moneyfitmd.com 

How much of your brain power goes into deciding what you should be eating everyday? Do you struggle with your relationship with food? Do you feel like most of the time, you are pre-occupied with what you should or should not eat?  We spend most of our adult lives as women, trying to either lose weight or eat better than before. Some struggle more than others. Our love-hate relationship with food does not get much better when faced with serious illness.  My guest today will tell you all you need to know about what is wrong with the diet industry today. Dr. Trina Dorrah is a delightful and brilliant physician and a life coach who has made it her mission to help you break your cycle of dieting based on bad advice you were given.  You do not want to miss this episode. You can learn more about her by listening to her Podcast  "Diet Culture is BS" as well as learn more about working with her on her website www.foodfreemd.com 

Should you leave your employed physician role and do something entirely differnt with your life? Well, I did. It's been exactly a year. Tune in as I will share with you my personal story of leaving a well established position to follow my passion and purpose.  I will share with you what you can and cannot do.  Should you stay or should you leave? What does it take to leave your comfort zone today? One of our closest friend had a brush with something entirely unpleasant: thankfully it all ended up well.  Are you living a life that if things took a wrong turn, you'd be happy you were doing what you were doing? I hope so.  In this episode, we will dive into why this matters and why you should care.  Do you want to work with me as a coach? Click here to sign up for a one on one call to see how this will change your life today.   

I almost ran over a dog last week.  It was horrible and I was shocked for a good hour afterwards.  This got me thinking, if we are distracted by what is in the here and now, what are the chances that we may get into a car accident? Getting ourselves, our loved ones or even other people's pets in danger.  My clients struggle with mindfulness. They think it is about meditation in a quiet room on pillows with incense burning. While that is one type of meditation, the truth is the goal is to stay focused on the here and now: not be a victim to your constant stream of thinking; to rise above your drama and narratives you may be creating.  This week's episode, I will share with you that a good practice of mindfulness can be our relationship with our driving.  Are you paying attention? Are you listening to a podcast? Are you deep in thoughts listening to songs that can remind you of powerful emotions? What if you turned all the distractions off? And then, What if you only listened to the ambient noise and paid attention to the speed limit changes at every turn?

Why do we reflect at the end of the year? I think, it's similar to reflecting at the end of life. Except, we're not exactly dying. Some how, this reflection offers us a clean slate. A world of possiblities. Things can go right, why can't they? Think about a patient who is faced with terminal cancer: The physician says there is a 5% survival rate.  What do you think the patient believes? "I am shooting for the 5%".  No matter how much we are plagued with negativity, end of the year brings a wind of positivity. Somehow next year could go better than this year.  I can finally eat better. Working on my relationship with my partner, spouse, kids...  I can get my act together and have better time management.  There is a hope that if there is 5% chance of survival from all that weighed you down for the past decades of your life, you are going to beat it.  So join me in this wonderful podcast where you will learn how to look at your life story (backwards and forwards) to get you to a place of acceptance and ACTION.  And, if you want to join me to learn more about how to do just that, go to my website to sign up for the Intentional Living Coaching and Yoga program that starts TOMORROW.  www.drfaryal.com/2022 

Holidays feel like magic. Except when they don't.  Most importantly during an experience of loss. Any loss, but mostly when we lose a loved one. Or, when we are hosting loved ones who have lost a loved one.  When I held a virtual meeting as a support and coaching opportunity for women physicians, I was asked to make some of that information public. I am shareing the beginning of that session here with you.  Feel free to share this with those you think may benefit from this wisdom to do less.  You have my permission to: Skip the holiday cards Skip having friends over for dinner Skip going to friends for dinner Skip exchanging gifts Skip people pleasing so OTHERS feel better I hope this helps you in the smallest way possible. 

Are you panicked about your kids getting older and leaving the nest?  English is not my first language: This was obvious from the first episode you listened to in this space. I don't look at it as a handicap but an opporunity to think deeper.  I have been thinking about the idea of our 'well-being'. Like looking at what it means and then wondering if there is a way to look at in a way that brings more peace and awareness to the state of our life.  In this episode I am going to teach you how to stop thinking about non essential and non helpful thoughts that subtract instead of add life to your life.  You do not want to miss this episode.  To learn more: go to www.drfaryal.com 

What is Gratitude?  Should you be enjoying your life because others have so much worse than you? Should you finish your meal because there are people starving on the other side of the globe? One of my favorite teachings of Eckhart Tolle is around the concept of Gratitude. It is not appreciate the abundance of anything. It is simply acknowledging the good that is our life this very momement. Gratitude is appreciating the life that is around you. The trees. The sky. The smell of food being made. The act of washing the dirty dishes. Our ability to be in the here and now and the APPRECIATING the here and now: with whatever form it is taking. That is our power to experience life fulling. To reach a state of giving attention to our conscious being in the here and now.  That is our power and the space in which we can manifest the beauty of miracle of life every day: whether we are facing a serious illness or not. Today is the last day to sign up for my free coaching to help guide you manage your mind about what it means to live a full and intentional life to have awareness of the power of now.  To learn more, join me by signing up www.drfaryal.com/thanksgiving 

Three years in the making... I have been planning on attending this retreat that kept getting reschuled. So finally, here we are in Maui. Spending 6 glorious days with Eckhart Tolle and his deep tranformative teachings. I wanted to share with you some quick pearls that I think can help you feel grounded and more connected to the here and now.  Also, if you want to join my coaching this December, go to my website to learn more. https://www.drfaryal.com 

"You are going to beat this. Be positive."  One of the sayings that I hear family members tell their loved ones as they have only days to live. Power of positivity is undeniable. Today's podcast is going to offer you another way of being. To allow yourself to feel all the emotions means that you understand that life is inherently 'Bittersweet'.  Keeping hope in your back pocket as a breath of fresh air is always powerful. But it is equally powerful to sit in your sadness and grief. It's valuable for you to sit with worry, sorrow and the overwhelming emotion of 'I was not ready for this.' Constant sense of looking at the bright side, keeps us wanting to turn the page on all the emotions that we should be experiencing here and now. There are people who will use pep talk because they do not know what else to say. In this episode I offer you a teaching I share with my clients: Holding life in two hands. It's not either or. It is hopeful and sad that you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. There is room for sadness and not expressing our negative emotions will only lead to further isolation: something no one wants to experience during serious illness.  So join me in sharing this episode for all who are suffering with a serious illness and want to 'only' focus on the positive. It can sometimes do more harm to do that.  Also, know that I want to teach you these way of thinking with my December Coaching for Women Physicians. Go to www.drfaryal.com to learn more. 

I missed my wedding anniversary.  I was trying to be the voice of so many people that I lost my voice. Literally and figuratively. Has this happened to you? Have you said yes to so many things in your life that un-intentionally you start saying no to the things that matter to you? Like dropping your kids off at school with a full Halloween costume? This episode is for anyone who needs a reset. Come back here. We are going to do so much this month. All that is good and will make a difference in your life.  But start by committing to a No-vember, saying No to what you don't want to get Yes to what you want. 

We are in the third week of Iran's uprising.  After last week's episode, I had so many requests from my audience asking "What can we do?". So I reached out to a brilliant Iranian American Scientist who has been an inspiration to many people around the world.  My guest today is Dr. Firouz Naderi. He held many executive positions during his 36 years at NASA's robotic space missions leading to becoiong NASA's program manager for Mars exploration in 2000. He received NASA's Distinguished Service Medal in 2005 which is considered its highest award.  After retiring from his position, he remains an active advocate for the Iranian-American dispora formerly having served on the board of directors of Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian American (PAAIA). I reached out to him to share his thoughts about what is happening in Iran, what are some actionable items listeners can put in practice.  In other news, Shervin Hajipour, the singer of "Baraye" song that I played on the podcast has been released on bond. There is a collective movement to nominate his song for Grammy's under the "best song for social change".  You may submit your vote at https://songforsocialchange.grammy.com  I hope you enjoy this special podcast.  To follow Dr. Firouz Naderi on social media, please do so on Twittter @Firouz_Naderi Consider to keep posting about the political injustices in Iran by sharing hashtags. #Mahsaamini, #Nikashakarami, #iran 

On September 13th, a 22 year old Kurdish girl named Mahsa Amini, who had come to Tehran for a mini vacation with her family was detained by the "Morality Police" for having improper hijab or head covering. 3 days later, she was declared brain dead in an ICU and her body was returned to her grieving family. One week later, a young artist by the name of Shervin Hajipour, had performed a song by tying together people's tweets about why they are demonstrating in protest.  It's bigger than Mahsa Amini. It's bigger than Hijab.  The song had garnered millions of listeneres.  24 hours later, Shervin was arrested by the Iranian governement and his song was removed from his social media accounts.  If you want to help out and let the rest of the people who are demonstrating to remember her name, what can you do? What is the least you could do?  If you are faced with helplessness about what it happening thousands of miles away from where you live, how can you act so you can have an impact? There is so much injustice in this world.  Right now, in the country of Iran there are people who are demonstrating for their rights to have freedom of choice. The choice to live in a free world.  On Saturday, October 1st, I am holding a Q and A zoom meeting to answer questions for you as well as share with you steps you can take to support and honor the likes of Mahsa and Shervin. To learn more sign up on my website http://www.drfaryal.com   

Has colonoscopy given you a reason to be more mindful? The funny thing is we often associate mindfulness with a retreat or a relaxing meditation session in a beautiful location. Learn how a day of undergoing colonoscopy with medication coctail that was less than ideal taught me some deep lessons about life and being in the moment.  How are you going to carve out time for your life to be in the here and now? You don't need to schedule yourself to have a colonoscopy to do it, but listen how any disturbance in your life flow can be an opportunity to focus on here and now. Learn more on my website: www.drfaryal.com

When a very physically well person gets cancer, we always wonder: How did this happen? As if cancer only happens to unwell people.  This week's special guest, on my 100th episode of the podcast, is a friend, physician colleague and Persian friend who was diagnosed with cancer while doing all the right things.  Or, so she thought.  In reflection and hindsight always being 20/20, Dr. Parastoo Jangouk shares with us how a diagnosis of cancer made her make a full 180 on how she was living her life.  To learn more about her, check out her website www.mindgutfitmd.com   Follow her on her popular instagram @doctorparastoo  Also, this is the LAST week to sign up for the October Retreat in Hawaii. go to my website to learn more. www.drfaryal.com   

Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself? When people complement you on the life you have created, do you try to act small and deflect the attention? You deserve all that you have created in your life and need to own up to all your success.  In this episode I will share with you how my daughter's little expression has changed how I live my life.  Join us as we celebrate being who we are in Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu in October for a very special retreat. To learn more, go to www.drfaryal.com  

If you are faced with a life changing diagnosis, Troy Strawhecker has a message for you: "It's going to be ok." But he'll tell you: 30 years ago he almost didn't make it.  As a young adult, he was diagnosed and had to go through the treatment of, not one, but two type of cancers. I really wanted to have him share his story. He is such a genuine and good hearted friend. When he looks back at his life, he can be vulnerable to break the stereotype of what surviving cancer does and does not mean. Most of us will never get the chance to be the fly on the wall of people's lives who survive cancer. This story is a great inside look.  What it means to have an open and grateful heart. What it means to be imperfectly perfect every single day of our lives. No matter what hand life deals us.  On this 30th anniversary of "You're Good to Go" announcement from his doctor, let's hear it for all who have walked the walk many don't get the chance to complete.  I hope you enjoy this special story.   

You may know her as the mother of all support groups for women physicians in the world. Dr. Hala Sabry-Elnaggar may need no introduction, but she is the person who has single-handedly created the most meaningful community for physicians all over the world. Today's episode will be a great introduction to how her mind works: One decision at a time. She has faced personal tragedies and adversities with that simple rule. When her mother was dying of cancer, she made Hala promise her to this one thing... Listen more to learn. To learn more about her Reconstructive Breast surgeon, go to www.theiabr.com. Also, if you are interested in joining us for our Hawaii retreat, go to www.drfaryal.com to learn more. 

When faced with a serious illness, we are forced to stop and pivot. We change how we eat, we change how we move through life and how we manage our relationships. What if you made that stop before you got sick? If you are a runner, there are 'rest days' that are intentionally planted in running programs so you avoid injury. How about in your life? Do you have rest days, weeks or hours in your life to allow for yourself to recover and avoid injury? I hope this week's episode allows you to give yourself permission to pause and pivot if you need to do so. For even more intentional pause and presence, consider joining me for my retreat. Check out www.drfaryal.com/Retreat2022 

In life, we are going to meet a lot of people. As physicians, we will meet many patients along the way. There are many good questions that we can ask which will foster understanding and connection. One question that does neither is "Where are you from?". Today is the 33rd year anniversary of when I permanently moved to the United States of America. While I have lived all over the US, no matter where I go, I always get asked this question. In the interest of saying what we mean and meaning what we say, I will share with you my take on how this question is received by the other person, and give you a moment to pause and ask yourself: What do I really want to know about this person? Then, ask them that question exactly. Want to learn more about how to talk to people, go to my website to get the free guide. www.drfaryal.com 

I remember when I first heard about hospice, I thought it was only for patients dying of cancer. But then, what about millions of others who are dying a very slow and unseen death of brain failure? What do we do with and for dementia patients? So much of the actual care is carried and delivered by the unsung heros of the stories: Families and care givers. My guest today, Amy Shaw, is a brilliant and compassionate Physician Assistant that will guide us through what we know and what we should know. Feel free to share this episode with those you love. Are you interested in a RESET to get yourself jump start to a better version of you that goes from Chaos to Calm? Go to www.drfaryal.com/reset to learn more. 

We were all getting excited for the summer. That's when my daughter came down with COVID. I remember in residency my chief used to say: If it's not one thing it's another. And sometimes it's one another after another. We are confused about our plans when the unexpected happens. What if we used all those bumps and unexpected events as intentions to navigate life with more ease and contentment? I want that for all of us. That's why I am inviting you to sign up for my Summer Reset: 5 days of consecutive coaching to manage our minds around all that overwhelms us. Join me at www.drfaryal.com/reset. 

In light of this week's tragedy of the mass shooting that took place in Texas, I wanted to offer you peaceful advice you can use.  A starbucks Barista in Uvalde, the city the shooting took place, asked the customer if they were caring for themselves in this time of unimaginable loss. The customer asked the same questions in return. That's when the Barista shared that she works in San Antonio, but decided to come help so the Starbucks workers in Uvalde could have the day off to grieve.  "Love in Action" means that there are things you can do to make a difference. "Thoughts and Prayers" is not one of them.  In this episode I will share with you what you can do in times of "Collective Grief". 

How do you manage grief? Does your pain go away if you avoid it? Should you try to 'have a different way of looking at your life'? Does being in denial of the loss that has happened to your life help you move forward? How can you be sad and be grateful at the same time? In this episode, we will talk about all type of losses: Loss of a dog, a life that could have been and the loss of a future that you will never have. I hope you enjoy this episode. Interested in joining me in October? Learn more at http://www.drfaryal.com/Retreat2022

My dad had a saying that I have been telling my kids for years. "It's raining: it's not raining on YOU". This week's podcast I want to teach you about a mindset shift that will change your entire weather, without the help of anyone. There are things we have no control over in life: Like how the weather in Hawaii will be on our anniversary trip. Then, there are things we have absolute control over: Like how the internal weather is going to be like when the weather is terrible in Hawaii. Let me help you pivot to have a better weather inside, no matter what is happening in your life. Are you interested in joining us for the retreat? The spots are limited: check out www.drfaryal.com/Retreat2022

Some people wonder: 'Now that I am cancer free, how should I live my life?'. I get asked this question by my clients. They want to know how they can stop sweating the small stuff and appreciate life more fully now that they are out of the woods. The truth is, there is no out of the woods. There is also no 'in the woods'. If you are able to live your life from a place of 'There is no there, there', you are so much more likely to live every minute fully exactly as your life was meant to be lived. The idea of pursuit of happyness in itself is a fallacy. This week's episode will tell you why. Also, interested in the retreat? Go to www.drfaryal.com/retreat to sign up.  

I often say, "Aging is a privilege denied to many." When I say this, I am trying to make my patients, and clients have some perspective that it's ok to get older and there is celebration in the very fact that we lived long enough to be here this moment. But, this week, I want to share the story of my client, who misses her beautiful singing voice. With her permission, I am sharing the beautiful song of Lucy Simon who's a reminder to all of us that we can celebrate our current life as well as grieving the life we used to have. It's ok to do both. 

Boston Marathon is probably one of my most favorite athletic events in the US. It's an opportunity for those of us who live an ordinary life, partcipate in an extra ordinary event. Running in the same path of the world's elite athletes with the best spectators yelling out your name is the most magical experience ever. Except when someone does more than an extraordinary act of running: my guest today not only ran the Boston Marathon that day, he got to save a life. Listen to his inspiring story. 

When patients get ready to go into the operating room, they often want 'everything' done. Unfortunately, sometimes, this conversations leads to a very prolonged and painful experience in the hospital. Sometimes they make it out alive, and sometimes they don't. My guest today will focus on what it means to have these conversations well. Dr. Kim Fischer is a physician anesthesiologist and the founder of Lucid. To learn more about her amazing program please check her out at www.lucidadvoate.com

This is not an April's Fools Day Joke. This week, as I congratulate all my physician colleagues on National Doctor's Day, I'd like to talk to you about an unspoken truth: More and more, physicians are struggling with burnout and mental health issues, and more and more, they are either ignoring it, or getting 'underground' help. Not wanting to receive mental health help from their own medical group, from the fear of being reported to their medical boards, they are walking a slippery slope. More than 1/5 of actively practicing physicians are considering leaving medicine. These are the facts. We cannot look away. We need to do something. Share this episode with your medical group presidents if you need to: we need to get proper support.

You may not know my back story. When I was interviewed for Dex Randall's podcast "Burnout to Leadership", it occured to me that I shared some valuable advice for everyone to hear. I think these pearls are helpful for my own audience as well. What is it that peoplel don't know about end of life? Do I have any words of advice? Also, what is on MY bucket list? I hope you'll enjoy this candid conversation. Also, there's still time to sign up for the "Out with the Old" workshop. Go to www.drfaryal.com/spring to sign up. 

There are no trophies for working ourselves to death. Yet, we keep showing up, working harder than the day before as opposed to pausing and pivoting to focus on our own well being and mental health. My guest today is a poster child of someone who turned his life around after not one by 2 near death experiences. Host of the podcast "Burnout to Leadership", Dex Randall is a brilliant and compassionate human that will tell you his life story to be inspired. Reach out to him at www.dexrandall.com 

Welcome to a Masterclass in parenting. More importantly, welcome to an episode to answer all of your questions around adoption: what to say, what not to say, who should adopt, who shoudn't, and if you are considering adoption what are some advanced planning you should consider before getting started. Join my truly dear friend and an execptional psychotherapist Kristine Altwies, who is a mother of 5 children and the CEO of A Family Tree, for a one of a kind discussion. Learn more at www.afamilytree.org 

In a special episode, I share my message of hope about what you CAN do in times of war and disaster. I reach out to my regular listeners in Ukraine, Russia and Poland to extend my love. I also reach out to the audience about what you can do at this moment to take some actions so that you are able to take away some level of human suffering, the best way you know how. Please email the support person at St. Jude's hospital if you are able to help Jennifer.McArthur@STJUDE.ORG

Sexual health is a very important part of our overall health. What happens when we are struck by an illness? Does sex have to take the back seat or do we get a chance to enjoy a meaningful pleasure filled sexual existence no matter how old or how ill? You may already know the answer to this, but listen to this week's episode to learn more about this topic based on my discussion with a dear colleague and sex educator Dr. Kelly Casperson the creator of the wildly popular podcast "You are not broken". 

You don't have to do anything you don't want to be doing. Financial independence that comes from a place of intentional relationship with how we save and spend money allows us a freedom unlike any other. If you have this one life, how would you spend it? What is a purpose driven life look like? Would you stay in a job if it was not aligned with your values and goals? What would you do instead? How would you pick your next job?

One of my favorite artists is a Rwandan/Belgian singer named Stromae. He has a song called "Quand c'est?" In French it means when is it, but it pronounced as: Cancer. I have clients who are cancer survivors who keep thinking that they are about to have cancer again. I have patients who have cancer who are in denial that they are dying from it. In this episode, on the World Cancer Day, I am taking my voice to empower you to ask for Palliative Care as being part of your cancer treatment. To work with me as a patient or a client please go to www.drfaryal.com

Not only did Deborah decide to honor her son's life by donating his organs while he was alive. But she was able to have the clarity of mind to write a letter to his organ donor recepients letting them know they should not feel guilty. This type of love and generosity is almost unheard of. Listen to her story as she shares more details about what she went through. To learn more about her check her podcast here To donate to Mile's Memorial for his school's robotic program, go here. 

In this very special episode, I invite back my dear friend and previous guest on this show, Dr. Deborah Butzbach, a radiation oncologist and a grieving mother who lost her 13 year old son due to an accident. Her decision to donate Miles's organs as he was in the ICU touched me deeply and I believe it is a story worth telling.  I hope you enjoy this two part series. 

Have you had any close calls? Car crash, massive heart attack, near drowning, the list can go on an on? What about an urgent text that you were going to get hit by a missile? What would you do? What goes through your mind? Then, right after that... Do you shift gears and decide to live your life with a bit more purpose? I wonder if this makes you hold onto or let go of life easier. I hope this week's podcast can create some good food for thoughts for you. Learn more on www.drfaryal.com 

The truth is we don't want anything to change. We don't want to be getting older. We don't want to lose the ones we love. We certainly don't want to be grieving the loss of those we love. Unfortunately, life has other plans in store for us. In the beginning of a year that follows a very difficult year for us all, it's my pleasure to share with a resource and a vision about growth through loss and grief. AmarAtma Khalsa is a board certified Chaplain and a Grief Coach. You will love listening to him and his sense of ease and acceptance. Learn more http://amaratmakhalsa.com

It's the New Year's Eve in the US. Some people are anxious. They had set some goals and aspirations for themselves and here's one more year that nothing panned out, truly. So where do we go from here? If you think about it, end of the year is actually an arbitrary assignment. In my part of the world, the year ends the day before the spring solstice. So, if it helps you, you have until March 20th of next year to get anything done. Jokes aside, I will share with you my reflection that it's better to look at your life in terms of if you accomplished anything that adds value to your life instead? If our reflections were different, our appreciation would change, too. Join me in my program to learn more. Http://www.drfaryal.com/2022