Podcast
Uncomfortable Friend
Hosted by April McCormick · EN
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...
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Art of Saying Sorry
Feb 26, 202500:31:21Tap to summarizeSend 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 <3
Transcribe →Turning 40
Jan 29, 202500:36:15Tap to summarizeSend 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 <3
Transcribe →2025: The Year of Joy
Jan 1, 202500:15:58Tap to summarizeSend 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 <3
Transcribe →Suffering Well
Oct 23, 202400:25:33Tap to summarizeSend 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 <3
Transcribe →I'm Not Ready Yet...
Oct 9, 202400:20:32Tap to summarizeSend 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. <3 If you'd like to send me, or Lincoln, a note, please feel free to write us at lincoln.m.mccormick@gmail.com. You can also use the new Fan Mail option to send me a note. I'd love to hear recommendations for another episode, if you'd like to be a guest, or if there is anyway I can help. Please leave your name and/or email if you'd like a reply as it comes through anonymously. Until we meet again <3
Transcribe →It's OK to not be OK...
Sep 25, 202400:15:55Tap to summarizeSend 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 <3
Transcribe →Life is in the Transitions - Book Review
Sep 11, 202400:31:55Tap to summarizeSend 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 <3
Transcribe →Give Yourself Some Grace
Aug 28, 202400:02:46Tap to summarizeSend a textLife 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 <3
Transcribe →Joy vs. Happiness
Aug 14, 202400:25:48Tap to summarizeSend a textThere 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 <3
Transcribe →Life Didn't Go As Planned, But That's OK with Rebecca Hawkins
Jul 31, 202400:58:13Tap to summarizeSend a textLike 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 <3
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