Finding Strength in Grief – Dr. Lynn Banis on Overcoming Loss and Rebuilding Life

Life-Changing Challengers

In this deeply moving episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes Dr. Lynn Banis, a grief and resilience mentor and founder of Widows Rising Together. Dr. Banis shares her powerful personal journey through compounded grief after losing her mother, brother, and husband within three years. She opens up about the emotional toll of loss, the struggles of navigating life after losing a spouse, and the loneliness that often comes with grief.

With a background in industrial-organizational psychology and leadership development, Dr. Banis has transformed her own experiences into a structured program that helps widows and widowers reclaim their identity, heal, and build a new future. Her insights into grief, resilience, and personal transformation provide valuable guidance for anyone navigating loss or supporting a grieving loved one.

Episode Highlights

• [10:30] – Transitioning from music to psychology, earning her doctorate, and working in leadership development.
• [20:00] – The three-year period of compounded grief—losing her mother at 106, her brother unexpectedly, and her husband.
• [35:00] – The emotional challenges of grief, from loneliness to brain fog and lack of motivation.
• [45:00] – The importance of community and the role of human connection in healing.
• [55:00] – Creating Widows Rising Together to help others rebuild their identity and find purpose after loss.
• [1:05:00] – How travel and personal reinvention can be powerful tools for transformation.

Key Takeaways

1. Grief is Different for Everyone – No two people experience loss the same way, and healing takes time.
2. Community is Essential – Loneliness is one of the hardest parts of grief, and support systems make a difference.
3. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – Instead of pretending to be fine, expressing emotions is a vital step in healing.
4. Rebuilding Identity is Possible – Losing a spouse or loved one changes everything, but a new life can be created with intention.
5. Transformation Through Experience – Travel, new hobbies, and self-discovery help in the journey of grief recovery.

Links & Resources

• Widows Rising Together Website: WidowsRisingTogether.com – Resources, coaching, and support for widows.
• Follow Dr. Lynn Banis on Social Media:
  • Facebook: Widows Rising Together
  • LinkedIn: Dr. Lynn Banis
  • Instagram: @WidowsRisingTogether
  • YouTube: Widows Rising Together Channel
• Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Banis: Visit her website to book a one-on-one session.

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