LYNN BANIS: YOU DON’T HEAL ALONE

  What happens after a major loss when the world expects you to move forward—but you no longer recognize the life or identity you have been left with? In this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, Uncle Dave welcomes Lynn Banis, executive coach, leadership-development professional, grief-transformation guide, and founder of Women Rising Together. Lynn shares how three devastating losses inspired her to help women rediscover their identities, rebuild their lives, and move toward purpose and joy. Lynn spent much of her career working with a major global consulting firm, where she coached executives and developed leaders. Her work centered on helping people recognize their strengths, navigate crises, and become the best versions of themselves. Then grief arrived in waves. Lynn’s 106-year-old mother, who had been living with her, passed away. Nine months later, Lynn received a call informing her that her younger brother had died from a massive heart attack. Several months after that, her husband, Bill, died unexpectedly from complications following surgery. Within approximately two and a half years, Lynn lost three of the most important people in her life. A few months after her husband’s death, Lynn looked around their five-bedroom home, pool, and large yard and realized she could no longer manage everything. She quickly sold the house and downsized—something she now cautions people against doing while overwhelmed by fresh grief. After the move, Lynn’s body forced her to stop. She spent three months recovering physically and emotionally from the accumulated pressure, loss, and major life changes. As the fog began to lift, Lynn recognized that her professional experience had given her tools that could help others. She reviewed what had helped her, what had failed, and what had been missing. That reflection eventually became a transformation program for women rebuilding after significant loss. Lynn does not focus on the earliest stage of grief, when emotions may be too intense for major decisions. Her work begins when someone reaches the point of saying, “I cannot remain here, but I do not know what comes next.” Loss changes more than circumstances. It can remove identities built around being someone’s spouse, caregiver, employee, leader, mother, or provider. When those roles disappear, people may no longer know who they are or where they belong. Lynn helps women peel away outdated stories, limiting beliefs, and expectations accumulated throughout life. They examine their values, strengths, moments of flow, supportive environments, and the activities that make them feel most alive. That information becomes the foundation for a new vision. The process continues inside a supportive community where women can share experiences without being judged, rushed, or “fixed.” Lynn believes transformation happens through connection because people do not heal in isolation. The conversation also explores how friends and family can support someone grieving. You do not need perfect words. Call, visit, sit quietly, offer coffee, or simply say, “I’m thinking about you, and I love you.” Presence is often more valuable than advice. For the person experiencing grief, early steps can be small. Sit outside. Take a short walk. Feel the sunlight. Speak with someone safe. Attend the pity party when necessary—but do not move in and start forwarding your mail. Grief is not something we simply “get over.” We learn to carry it differently while creating room for purpose, relationships, laughter, and joy to return. In this episode, you will discover: • How three major losses changed Lynn’s life and work • Why grief can create a profound identity crisis • Why major decisions during fresh grief require caution • How isolation can delay healing • What friends can say when they do not know what to say • Why nature and movement can become valuable first steps • How values may change after a significant loss • Why rebuilding is different from recreating the past • How community supports lasting transformation • Why purposeful action matters more than empty affirmations Lynn’s seed for the magic garden is this: Everything you have experienced has already developed capabilities within you. Those strengths have not disappeared. You may simply need help recognizing and accessing them. Instead of demanding that you already be healed, tell yourself, “I am on the path,” or “I am working toward my next chapter.” Honor what you lost without building your permanent home inside the loss. Your future will not duplicate your past—but it can still contain meaning, purpose, community, and joy. Connect with Lynn: Women Rising Together: https://womenrisingtogether.org Resources: Next Chapter Workbook and grief-support materials available through her platform Bring peace and love into your life. When necessary, bring a bat, reach for community, take the next small step, and hit your sweet spot. #PeaceLoveAndBringABat #UncleDave #LynnBanis #WomenRisingTogether #GriefSupport #LifeAfterLoss #Transformation #Community #Healing #Purpose To support us: https://davidchametzky.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547