122 episodes

If every life is a book, then the last chapter matters. As a palliative care doctor, I want you to live your best life, every single day, whether or not you are faced with a serious illness. I want us to live an intentional life, one that allows us to live our bucket list and enjoy every minute as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
In this podcast I want to share my skills and stories to help us focus on what matters the most and learn to be empowered to live a life on purpose. Join me to be inspired by simple joys of daily living as well as learn how to ask the right questions when faced with difficult decisions in life.

Write Your Last Chapter Dr. Faryal Michaud

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 74 Ratings

If every life is a book, then the last chapter matters. As a palliative care doctor, I want you to live your best life, every single day, whether or not you are faced with a serious illness. I want us to live an intentional life, one that allows us to live our bucket list and enjoy every minute as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
In this podcast I want to share my skills and stories to help us focus on what matters the most and learn to be empowered to live a life on purpose. Join me to be inspired by simple joys of daily living as well as learn how to ask the right questions when faced with difficult decisions in life.

    "Why Me?"

    "Why Me?"

    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.

    • 22 min
    "Did Not See This Coming"

    "Did Not See This Coming"

    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 

    • 26 min
    "Mom Rage"

    "Mom Rage"

    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. 

    • 21 min
    "How To Tame Shame"

    "How To Tame Shame"

    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/retreat2023 to sign up for the retreat in Hawaii. 

    I hope to see you then. 
     

    • 25 min
    "Back to the Basics"

    "Back to the Basics"

    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".

    • 54 min
    "Invest in Yourself"

    "Invest in Yourself"

    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. 
     

    • 58 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
74 Ratings

74 Ratings

Mister-Doctor ,

Add this to your Must-Listen list

Different podcasts appeal to different audiences, depending on the interests of the listener and the relevance to their life. This podcast, however, is relevant to everyone. Everyone will have to deal with illnesses and death during the course of their life, and everyone can benefit from learning how to live a full life, whether they are currently facing these issues or not. Dr. Michaud, a Palliative Care physician, expertly explores the topics of coping with illness and death. Because this is her area of expertise, it has also given her great insight into how to live intentionally in the present and to enjoy the “now”, because the future is never guaranteed. The podcast has many, many excellent guests that help to shine a light on these important topics. Don’t Miss This Podcast!

Aussiek ,

Dr Angel

Most patients and their families will say their doctor is an angel only when they are cured of an illness. I wish there were more doctors like you to help families navigate a terminal illness. So glad to have met you I feel reassured for advocating for my mother in law. Thank you Dr Angel.

MindGutFitMD ,

Great podcast for everyone

I love Dr Michaud’s insight on life and death. She’s a great coach with a unique outlook on key issues in life. She’s smart, savvy and has great life experience. I’ve learnt so much from Faryal and admire her courage and resilience. If you want to learn something worthy of your time, listen to her podcasts ♥️.

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