The first quarter of the year is wrapping up and it's been a whirlwind for both of us. We share where we are in this caregiver life (Mar) and where we are in the Beyond (Lara). There has been lots of growth for both of us. As always there isn't a minute of our conversations that we do not enjoy thoroughly. No one sees us more clearly than those who know ALS.

We talked about Mel Robbin's podcast episode: The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now with Mary Clare Haver, MD

Have thoughts you'd like to share? Drop us a note:

maryhahnward@gmail.com

laragarey@yahoo.com

Check out Lara's blog: Tom's Troops

Check out Mar's Etsy shop: Cottage at Marehaven

In this episode, Mary and Lara discuss the strategies they have learned and continue to practice to help ease the ALS caregiver and survivor journey. Both Mary and Lara discuss how they came to these practices at a time that was right for them. They both still struggle with their journey, but having something to lean into when the journey becomes too hard has been the key to finding their paths forward. We hope that by seeing how differently we both came to mindfulness and meditation it is never too late or too early to find peace in the chaos of this ALS life.

Check out Lara’s latest blogs, Ending 2023 with gratitude and Finding peace just outside my door regarding how she feels she is transitioning from deep grief to healing:

https://tomstroops.com/2023/12/31/ending-2023-with-gratitude/

Check out Mary’s Cottage at Marhaven Etsy shop.

This Caregiver Life podcast episode: Give Your Mind a Rest

Guided Meditation by Tara Brach

This time of year, the holidays, can be a challenge for us in the ALS community, now and in the afterlife. We do our best to figure out ways to make it palatable. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we don't. It's very individual to know what will work for you. Lara and I agree that staying away from Social Media for a few days before, during, and after a holiday can be helpful.

Several years ago, when I was fully engaged in co-hosting the podcast "This Caregiver Life" I interviewed Lara. Lara shared her strategy for getting through: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thiscaregiverlife/episodes/E18-Upside-Down-Holidays-e8j029/a-aqktp0

Check out Lara's latest blog post: https://tomstroops.com/

Check out Mary's Cottage at Marehaven Etsy shop.

Have some thoughts you'd like to share:

Mary's email: maryhahnward@gmail.com

Lara's email: laragarey@yahoo.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ALSCaregiversandBeyond

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