Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in honest moments, hard conversations, and small shifts we make every day. If you’ve been feeling disconnected, uncertain, or like you’re never quite enough, this conversation is for you.

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re reflecting on some of the most meaningful moments from our podcast this year. Together, we revisit powerful conversations on navigating conflict in relationships, the loneliness epidemic, self-doubt, body image, and the quiet practices that help us come home to ourselves.

This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone and that real growth begins with awareness, compassion, and presence.

✨ In this episode, we explore powerful moments from past conversations, including:

• Navigating heated arguments with honesty and compassion — from Why Your Relationships Aren’t Working (And How Hard Conversations Can Help)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u88XpgOMGqA&t
• Why loneliness is rising and how to reconnect with yourself in a disconnected world — from Loneliness Is Killing Us (Connected but Disconnected)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWZ1ij3Ii7Y
• Moving through self-doubt to rebuild confidence and clarity by trusting your intuition — from Self-Doubt Ends Here | Leaning Into Your Intuition and Inner Voice
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UHQ1vas5_U&t
• Understanding body image and why true confidence comes from within—not external validation — from Why We Think We’re Not Enough: The Truth About Body Image & Confidence
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKOFVr5HQ2Q



📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now!

A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace.

👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

What if a “successful” holiday wasn’t defined by perfect traditions, packed schedules, or being surrounded by family? What if this season could feel lighter—rooted in ease, presence, and honoring yourself? 💫

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your holiday questions and talking openly about navigating loneliness, grief, unwanted traditions, and disappointment. From estranged relationships and embracing solitude to feeling nostalgic or simply not feeling festive at all, this episode invites you to redefine what the holidays can mean for you.

What We Talk About

• Navigating Loneliness — How to honor your feelings without getting stuck in them, and gentle ways to lift your spirits
• Creating New Memories — Loosening our grip on expectations and allowing new traditions to emerge
• Grieving During the Holidays — Making space for loss, estrangement, and difficult emotions; it’s okay if this season doesn’t feel joyful
• Navigating Disappointment — Offering yourself grace while taking small steps that empower you to shift your experience

Remember: you’re allowed to celebrate differently.

You’re allowed to choose rest over routine.

You’re allowed to release traditions that no longer serve you.

Whatever this season looks like, you deserve to move through it with gentleness, honesty, and authenticity.

📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now!

A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace.

👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics

• Being alone during the holidays
• Redefining family, tradition, and what celebration means 
• Grieving and making space for difficult emotions
• Navigating disappointment with compassion
•  Giving yourself grace, care, and permission to choose what you need

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

💕Cashapp

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod. 

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-.... Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful — here’s how to release the pressure and enjoy the season 💫

On this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into holiday stress, perfectionism, boundaries, and the real reason so many of us feel overwhelmed this time of year. With 62% of people reporting elevated holiday stress, this conversation will help you slow down, stay grounded, and make space for joy and presence.

Whether you’re navigating family expectations, food triggers, financial pressure, or the urge to “do it all,” this episode offers practical guidance on creating a holiday season that feels peaceful and true to you.

✨ What We Talk About

• How to release holiday perfectionism and find meaning in what’s real—not what’s flawless.
• The art of saying no and the freedom that comes with not overextending yourself.
• Checking in with your emotions: A simple practice for asking, “What do I desire and need this season?”
• Setting boundaries without guilt so you can protect your peace and energy.
• Navigating triggers & pressure:
• Barb opens up about food triggers and social overwhelm as a recovering bulimic.
• Michelle shares tools for managing financial stress and releasing unrealistic expectations.

If you’ve ever felt anxious, stretched too thin, or disappointed by the holidays, this episode is your reminder: You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to choose peace. You’re allowed to make this season meaningful in your own way.

📘 USA TODAY BESTSELLER — Dear Friend by Michelle Maros is out now!

A powerful 365-day companion to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, presence, and inner peace.

👉 Order your copy: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics

• Saying No to Social Pressure — Navigating invitations from friends, family, and coworkers with confidence and compassion
• Managing Financial Stress — Rethinking gift-giving, events, and the cost of “holiday expectations”
• Handling Food Triggers — Staying grounded amid pressure to overindulge
• Avoiding Overextension — Setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and well-being
• Letting Go of Perfectionism — Releasing the need to do it all and redefining what a meaningful holiday looks like

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

💕Washington Red Raspberries

Washington Red Raspberries are a clean, simple, and seriously delicious way to add more  nutrition to your day. 

• They’re American grown, picked at peak ripeness, and frozen within hours to lock in nutrients  like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. And they have no added sugar—just fruit, as nature  intended. Each serving is an excellent source of fiber (21% daily value) , high in antioxidant Vitamin C (30% daily value), low natural sugar, and a good source of folate.

You can grab your own bag of fresh, delicious, and locally grown raspberries at the following retailers:

Costco, Kroger, Meijer, and WinCo Foods

Look for “Product of the U.S.” on the bag. Want to discover new ways to use American frozen red raspberries and get more details on  where you can grab a bag of these delicious berries? 

✨ Go to redrazz.org

💕Wayfair

Wayfair is here to help with any last-minute gifts, decor emergencies, and final touches to make your space feel merry and cozy. From bedding and linens to decor for every room in the house—Wayfair’s your one-stop shop.

We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right.

✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

What if the very thing you’re ashamed of is actually the thing that sets you free?

In today’s episode, we explore the truth that being messy is part of being human — and why perfection is the biggest lie we’ve ever been sold. 💫

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re joined by actress, comedian, and author Zosia Mamet for a deeply honest conversation about recovery, self-acceptance, and learning to embrace our imperfections.

In a world that glorifies thinness, achievement, and flawlessness, it’s easy to feel like you’ll never be “enough.” Zosia shares her raw journey through eating disorder recovery, the pressure to be perfect, and the unexpected power of community and vulnerability.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, comparison, or feeling alone in your pain — this episode is your reminder that you are worthy, lovable, and not alone.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Releasing Comparison: How social media fuels unrealistic expectations—and how to break free.

• Healing From an Eating Disorder: Understanding the roots of addiction and why support is essential.

• The Importance of Community: Why you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) struggle alone.

• Learning From Imperfection: Growth happens in the mistakes, the messiness, and the trying again.

This conversation is a soft place to land — a safe space to breathe, heal, and remember who you really are. 🌸

DEAR FRIEND: USA TODAY & INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

We are so proud to announce that Michelle’s book Dear Friend is now a USA TODAY and International Bestseller!

This moment is only possible because of YOU — your support, your reviews, your love, and your belief in this work.

Dear Friend offers 365 daily reflections to help you return to yourself with compassion, clarity, and peace.

👉 Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics

• How to break free from comparison and impossible beauty standards

• The truth about perfectionism—and its impact on your mental and emotional well-being

• Zosia Mamet’s honest journey through eating disorder recovery

• Why community, vulnerability, and support are essential for healing

• How to embrace imperfection and begin accepting yourself from the inside out

💬 We’d love to hear from you!

Which insight or moment resonated with you the most in this episode? Share in the comments below—we truly read every single one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

⭐ Special Guest:

https://www.instagram.com/zosiamamet/

And grab a copy of her amazing book: https://bit.ly/484YFRW

✨ Your New Must-Have Mindfulness Mug ✨ PMPL x Uncommon Goods

This isn’t just a mug—it’s a daily pause, a breath, a moment to return to yourself.

Every sip becomes a gentle reset, with year-round reflections designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and ground your day in intention. Make self-care simple, beautiful, and meaningful.

Shop your Mindfulness Mug here:

https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/daily-mindfulness-interactive-qr-mug

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Self-love isn’t always soft, easy, or comfortable—sometimes it means giving yourself the tough love you’ve avoided and finally doing the hard things. Growth happens in the moments we choose courage over comfort. 💫

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your questions about self-love and how to build a strong foundation within. With envy, self-doubt, comparison, and self-judgment at an all-time high, this conversation offers a gentle, grounded guide for breaking through the noise and cultivating real confidence.

💬 Barb opens up about the power of positive self-talk and how it helped her heal from perfectionism and years of self-doubt.

💬 Michelle shares her personal experience with envy and how understanding the root of it transformed her relationship with herself.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Cultivating Real Self-Love: How to act with compassion even when your mind is filled with negative thoughts.

• Releasing Tough Love Habits: Identifying when you’re bypassing your emotions and learning to honour your true self-love language.

• From Envy to Self-Satisfaction: Recognizing comparison, interrupting the negative narrative, and rewriting your internal dialogue.

• Navigating Singleness: It’s okay to feel disappointment—while still choosing joy, connection, and fulfillment in your life today.

Remember: You don’t need to earn your self-love. There is nothing you must prove or achieve to be worthy of kindness, compassion, and care. 🌸

USA TODAY and INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER 📖

Michelle’s new book Dear Friend is out now!

A daily companion with 365 reflections to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, and inner peace.

👉 Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• Releasing self-doubt and constant self-criticism
• Cultivating kinder, more loving self-talk
• Letting go of judgment, comparison, and the urge to “fix” yourself
• Finding genuine satisfaction and love for your life as it is
• Navigating singleness with confidence and self-worth

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

NEW MINDFULNESS MUG 💕 PMPL x Uncommon Goods

This isn’t just a mug—it’s a daily pause, a moment to breathe, and a gentle reminder to come back home to yourself. Each sip becomes a mindful reset, with year-round reflections delivered straight to your mug. Make self-care simple and meaningful. Shop your mug here:

https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/daily-mindfulness-interactive-qr-mug

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

When hope feels distant, lean into this truth: you were created for these times. There is power and purpose in the actions you take today — all you need is a little faith. 💫

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re talking about navigating unprecedented times by grounding ourselves in hope and leaning into faith. Join us for an encouraging conversation about taking purposeful action today while holding a vision for a better tomorrow.

💬 Barb vulnerably shares the hopelessness she felt during aging and divorce — and how she moved through those fears by trusting faith.

💬 Michelle explores the difference between hope and faith, and how she’s learned to navigate dark seasons with a realistic belief that things can get better.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Faith in action: Rising above despair and taking meaningful steps toward a better tomorrow.
• You were made for these times: Trusting your worth and stepping into your purpose right where you are.
• Things can change: Believing in the collective power of community, compassion, and action.
• You’re not alone: Finding strength in connection during shared grief and uncertainty.

Remember — in unprecedented times, the greatest thing we can do is have faith that the actions we take today are planting the seeds of hope for tomorrow. 🌸

Dive deeper: Here’s the full Clarissa Pinkola Estés piece we reference in the episode:https://www.awakin.org/v2/read/view.php?tid=2195

USA TODAY BESTSELLER 📖 Michelle’s new book, Dear Friend, is out now!

A daily companion with 365 reflections to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, and inner peace.

👉Order your copy here:  https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• Cultivating hope in a better tomorrow
• Trusting that your actions are impactful
• Leaning on your community 
• Feeling your feelings through the difficulties
• Embracing the present moment fully

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

💕Nature’s Sunshine

Give yourself a little daily reset with Chlorophyll Stick Packs (or any of the amazing goodies from Nature’s Sunshine!). As a gift, you’ll get 20% off your first order + free shipping. 

✨ Just head to naturessunshine.com and use code LIFEHAPPENS at checkout.

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

🔖 Hashtags:

#DearFriendthebook #MichelleMaros #Hope #CreatingaBetterTomorrow #BeingPresent

 It’s the small shifts that create a big impact— trust that your efforts are leading to greatness. 💫

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re introducing The 1% Practice — a conversation on how small, intentional actions can create the life of your dreams. From cultivating patience to releasing perfectionism, this episode is for anyone seeking more ease, confidence, and joy in daily life.

💬 Barb shares how letting go of perfectionism and rigidity helped her find grounding through patience and presence.

💬 Michelle opens up about the power of tiny joys — and how small self-care moments spark hope, happiness, and healing.

✨ Episode Highlights

• The 1% Practice: Small, consistent steps lead to meaningful growth — just 1% of your day can positively impact the rest.
• Discipline & Consistency: Commit to your well-being and find a sustainable rhythm that supports you long-term.
• Pause, Breathe, Begin Again: Take the edge off life by returning to the present moment and choosing your next step with intention.
• Release Rigidity: There are no rules or timelines — your path is your own, and what works for you may look different for others.

Finding bliss in your daily life begins with the small, mindful moments we weave into our routines. Just pause, breathe, and begin again. 🌸

📖 Michelle’s new book, Dear Friend, is out now!

A daily companion with 365 reflections to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, and inner peace.

👉Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• Understanding we can only control our actions
• Leaning into who you want to be and your desires
• Seeking the tiny joys to spark hope and resiliency 
• Trusting that your practice is benefiting you
• Grounding yourself in the present moment

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

💕Wayfair

“Cozify” your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at Wayfair.

We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right.

✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

🔖 Hashtags:

#DearFriendthebook #MichelleMaros #1%Practice #ThePractice #PeacefulBarb

Stop settling — it’s time to choose your dreams over fear. 💫

This week on Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re celebrating two incredible milestones with Michelle: the launch of her debut book Dear Friend and her 40th birthday! 🎉

In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle opens up about her inspiring journey to becoming a published author — from overcoming fear and self-doubt to trusting her timing and refusing to settle for anything less than her dream life.

If you’ve ever felt held back by fear, uncertainty, or the weight of others’ expectations, this episode is your reminder that it’s never too late to believe in yourself and follow what truly lights you up.

✨ Episode Highlights:

• Overcoming Self-Doubt: Choosing confidence and resilience over fear
• Trusting Your Timing: Believing everything is unfolding exactly as it should
• Following Your Dreams: Refusing to settle for anything less than the life you desire
• Combatting Loneliness: Creating connection and belonging through your purpose

This episode is your gentle nudge to prioritize yourself, reignite your passion, and start listening to the whispers of your heart.

📖 Michelle’s new book — Dear Friend — is out now!

A daily companion with 365 reflections to help you cultivate self-love, clarity, and inner peace.

👉Order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• Ground yourself in the present moment
• Find connection and clarity through your practice
• Trust your timeline and the path you’re on
• Set the intention to prioritize yourself
• Follow your dreams without fear or self-doubt

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

💕Cashapp

We’re excited to be sponsored by Cash App in today’s episode! If you want to bank without all the fees—send, spend, and grow your money the way you want– Cash App is for you.

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod.

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-.... Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Available Now✨ Order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

🔖 Hashtags:

#DearFriendthebook #MichelleMaros #BookLanch #DreamsComeTrue #Loneliness

This week on Life Happens with Barb and Michelle. We’re revisiting one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve ever had — our grief episode. Together, we open up about our personal journeys with loss and how we’ve supported each other through it as mother and daughter. We talk about the lessons we’ve learned, the resilience we’ve found, and the love that continues to guide us through it all.

💬 Barb speaks vulnerably about her current experience with grief as a dear friend has recently entered hospice care. She reflects on what it means to grieve in the present moment while also recalling the pain of supporting Michelle through the loss of her dad—while carrying her own.

💬 Michelle shares how she’s navigated her dad’s passing over the years and what it means to live with grief. She also offers one of her favorite practices for moving through the emotional waves that still arise.

Here’s what you can expect from this heartfelt episode:

🌿 Lean on Others: Grieving doesn’t have to be done alone. Communicate your needs and let loved ones support you.

🌿 Healing Isn’t a Destination: Grief is a continuous journey. Some days will feel heavier than others—allow yourself grace.

🌿 Feel Your Feelings: Embrace your emotions without judgment or timeline. There’s no “right” way to grieve.

🌿 Celebrate Love: Grief is love with nowhere to go. Reframe it as gratitude for having loved so deeply.

Grief can be a tender, complex journey—but you don’t have to walk it alone. This episode was created with love, to remind you that healing is possible, and connection is always within reach.

We’re so grateful to have you with us! As a mother-daughter duo, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned through our own journeys, with the hope of inspiring you to live your best life, no matter what challenges come your way.

Join us next Tuesday for another episode of Life Happens the Podcast! 💕

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://bit.ly/4iMnVPn 🎙️ New episodes are released every Tuesday🎧

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

Today’s Episode Sponsor:

We’re excited to be sponsored by Cash App in today’s episode! If you want to bank without all the fees—send, spend, and grow your money the way you want– Cash App is for you.

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/ineo05vp #CashAppPod.

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct Deposit, Overdraft Coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

How do you know when enough is enough?

Join us for a heartfelt conversation on trusting your intuition, leaning on your values, and honoring your feelings when navigating toxic or one-sided relationships.

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re answering your personal questions about recovering from toxic relationships, managing one-sided friendships, grieving relationship endings, and more.

💬 In this episode:

• Barb shares her unique perspective on forgiveness and letting go, drawing from her experiences as a divorcee and recovering perfectionist.
• Michelle opens up about grieving her estranged stepdad, and her experiences with both platonic and romantic breakups — including the stigma around ending friendships.

✨ Episode Highlights:

• Enough is enough: Lean on your values, desires, and intuition to know your limits in relationships.
• Recovering from toxic treatment: Forgive yourself as you heal from hurtful relationships.
• Endings are okay: Find peace and acceptance when relationships — especially friendships — don’t last forever.
• Grieving estranged relationships: Feel your feelings and set boundaries as you process grief that comes from distance or estrangement.

Remember, people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime — and it’s okay for relationships to end and dynamics to shift. Trust that the right people will stay.

📖 Michelle’s new book — Dear Friend — is now available for pre-order!

Filled with 365 reflections, it’s your daily companion for cultivating self-love, clarity, and inner peace.

👉 Pre-order your copy here:  https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• When to know enough is enough
• Handling one-side relationships
• Accepting we can’t change people
• Healing isn’t a linear process
• Feeling your feelings when ending a relationship

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsors:

💕Nature’s Sunshine

Give yourself a little daily reset with Chlorophyll Stick Packs (or any of the amazing goodies from Nature’s Sunshine!). As a gift, you’ll get 20% off your first order + free shipping. 

✨ Just head to naturessunshine.com and use code LIFEHAPPENS at checkout.

💕Wayfair

“Cozify” your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at Wayfair.

We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right.

✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to. 💭

In this week’s episode of Life Happens with Barb & Michelle, we’re diving into how to protect your peace by picking your battles, knowing your triggers, setting boundaries, and loving people from afar.

We continue our conversation on navigating disrespect and difficult interactions by strengthening your discernment muscle. Barb and Michelle share personal stories, practical tools, and compassionate strategies to help you manage conflict without losing your inner calm.

💬 In this episode:

• Barb opens up about lessons learned when she was triggered and crossed her own boundaries after divorce—and how she now practices loving people from afar.
• Michelle shares her mindset shift from being hard on herself for mistakes to embracing life as a laboratory for growth and learning.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Don’t test yourself: Keep honoring your boundaries, even when you feel confident in your healing. Boundaries are meant to protect your peace.
• Develop a relationship with yourself: Balance compassion and accountability. Love yourself enough to grow through the hard things.
• Pick your battles: Be wise about what deserves your time, energy, and attention—you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.
• Know your triggers: Be aware of the areas where you’re vulnerable and communicate boundaries to protect your peace.

From recognizing your triggers to communicating with intention, this episode will help you preserve your mental health, stay rooted in your values, and engage only in the battles that truly matter.

📖 Michelle’s new book — Dear Friend — is now available for pre-order!

Filled with 365 reflections, it’s your daily companion for cultivating self-love, clarity, and inner peace.

👉 Pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

💛 Episode Topics:

• Outer peace begins with inner peace
• Knowing is this worth your time, energy, and efforts
• Setting and Maintaining boundaries 
• Loving people from afar
• The power of pausing before reacting

💬 We’d love to hear from you! What insight or moment resonated most with you in this episode? Share in the comments—we truly read every one.

📅 Subscribe & Join Us Next Tuesday for another heartfelt episode of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle! 💕

Today’s Episode Sponsor:

“Cozify” your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. From comfy recliners to cozy bedding and autumn decor. Find it all for way less at Wayfair.

We’ve been updating our own spaces with Wayfair and love their wide selection, affordable prices, and free, easy delivery. From small touches to complete room makeovers, they have everything you need to create a home that feels just right.

✨ Start browsing and get inspired at Wayfair.com

🎙️ Host by:

• https://www.instagram.com/peaceful_barb/
• https://www.instagram.com/michellemaros/

Join our community⬇️

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LifeHappensThePodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifehappensthepodcast/

Substack: https://lifehappensthepodcast.substack.com/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifehappensthepodcast

Listen to our podcast anywhere→ https://michellemaros.com/podcast/ 

🎙️ New episodes of Life Happens with Barb and Michelle are released every Tuesday

✨ Pre-order Dear Friend to receive daily doses of clarity, hope, and heartfelt encouragement.💌 https://amzn.to/3Us9eqg

🔖 Hashtags:

#Disrespect #NavigatingDisrespect #Triggers #HealthyRelationships #Boundaries