Grief is an inevitable part of life, but for those who have lost a spouse, it can feel like an insurmountable journey. Dr. Lynn Banis, a grief and resilience mentor and founder of Widows Rising Together, has turned her personal loss into a mission to guide others through their darkest moments. Through coaching, education, and community support, she helps widows redefine their identities and build fulfilling lives after loss.
A Picturesque Childhood and a Love for Learning
Dr. Lynn Banis grew up in a small town in southwestern Michigan, a place she fondly describes as “Mayberry on steroids.” With a close-knit family, access to arts and culture, and an adventurous childhood filled with outdoor activities, Lynn had a strong foundation of support and encouragement.
Her love for learning led her to the University of Michigan, where she initially pursued music before realizing her passion lay elsewhere. She later transferred to Beloit College in Wisconsin, followed by earning dual master’s degrees at Regent University and a doctorate at Old Dominion University.
Her career took her into corporate America, where she worked with Anderson Worldwide and Accenture, specializing in leadership development and organizational change.
A Three-Year Spiral of Loss and Grief
Lynn’s life took an unexpected turn when, within three years, she lost three of the most important people in her life—her 106-year-old mother, her younger brother, and her husband. The compounded grief was overwhelming, and like many widows, she found herself isolated and struggling to navigate life without her lifelong support system.
The hardest part wasn’t just the grief itself but the societal response to it. People often don’t know what to say, so they withdraw, leaving the grieving person feeling even more alone. Lynn realized firsthand the immense loneliness that accompanies loss, a sentiment shared by many widows.
The Birth of Widows Rising Together
Determined to find purpose again, Lynn reflected on her own experience and professional background in psychology and coaching. She recognized a gap in grief support—most groups help widows through the initial stages of grief but don’t provide guidance on how to rebuild their lives.
With this in mind, she created Widows Rising Together, a platform designed to take widows beyond grief counseling and into personal transformation. Her programs focus on:
- Healing and Acceptance: Helping widows process their emotions and move beyond the early stages of grief.
- Rebuilding Identity: Working through self-limiting beliefs and redefining personal values and goals.
- Creating a Vision for the Future: Helping widows establish new purposes, whether through career changes, hobbies, or personal development.
- Developing a Support System: Encouraging widows to connect with others and build strong communities.
Transformational Travel and Healing Experiences
One of Lynn’s newest initiatives is a Transformational Travel program, where she takes widows on immersive experiences designed to help them gain clarity and inspiration. These retreats offer coaching, small group discussions, and personal breakthroughs in a supportive and empowering environment.
She believes that healing is not just about moving past grief but about embracing new possibilities. Whether it’s rediscovering old passions, taking on new adventures, or simply learning to live with joy again, Lynn’s work is about helping widows create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Lynn Banis’ Work
- Grief is not just emotional—it’s an identity shift: Losing a spouse often means losing a sense of self, and rebuilding requires intentional effort.
- Support is crucial: Community and meaningful relationships can make a significant difference in the healing process.
- Grief doesn’t have a timeline: There is no “right” way to grieve; everyone’s journey is unique.
- Reinvention is possible at any stage of life: Whether through new careers, travel, or personal projects, life can have a new chapter after loss.
- Education and guidance help navigate the process: Having a structured approach, like Lynn’s coaching programs, can ease the transition into a fulfilling future.
Dr. Lynn Banis is changing the conversation around grief, making space for widows to heal, grow, and find joy again. Her work with Widows Rising Together is a beacon of hope for those navigating life after loss.
To learn more, visit Widows Rising Together or connect with Lynn on social media for resources, support, and coaching opportunities.
Brad Minus
Host / Endurance Coach
Brad isn’t just a coach—he’s a challenger, a motivator, and a force of endurance. As a USAT Level I Certified Triathlon Coach, a Healthy Running Certified Running Coach, a Lydiard Level II Certified Running Coach, an RRCA Certified Running Coach, and a Personal Sports Nutrition specialist, he has dedicated his life to pushing limits and helping others do the same.
With an impressive track record—5 Ironman Triathlons, 25 Half Ironman races, 40 Marathons, a grueling 50-mile Ultra Marathon, and countless triathlons and road races—Brad knows what it takes to conquer the toughest challenges. His passion lies in coaching new runners and triathletes over 40, guiding them toward crossing their first finish line, standing on the podium for the first time, or breaking personal barriers they once thought impossible.
But endurance isn’t just about sports—it’s about life. On his podcast, Life-Changing Challengers, Brad dives deep into the stories of extraordinary individuals who have faced adversity, obstacles, injuries, and hardship—and emerged stronger. From athletes defying the odds to everyday warriors overcoming life’s toughest trials, each episode is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of the human spirit.
If you’re ready to be inspired, challenged, and motivated, tune in. Because true endurance isn’t just about finishing the race—it’s about rising every time life knocks you down.
Victoria Mensch – Reinventing Leadership from the Inside Out
