How One Minute Changed Everything (S1 -E11 )

Host: Kathryn Lancioni

Guest: Lois Kramer-Perez

Episode Overview:

Kathryn welcomes Lois Kramer-Perez, whose story begins with a picture-perfect life and suddenly veers into loss and uncertainty with the unexpected death of her husband. Lois candidly recounts her shock, the surreal days that followed, and the unhealthy coping mechanisms she developed before embarking on a journey of deep self-exploration. Through curiosity and openness, she found healing in community, new learning, and the practice of being “herself on purpose.” This conversation is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of saying yes to the unknown.

5 Key Lessons from This Episode:

1. Change is Immediate—and Surreal

Lois describes the life-altering moment of losing her husband as happening in “just one minute,” and the shock made reality difficult to process. These moments arrive without warning, and it’s normal to feel disoriented and numb at first. Her story highlights the importance of giving yourself grace as you adjust to an unthinkable new reality.

2. Work and Routine Can Be a Lifeline

In the wake of loss, Lois found solace and stability in her demanding job—even traveling for work just days after her husband’s funeral. Immersing yourself in routine or work isn’t about denial; it can be a helpful way to stay anchored as you begin to process grief, giving you needed time and space before you’re ready for the next steps.

3. Healing Comes from Curiosity and Openness

A turning point for Lois was recognizing she couldn’t continue sitting with her pain. She opened herself to new experiences—like trying Reiki or taking a feng shui class on a whim. Her willingness to follow curiosity, even when she didn’t know where it would lead, created opportunities for growth and gradual healing.

4. Authenticity Is Empowering

Lois discovered how much she’d been shaped by external expectations, from relationships to something as simple as buying a bedroom set. Learning to tune into who she truly was allowed her to break old patterns, embrace her individuality, and live authentically. This lesson is a reminder that healing often means shedding “shoulds” and reclaiming your right to be yourself.

5. Community and Saying “Yes” Move Us Forward

When the pain became overwhelming, Lois reached out—to friends, colleagues, and eventually a grief group. She emphasizes the importance of finding or creating a community and not being afraid to try new things, no matter how uncomfortable. Saying “yes” to new experiences (even small ones) and sharing your journey with others are both crucial to moving forward and rediscovering joy.

Whether you’re navigating your own unexpected challenges or supporting someone who is, Lois’s story serves as a powerful reminder: there’s always a path forward.

Produced by the Digital Transformation Broadcast Network.