Resilience & Healing: Dr. LaFarra’s Journey to Overcoming a Rare Illness
In today’s episode of the Good Living Now podcast, we explore a powerful story of perseverance, healing, and transformation. Our guest, Dr. LaFarra, is not only a dedicated medical doctor but also a survivor who faced a life-threatening health crisis and emerged stronger than ever. Her journey underscores the importance of self-advocacy, holistic healing, and the undeniable role of nutrition in recovery.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Dr. LaFarra’s health battle began unexpectedly after attending an event in January. What started as mild symptoms quickly escalated into a mysterious illness that defied diagnosis. Despite undergoing multiple tests and treatments, her condition remained unresolved. It wasn’t until a lung biopsy revealed the presence of histoplasmosis—a rare mold infection—that she finally had an answer.
The journey to recovery, however, was just beginning.

The Road to Healing
As a pathologist and health coach, Dr. LaFarra understood the gravity of her diagnosis and took an active role in her treatment. Her experience reinforced her belief that “you don’t heal in the hospital; you heal at home.” This philosophy drove her to explore integrative healing methods alongside medical treatment.

She faced difficult decisions, including adjusting her diet to accommodate treatment. One surprising moment? Having to consume Coca-Cola—a stark contrast to her usual clean eating habits—to help dissolve her medication effectively. These small but crucial adaptations exemplified the flexibility required on the path to recovery.

The Power of Nutrition & Mindset
Nutrition became the foundation of Dr. LaFarra’s healing process. She leaned into plant-based nutrition, juicing, and antioxidant-rich foods to support her immune system. By incorporating flavonoids and nutrient-dense meals, she fueled her body’s ability to fight infection and regain strength.

Beyond food, stress management played a crucial role in her recovery. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making healing more difficult. Dr. LaFarra, who now coaches high-performing women, emphasizes the importance of balance, mindfulness, and self-care in overall well-being.

Empowering Others Through Experience
Having transitioned from patient to healer, Dr. LaFarra now uses her personal experience to empower others. She encourages individuals to be inquisitive, proactive, and unafraid to challenge medical advice when necessary. Her holistic approach integrates diet, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional well-being to help others regain control over their health.

Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating their own health journey, proving that resilience, education, and the right support system can make all the difference.

Connect with Dr. LaFarra
​Dr. LaFarra’s experience is a testament to the body’s ability to heal when given the right tools. If you’re looking to learn more about her work or seek guidance on your health journey, you can connect with her at Dr. LaFarra, M.D. on social media or reach out via email at [email protected].
Her journey is a beacon of hope, reminding us all that healing is not just about treatment—it’s about nourishment, self-advocacy, and resilience.

Embracing Self-Care: Navigating Life’s Changes with Purpose
In a world that never slows down, stress and uncertainty have become inevitable companions. As we navigate life's transitions, it is easy to lose sight of our most valuable asset—our well-being. In a thought-provoking episode of the Good Living Now podcast, self-care and wellness coach Angie Hodges shared transformative insights on harnessing the power of self-care to navigate change with grace and purpose. Her holistic approach redefines self-care, extending far beyond indulgent rituals to encompass every facet of our lives.

Self-Care: A Holistic Foundation
When we think of self-care, images of spa retreats and relaxation often come to mind. However, Angie Hodges challenges us to look deeper. True self-care is a mindfulness practice, an intentional commitment to nurturing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Angie expands on these core pillars, introducing nine essential forms of self-care: social, recreational, occupational, environmental, financial, and digital self-care, in addition to the foundational four. This comprehensive framework acknowledges the intricate demands of modern life, offering a roadmap to sustained balance and fulfillment.

Digital Well-Being: Reclaiming Control in a Hyper-Connected World
One of the most profound takeaways from Angie’s insights is the necessity of digital self-care. In an era dominated by social media and instant connectivity, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison and digital fatigue. Angie highlights the impact of excessive screen time on our emotional well-being and encourages mindful consumption. By curating our digital experiences and setting intentional boundaries, we can reclaim our time, energy, and mental clarity.

Navigating Loss and Transition with Grace
Life’s inevitable changes—whether a career shift, personal loss, or unexpected detour—can shake our sense of stability. Angie advocates for embracing these moments with openness rather than resistance. Journaling, she suggests, is a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing us to process emotions, gain clarity, and reframe our perspectives. Gratitude practices, even in difficult times, serve as anchors that shift focus from loss to abundance, fostering resilience and hope.

Self-Validation: Cultivating Inner Strength
Many of us spend years seeking external validation, measuring our worth through the approval of others. Angie urges us to reclaim our personal power by tuning into our own voice. Through meditation, self-reflection, and intentional affirmations, we can build an unshakable foundation of self-worth and confidence. This inner alignment enables us to move forward with authenticity and purpose, untethered by societal expectations.

Practical Self-Care: The Art of Nourishing Yourself
True self-care is not just about treating oneself—it is about understanding and honoring one’s unique needs. Angie recommends journaling not just as a tool for emotional release but as a celebration of one’s journey and growth. By acknowledging past accomplishments, we cultivate the confidence and motivation needed to embrace future challenges with renewed determination.

Journaling: A Love Letter to Yourself
As a devoted advocate for self-care, Angie Hodges has distilled her expertise into her book, “Loving Myself from the Inside Out: A 30-Day Self-Care Guided Journal.” This transformative journal offers a structured approach to self-exploration through affirmations, guided exercises, and multimedia resources, providing readers with the tools to cultivate self-love, clarity, and emotional resilience.

Leaving a Legacy of Wellness
Embracing self-care is more than an individual pursuit—it is a legacy we leave for future generations. Whether as parents, mentors, or friends, we have the power to model self-love and emotional well-being, inspiring those around us to do the same. As Angie eloquently puts it, “Every setback is a setup for a new chapter.” Through intention and self-care, we hold the power to redefine our narratives and step into lives filled with purpose, balance, and joy.

​Self-care is not a luxury—it is a way of life. Whether through mindfulness, journaling, or simple moments of presence, let us commit to prioritizing our well-being and embracing change with open hearts and steady minds.