The Unplanned Joyful Life - Gain Confidence, Navigate Adversity, Live Purposefully, Engage your Christian Faith, Catholic Church
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Are you a successful and well-rounded individual, but are lacking spiritual fulfillment in your life? Do you consider yourself to be Christian, and grew up Catholic, but your family never really practiced? And, maybe they did. But, as an adult, you have become totally withdrawn from the Church? Have you experienced trials and tribulations and have sought out answers except for the Faith? But, you would like to learn more to see if the Catholic faith is a path you'd like to consider?
If this is you? You are in the right place. I want to encourage you to take time to explore your Catholic Christian Faith. I want to remind you that you are a loved, valued and an integral part of the Catholic Church Family founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, there is nothing he wants more than to welcome you home.
Hi, I am Cathy Jo Lang, daughter of The One True King. And, I am excited to welcome you to “The Unplanned Joyful Life” podcast. I am a practicing Catholic who recommitted to my Catholic Christian faith after experiencing a mental health crisis over 30 years ago. I suffered a severe postpartum depression that required a 3 week hospitalization and caused me to be away from my newborn baby at a time that he needed me the most.
When recovering from the depression, I searched for any and all help to deal with the guilt, shame and condemnation this experience brought. And, in order to decrease my chances of going through another mental health crisis, I decided to search, understand and embrace my Catholic Christian Faith. And, it was there, that I experienced complete healing, wholeness and transformation, never to suffer a depression again.
Through our Catholic faith, Jesus became the firm foundation on which my husband, Steve and I were able to build a beautiful family, full of love, life and purpose for our children and grandchildren.
And, although I would like to say to that we never experienced a trial or tribulation since. In 2019, we suffered the tragic lost our beautiful son Michael Robert at the age of 26. Michael suffered from a rare and chronic health condition without a sufficient medical diagnosis. This illness caused him chronic pain, fatigue, and isolation amongst many other symptoms, too many to mention. And, although his passing was devastating, we were able to receive God's healing, grace and provision through the mourning and grief we suffered as a family.
I never thought I could get through the loss of a child. And, I don't wish that hardship on anyone. But, because of our Catholic Christian Faith, Steve, myself and our other two children, Stephen and Elizabeth were able to lean on, trust in and practice the one true faith, Catholicism. And, although it took the love, provision and healing power of God, as well as the support of our family and friends, we were able to experience peace, hope and love in the midst of tragedy. We know that Michael is with Jesus. And, we look forward to the day that we will meet and embrace him again in our Heavenly Home.
Besides being wife, mom and grandmother, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach, Public Speaker and Podcast Host of The Unplanned Joyful Life.
I grew up in a loving but alcoholic and dysfunctional family. After going to group counseling with my family at the direction of our parents, I felt hope and excitement for the idea that change is possible. I saw my parents make significant transformation over time in order to bring health and wellness back to our family. And, I've been on a mission to live my best life ever since.
In this podcast, I’ll provide valuable insights to help you delve into the Catholic Faith, bring better understanding to the Church, it's practices and the benefits you will receive when practicing it on a regular basis. All this will help you become the best version of yourself. I will share “tried-and-true” tips and tricks for creating a God-centered home for you and your family. You will hear real-life examples of how to incorporate Catholic Christian values, Regular Self-Care, and Community Involvement in order to bring confidence, stability, and joy back into your life.
So, If you want to understand and embrace your Catholic faith, foster healthy relationships, and pursue goals and dreams that ignite your spirit, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way. You will hear from other Catholic Christians as they share their personal journey of faith, as well as professionals who will share their area of expertise with you.
Together, we’ll grow in knowledge, faith and grace to help you navigate “The Unplanned Joyful Life” with happiness and purpose!
So, take a deep breath, find a comfy spot, and listen in. We're going to do this together!
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo Talks about the importance of Lent as a Christian. She shares 10 ways you can implement practices to get the most out of this Lenten season. This will help you grow in faith, strength and grace.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Inside today's episode of The Unplanned joyful Life, Cathy Jo talks about Atomic Habits by James Clear and 4 Laws explained in his book. She shares her personal thoughts and examples of ways that she has, and you may benefit from reading it. She encourages you to read Atomic Habits and improve habits necessary for success, no matter what your goal. She also refers to Romans 12:2.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Inside today's episode, Cathy Jo addresses our need for insight and guidance on the difficult days. We all have them. And, here are 10 ways to get back on track, increase calm and feel more productive everyday. Cathy Jo refers to Bible verses: Isaiah 55: 8-9 and 2 Corinthians 12:9. And, she also reads from Jesus Calling by Sarah Ban Breathnache. Enjoy!
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please take 30 seconds and give a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
After reading The Empowered Empath by Susan Reynolds and having spent years learning, creating and implementing self-care practices. Cathy Jo shares insight in order to help you and those you love. You will learn how to limit the negative effects of being an empath, while you increase the empowering impact you have as an empath instead. Cathy Jo shares what it means to be an empath and 5 things you can do if you or someone you love has the characteristics of an empath.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Contact Cathy Jo for a Healthy Boundaries Coaching Call at cathylang716@gmail.com
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo talks about the reality of living on a restricted budget. As parents, we may be concerned or feel guilty that we may not be able to provide a lot of extras for our family, especially for our kids. But as long as your children are getting what they need, limiting the extras may actually benefit them, and you in the long run. Cathy Jo shares 10 ways minimalism may benefit you and your family.
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a 5-star review on apple podcast,
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo for a free coaching session at cathylang716@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo will continue speaking with Emily Doring. Emily is the Executive Director of the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network, Inc. Emily is also a mother of 4, who sadly lost 2 of her babies through miscarriage, Baby D and Selah Grace. She will share her personal experience as well as her journey of using her loss to grieve, heal and help others in their darkest moments. Emily shares contact information for those in need. Please see below for contacts mentioned in interview:
Website: wnypbn.org
Facebook: Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network
Email: Emily@wnypbn.org
Phone: 716-626-6363
Angel Gowns of Western New York: angelgownsofwny.com
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a review on apple podcast,
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo for a free coaching session at cathylang716@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Inside today's episode of the Unplanned Joyful Life, Cathy Jo has the honor of interviewing Emily Doring. Emily is the Executive Director of the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network, Inc. Emily is also a mother of 4, who sadly lost 2 of her babies through miscarriage, Baby D and Selah Grace. She will share her personal experience as well as her journey of using her loss to grieve, heal and help others in their darkest moments. Emily shares contact information for those in need. Please see below for contacts mentioned in interview:
Website: wnypbn.org
Facebook: Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network
Email: Emily@wnypbn.org
Phone: 716-626-6363
Angel Gowns of Western New York: angelgownsofwny.com
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a review on apple podcast,
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo for a free coaching session at cathylang716@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Today, Cathy Jo interviews Jennifer Vasquez (2 part interview) regarding Miscarriage and Baby Loss. A name used for grief related to these experiences is Perinatal Bereavement. Jen is a wife and mother of 5 who experienced heartbreak over the loss of her 20 week twins while a senior in high school. She gently recalls personal details of the loss, recovery and support that she received. And now, as a strong and practicing Christian, Jen sees and shares this experience through a lens of Faith.
If you are in need of support for perinatal loss of any kind, please reach out to any of the contacts listed:
You can contact Jen Liberti Bemis via Cathy Jo Lang LLC at cathylang716@gmail.com or 716-512-3654
WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network at wnypbn.org or 716-626-6363
online forum: "Glow in the Woods" for parents who have lost their babies in order to connect with others
"Footprints of the Heart" Support Groups-Sisters of Charity Hospital 2121 main St, Buffalo 14214/ Amy Creamer, Coordinator 716-862-1678, www.facebook.com/footprintwny
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a review on apple podcast,
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo for a free coaching session at cathylang716@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless!
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Today, Cathy Jo interviews Jennifer Vasquez (2 part interview) regarding Miscarriage and Baby Loss. A name used for grief related to these experiences is Perinatal Bereavement. Jen is a wife and mother of 5 who experienced heartbreak over the loss of her 20 week twins while a senior in high school. She gently recalls personal details of the loss, recovery and support that she received. And now, as a strong and practicing Christian, Jen sees and shares this experience through a lens of Faith.
If you are in need of support for perinatal loss of any kind, please reach out to any of the contacts listed:
You can contact Jen Liberti Bemis via Cathy Jo Lang LLC at cathylang716@gmail.com or 716-512-3654
WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network at wnypbn.org or 716-626-6363
online forum: "Glow in the Woods" for parents who have lost their babies in order to connect with others
"Footprints of the Heart" Support Groups-Sisters of Charity Hospital 2121 main St, Buffalo 14214/ Amy Creamer, Coordinator 716-862-1678, www.facebook.com/footprintwny
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a review on apple podcast,
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo for a free coaching session at cathylang716@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Today, Cathy Jo continues interview with Jen Liberti Bemis (2 part) regarding Miscarriage and Baby Loss. A name for grief related to these experiences is Perinatal Bereavement. Jen is a Registered Nurse at The Catholic Health System and is a Contact for anyone needing support during this most painful time. Jen has experienced her own miscarriages and baby Loss including her son, Benjamin Pasquale who was stillborn at 34 weeks gestation. Although they had experienced 8 pregnancies and 7 significant losses, Jen and her husband are so grateful for their brief time spent with Benjamin and now enjoy life with their "Rainbow Baby", Brooklyn Antoinette. Jen recommends getting whatever help you need, going easy on yourself and acknowledging the significance of such devastating loss.
You can contact Jen Liberti Bemis via Cathy Jo Lang LLC at cathylang716@gmail.com or 716-512-3654
WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network at wnypbn.org or 716-626-6363
online forum: "Glow in the Woods" for parents who have lost their babies in order to connect with others
"Footprints of the Heart" Support Groups-Sisters of Charity Hospital 2121 main St, Buffalo 14214/ Amy Creamer, Coordinator 716-862-1678, www.facebook.com/footprintwny
If this episode resonated or blessed you in any way, please
Write a review on apple podcast,
Join the free Facebook group, The Unplanned Joyful Life
Contact Cathy Jo for a free coaching session at cathylang716@gmail.com
Thank you and God bless!