Forward To Joy

In  this enlightening conversation, Alexandra Wyman and Kacy delve into the transformative power of astrology and its role in personal growth and self-discovery. Kacy shares her journey into astrology, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's natal chart as a roadmap for navigating life's challenges. The discussion covers the significance of planetary shifts, the twelve zodiac signs, and practical applications of astrology in everyday life. They explore the concept of surrendering to the process of change and the collective energy that influences us all. Ultimately, the conversation highlights astrology as a valuable tool for healing and understanding oneself.Connect with Kacy:Instagram: @kacylhowell Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra delves into the complex journey of acceptance following the loss of a loved one. Drawing inspiration from Mary Frances O'Connor's book, The Grieving Body, Alexandra shares her personal struggles and insights on how acceptance is not a linear process but a fluid journey. She explores the emotional roller coaster of grief, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of embracing each moment as it comes. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Alexandra Wyman interviews her brother-in-law Bob, who shares his incredible journey of resilience and healing through chronic pain, addiction, and recovery. Bob discusses his experiences with multiple surgeries, the impact of chronic pain on his mental health, and the importance of therapy and support systems. He emphasizes the need for connection, purpose, and community in overcoming life's challenges, and offers encouragement to those struggling with similar issues. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Alexandra explores the complex relationship between grief and the stories we tell ourselves. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different perceptions and the role of empathy in navigating grief. Alexandra encourages listeners to reach out and connect with others, highlighting that we often project our own narratives onto others' experiences. The conversation serves as a reminder to be mindful of our perceptions and to foster open communication in times of hardship. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Deanna Lerman and Heather Aberg discuss the transformative potential of ketamine-assisted therapy. They share their personal journeys into this field, the mechanisms by which ketamine operates in the brain, and the importance of integrating therapeutic practices with the use of ketamine. The conversation delves into the significance of individualized treatment approaches, the concept of ego death, and the precautions necessary for those considering this therapy. They also explore the accessibility of ketamine therapy for various age groups and the profound impact it can have on healing from trauma and grief. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I discuss the concept of disenfranchised grief—when our losses aren’t openly acknowledged or supported by our communities. Drawing from my own experiences after my husband’s death, I share how isolating it can feel when you can’t grieve with those you wish could support you. I offer tips for navigating this kind of grief, such as creating personal rituals, finding new communities, and sharing positive memories. I emphasize the importance of naming and acknowledging our grief, even when it feels unfair, and remind listeners that they are not alone on this journey. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra chats with Laylani Colibri Jack. Laylani Colibri Jack (lay-la-nee - co-lee-bree) is a transformational speaker, Compassionate Transition Coach, and best-selling author of The Compassion Code. Through her LIGHT Method™, she helps individuals and organizations navigate change, grief, and burnout—while equipping everyday people to become a “Middle Class of Care” capable of showing up with compassion, clarity, and confidence in life’s hardest moments. Ways to connect with Laylanilaylanicolibri.comhttps://www.tiktok.com/@laylanicolibrihttps://www.instagram.com/lovenotesfromyourmom Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quote this month is “Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow.” Credit given to both Oprah Winfrey and Albert Einstein. So often we are raised not to trust ourselves and to have to rely on others or habits outside of ourselves to be able to function. Resilience is about looking inward and finding our own inner strength that exists to overcome what life hands us. We can do it. It is not easy, but we can do it.  Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra chats with Phil Weiss. Phil is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Registered Life Planner (RLP®). He is passionate about empowering women through financial independence, providing the necessary tools and knowledge. Having seen his mother struggle with stage 4 breast cancer and his father’s inability to handle finances, Phil managed the situation by taking over the family's financial responsibilities, including negotiating with creditors, paying overdue bills, and ensuring his mother's medical expenses were covered. Through this hands-on experience, he gained a deep understanding of the challenges women face during new beginnings, driving his mission to prevent other women from facing such financial instability. Ways to connect with Phil:Website: https://apprisewealth.com/Instagram: phweiss11Facebook: AppriseWealth Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra chats about her ideas on the 3 components of suicide prevention. They include genuine connection, healthy coping skills, and finding meaning and purpose. Not all three things are necessarily easy to maintain or find, and yet engaging all three is doable. Alexandra takes an upstream approach hoping that if adults can start to work on themselves, they can guide young children on how to do the same. Doing so can help larger groups and communities have better brain health. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra chats with Tami about her grief after suddenly losing her dad and the family dog. Through her process, Tami was able to tap into her intuitive skills and begin a journey of self-discovery. She has turned her grief into an opportunity to help others. Connect with Tami: tamipsanders@verizon.net Connect on Instagram Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra is inspired by a quote by Caroline Myss, “Whatever is in me is stronger than what is out there to defeat me.” This quote is a good reminder that no matter what life throws at us, we have the strength within us. We have to work through all the conditioning we receive that tells us we aren’t strong to find our inner strength. We all have it. We just have to believe we have it. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexandra is a big believer in clearing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and every kind of space you can. Doing so, helps move stagnant energy and increase creativity, no matter how that creativity comes in. Alexandra’s good friend Amy has been systematic in how she clears her space and has a process to doing so. Enjoy the helpful tips for how to breakdown a project to clear some space.  Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra chats about the importance of building community during the grief process. Sometimes, people we think will show up for us don’t and others will. Experiencing grief can be isolating. Alexandra gives some suggestions for how to start building community when feeling isolated or lonely.  Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Melissa Vera returns to discuss how being able to work through a loss does not mean that other losses will not be impactful. She tragically lost two dear friends and discusses how she began grieving them. Additionally, Melissa and Alexandra discuss a different type of grief and that of what is happening in the current US climate around immigration. Families are being ripped apart, racial profiling is occurring and there is an underlying anxiety that exists for families wondering if they will be targeted. Check out Melissa’s original episode here: https://www.soundoff.network/show/forward-to-joy/melissas-story/Connect with Melissa: Insta: @frugalmomWebsite: adventuresfrugalmom.comFacebook: Adventures of Frugal Mom Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shavaun Scott, author of her memoir, Nightbird, shares her story of working through her grief and rebuilding her life and herself after her husband died by revenge suicide. Shavaun shares about the healing she has done in reconciling being in an abusive relationship for as long as she was and not allowing her grief to keep her from putting one foot in front of the other. Nightbird: https://a.co/d/7lrFBc4https://www.shavaunscott.com/  Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra was inspired by a quote from Maya Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” This reminded Alexandra of when others have treated her with pity and made her feel inferior. All too often we can become paralyzed by grief and what we are going through, but it doesn’t have to define us.  Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alexandra talks about journaling. She discusses the research-backed benefits of journaling as well as some prompts that can be helpful when building a habit around journaling. Writing in a notebook may not work for everyone, however, there are other ways to engage in journaling through voice memos. There are also apps that can help with reflection and journaling.  Grief Journaling Prompts: https://www.griefrecoveryhouston.com/journal-prompts-for-grieving-loss/ Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week is super short and sweet message from Alexandra about holding the belief and hope not only for ourselves but for others. Sometimes we have to borrow belief and hope from others until we can find it ourselves. Be that person for another and continue building community. We are not alone. Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lorne shares her vulnerable story of how she lost her husband by suicide leaving her a single parent to two kids. There were no signs, she did not see it coming and yet she figured out how to put one foot in front of the other to start her grieving process and guide her kids. Lorne is an example of finding moments of joy in the aftermath of tragedy.  Lorne’s interview on She diaries:  https://brightskyhouse.com/2025/04/21/lornes-story-what-life-looks-like-one-year-after-suicide-loss/ Connect with Alexandra on her website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or send her an email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alexandra@forwardtojoy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Portions or topics on this show may be triggering. Please seek professional help or assistance if needed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices