hope — Be Alive with Kate Manser

In this second episode of a three-part series, Kate reflect on her journey from the depths of depression to finding joy and hope.

The story begins with a pivotal moment at Burning Man where the narrator makes a life-saving promise to stay alive for one more year. It chronicles the struggles of dealing with suicidal thoughts, the challenges of overcoming negative self-talk, and physical pain.

Through moments of despair, attending a Vipassana meditation retreat, and embracing a series of affirmative actions like therapy, coaching, and spiritual practices, Kate gradually finds a path to happiness.

The episode emphasizes the importance of small, intentional steps towards mental well-being and the incredible transformations that can result. Stay tuned for the upcoming final episode where the narrator will share more magical and transformative experiences.

01:00 The Burning Man Promise

02:32 The Impact of Scarcity and New Beginnings

08:05 A Tragic Loss and Its Emotional Impact

12:03 The Struggle with Suicidal Thoughts

14:18 A Lifesaving Promise and the Vipassana Retreat

20:58 Chronic Pain and Emotional Turmoil

23:37 Understanding Chronic Pain

23:50 Meditation Retreat Experience

26:40 The Power of Visualization

29:10 Saying Yes to Opportunities

34:01 Transforming Anger into Joy

39:06 Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns

44:02 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

To connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠ Visit Kate’s website⁠ Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me!

**You will feel calmer and kinder after listening to this episode.** 👉Shelby is one of those people you meet who just exudes compassion but will push you to move in the direction you’re meant to go. This makes her a truly gifted grief coach.

In this episode: 🚑 Shelby’s story of the time she had a grand mal seizure ALONE in her apartment and how her life was saved

🩵 How to be more compassionate in your everyday life & tips to help you build your own “compassion muscle”

💝 How grief can be perceived as part of the sweetness of life

👓 Shelby explains what “grief glasses” are

💔 How to talk to people who are grieving

🥪 The weird story of visiting the spot Shelby laid mom's ashes & what it has to do with the best sandwich ever

🪴 How to be a good friend by skipping the effort & doing totally boring normal things together & so much more

...And so much more

Sorry if I come off a little fan-girly on this one…I am, in fact, a fangirl of this woman. I can be intense and have rough edges that are totally “me...” AND Shelby is an example of the love and authenticity I hope to be and share in my life. Both of these can be true, and this goes for all of our “conflicting” personality traits and hopes.

📌Life After Loss Academy: Start moving forward with peace, purpose, and even joy.

🌐Follow Shelby

@shelbyforsythia on IG

👉Key points

(00:00) Starting the Day with Gratitude

(00:45) Introducing Shelby

(01:49) Shelby's Journey and Expertise

(03:49) Life After Loss Academy

(07:17) The Concept of Growing Through Grief

(08:30) Personal Reflections and Metaphors

(09:38) Empowering Through Grief

(12:36) Integrating Grief into Life

(14:11) The Impact of Grief on Life Choices

(26:48) The Preciousness of Life and Voice

(40:13) Exploring Compassion and Boundaries

(40:39) The Impact of Grief on Compassion

(40:57) Recognizing and Responding to Suffering

(42:09) Personal Stories of Compassion

(44:24) The Gift of Space Holding

(46:01) The Universality of Grief

(48:15) Near-Death Experience and Its Impact: My grand mal seizure

(51:53) Life After a Near-Death Experience

(01:04:32) Romanticizing the Mundane

(01:16:38) Celebrating Life and Being Present

(01:18:14) Closing Remarks and Gratitude

👉Shelby Forsythia BIO

Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother’s death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a “student of grief” and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they’ve faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine.

👉Connect with Kate Manser on Instagram⁠
Visit Kate’s website ⁠
Get Kate’s free textspirations: Text ALIVE to 512-898-7850

Thank you for being alive with me