Whole New Life
PODCAST: Having survived cancer in my 40s and the loss of my husband in my 50s, I deeply empathize with the challenges you may be facing. I share my coping strategies and the determination it takes to remain resilient. By following my journey, you'll discover practical techniques to manage grief, build emotional strength, and find hope even in the darkest times.
Throughout 30 episodes, I candidly share every moment of my falls and the strength I found to rise again each time. I chronicle my journey of learning and growth and include a surprising twist I never thought possible: falling in love again.
Widowhood has been far from easy, the effort I invested in five years following my husband's passing has, and will always remain, entirely worthwhile.
BOOK SERIES: In 2024 I wrote and self-published a 3-book series about my life, love, and loss. You may purchase on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Book One:
46 Days: Just the beginning of my healing journey…
Approximately two months after my husband passed away from cancer, I needed to get away for a while. In 2020 I was not only his wife, but also his caregiver for the last year of his life. Watching my husband slowly die in front of my eyes took everything out of me.
Book Two:
140.6 sMILES: It was more than just crossing the finish line…
Both the physical and mental strength it took to train for, as well as complete, actually provided me with the physical and mental strength I needed when I found out I had cancer in 2013, as well as learning my husband’s cancer was terminal in 2020.
Book Three:
3 Words: Powerful words that changed my life forever…
The most gut-wrenching words I have ever heard were spoken to me in 2013 and then again to my husband in 2019: “You Have Cancer.”
WEBSITE: https://stacyryanauthor.com/
DISCLAIMER: My story should not be interpreted in any way as expert, health, or medical advice. I chose to share my story, in my voice, to assure people they are not alone and perhaps provide a bit of inspiration or a glimpse of hope, if needed.
Whole New Life
From Grief to Growth: Accepting My Whole New Life
Four years after grief changed everything, I'm returning for my final season to share the culmination of my healing journey. What does it truly mean to accept a new chapter after devastating loss?
This episode takes you through my transformation from a grieving widow to someone who's genuinely, authentically happy again. By sharing raw journal entries spanning from June 2020 to April 2024, I reveal the gradual but profound shift from despair to hope, from merely surviving to genuinely thriving —from writing about "balancing being in the moment and being angry at our situation" to eventually declaring "Happy, truly happy."
During my hiatus from podcasting, I channeled my energy into writing and self-publishing a three-book series about my experiences. "46 Days" chronicles the beginning of my healing journey, "140.6 sMILES" explores how my Ironman training prepared me for life's greatest challenges, and "3 Words" details both my cancer journey and my husband John's battle that eventually took his life. These books, like this podcast, aim to help others feel less alone in their struggles.
What I've discovered is that accepting a new chapter isn't just about recognizing growth—it's about embracing responsibility with a "get to" rather than "have to" mindset. It's about finding purpose through vulnerability and connection. I hope my journey offers both comfort and inspiration. There is life—beautiful, meaningful life—after devastating loss.
StacyRyanAuthor.com
