In this episode of Now That You Ask, I share a moment of unexpected intimacy during a visit to the emergency vet with my elderly cat, Sid. While there, I encounter a man who is devastated over his sick dog. My interaction with him was poignant reminder of human connection and the importance of being present for one another, even in the most random of moments.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Life often hands us experiences that, while fleeting, leave a lasting impact on our hearts and minds. In pondering the delicate interplay between grief and gratitude, I find a profound truth in how both emotions closely coexist. They are two sides of the same coin, transient yet powerful forces that color our existence. Recognizing and allowing these feelings at both ends of the spectrum is essential, embracing the highs of gratitude even as we endure the lows of grief. As life progresses, my aim is to indulge in gratitude as much as possible, savoring the positive, which ultimately prepares me to handle the inevitable sadness and loss with a sense of grace.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In life, embracing our authentic selves can illuminate the world around us in extraordinary ways. The path to self-discovery is often laden with doubts and fears about how our stories might portray us. Nevertheless, allowing our "spiritual electricity" to shine means celebrating our true selves, flaws and all, even when societal norms and expectations urge us to conform. By grounding ourselves in authenticity, we foster meaningful connections, respect individual journeys, and contribute vibrantly to the collective tapestry of existence. Let your spiritual electricity light up the world and kiss goodbye to shrinking in the shadows just to fit in.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Amid the noise and motion of life, I’ve come to see that within us lies a vast landscape where everything belongs. Grief and joy, confusion and calm, peace and surrender flow together like rivers through mountains. The words “There is room for everything” once felt impossible, yet they’ve become a quiet truth. When I meet each moment as it comes, I glimpse stillness beneath the surface, a rhythm that carries me. Peace is not a place I reach but a presence that walks beside me, reminding me that even in the shifting terrain of being alive, there is always room for everything.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Inspired by Jane Goodall's work with gorillas, we're reminded of the difference one can make through dedication and understanding. Jane's journey encourages us to consider our daily impact, pushing us to act with more awareness. By making small, conscious decisions like offering kindness we can enhance our positive influence. It's not about being perfect. It's about setting the intention to bring positivity to each interaction, just as Jane did with her groundbreaking work.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In our fast-paced world, the idea of having nothing to say is often perceived as uncomfortable or unproductive. However, this week, I found myself embracing the silence and discovering the unexpected peace it brings. As I pondered the feeling of having nothing substantial to discuss, I realized it was akin to the quietness of a fall morning, where nature effortlessly transitions into a new season. The trees let go of their leaves without resistance, and similarly, I allowed myself to release the pressure of always having a task to complete or a thought to express. This space provided a sense of freedom from the usual constraints of my routine. It was a reminder that sometimes, doing nothing can be as fulfilling as checking off a to-do list.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

Returning to my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, after a decade felt like embarking on a "farewell tour." The changes I saw during this visit were staggering. My grandfather's store, along with many beloved landmarks, seemed on the verge of being swallowed by rapid modernization. Despite the drastic transformations, pockets of my past persisted and brought comfort and a chance for reflection. This journey reaffirmed that farewells don't always have to be laden with sadness. Sometimes, they can usher in a surprising warmth, blending bittersweet memories of the past with the promise of the future.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com

In our lives, we often stumble upon unexpected gifts wrapped in shadow. Recently, while preparing to return to my hometown in Alabama for the funeral of a dear, long-time friend, I found myself reflecting on an unusual gift given to me by someone I love deeply—a box full of darkness. For years, this impenetrable gift weighed heavily on my heart as I navigated the world, moving from one adventure to the next, carrying the darkness as an unresolved piece of my journey. Yet now, as I prepare to bid farewell to my friend, I understand the profound lesson this gift has imparted. This darkness, once a specter of shame, has become a guide, urging me to explore and embrace all aspects of myself, both cherished and forgotten. It has illuminated my understanding of loyalty, self-awareness, and the human propensity for growth even from the shadows.

Now That You Ask is a podcast that looks at topics that range from death to desire, and from wondrous to downright whacky. Join host, Akasha Halsey as she takes listeners on a journey through her writing and experience with life’s most persistent questions.

Thank you for listening!

Listen to more episodes like this and subscribe to updates at https://nowthatyouaskpodcast.com