3 Decades, 3 Lessons with Amy D

At some point in our lives, we all face the challenge of letting go of other people's opinions. Whether it's a parent, a friend, or even society, there comes a time when we have to decide what matters most to us. On the one hand, we may feel like we need the approval of others to feel good about ourselves. On the other hand, we may realize that their opinion is based on their limitations and doesn't reflect our true inner worth. Ultimately, the choice is ours to make.

In this episode of What It Means To Be Alive, Amy (hi!) discusses the ending of a brief but essential friendship that has encouraged her to continue to let go and choose herself. Because at the end of the day, the only person that will be with you through thick and thin is yourself.

Connect with host, Amy D, via Instagram here -> https://www.instagram.com/amy.demone/

​​Have you ever tried psychedelics? For many people, the experience is life-changing. It can be a way to access new levels of awareness and understanding that are difficult to reach in everyday consciousness.

If you're a self-development junkie, like host Amy Demone - then you probably can't help but wonder what it would be like to take the medicine on such a special day as Good Friday. After all, Easter is all about rebirth, and what could be more symbolic of rebirth than taking mushrooms on the day that Jesus died and was later resurrected?

What follows in this episode of "What It Means To Be Alive" is a recounting of my experience with psilocybin medicine and  Good Friday 2021.  If you're curious about what taking psychedelics can be or are simply interested in exploring different aspects of spirituality, this episode is for you!

If you're interested in being a guest on the show, please email amy@amydemone.com.

Connect with the host via Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/amy.demone/

Psychedelics are becoming increasingly popular as people look for different ways to expand their consciousness and improve their mental health. It's no secret that psychedelics can have profound effects on our psyche. Used intentionally, they can help us access parts of our minds that are usually hidden and bring about deep personal growth. But before you go out and buy your first batch of psychedelics, it's essential to be aware of the risks involved. J like any powerful force, psychedelics should be used with caution. I believe they should come with a warning label.

This episode of What It Means to Be Alive is a quick introduction to what the host, Amy D, has been up to love the last 14 months and gives you insight into the challenges of a psychedelic trip on a good Friday, 2021, and it changed the course of her life. It can be dangerous if used in the wrong way. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at the dangers of psychedelics and how to avoid them.

If you're interested in being a guest on the show, please email amy@amydemone.com

Connect with the host via Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/amy.demone/

In this episode, host Amy D, shares her gratitude to listeners for supporting the show, and the Empathy Front. She shares how she has evolved over the past few years through the death of her father, a cancer diagnosis of her mother, assuming legal guardianship over two individuals, and how that has impacted where we’re headed in life.

Show notes at:  https://www.theempathyfront.com/50

Diagnosis of mental health may be seemingly ordinary these days, but before 2010, mental illness was a taboo subject that no one dared to talk about. Living undiagnosed and experiencing a different way of processing than those around him, Bob began to seek answers to a lifelong problem that seemed to be damaging his life.

 In this episode, we cover what it’s like to be living with undiagnosed mental illness and how it can affect the relationships you keep, the moments you experience, and the person you become.

Show notes at https://www.theempathyfront.com/49

We repeat you are not alone! Mental illness can sometimes feel like a lonely place, but an army of individuals who have endured the struggle of managing their mental health who are here to lend a shoulder to learn on Tommy Dahlborg is one of those people. In this episode, Tommy shares his experience of being diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and why it went undiagnosed for so long. Tommy is also the host of the Strength Thru Vulnerability Podcast, who shares about difficult things on his guest’s heart, much like he does on this podcast. Tommy is here to remind you that you are not alone.

Show notes at: https://www.theempathyfront.com/48

Fear is a funny thing. It keeps up from surrendering to love and death. It prevents us from experiencing the rich vastness of the human experience. It prevents us from feeling both the good and the bad, and avoiding it helps us think in more control. But sometimes, we have to let go. In this episode of What We’re Not Talking about, larry Indiviglia shares his beautiful and heartwarming story of falling in love with his late wife Gayle and how he let go of fear in the face of death. 

Show notes at: https://www.theempathyfront.com/47

Toxic spirituality is a lot more harmful than we realize. Focusing only on the positive prevents the people in pain from being seen, feeling understood, and being advocated for. It allows individuals who have always sat in the privilege to continue to sit there.

Alysa Wolfe and Amy D sit down to share their experiences working with individuals ( no names) who have acted out of integrity for personal gain. The two will share tips on recognizing if you have someone who may be the ego in disguise and how to avoid their influence at all costs.

Show notes at: https://www.theempathyfront.com/46

Have you ever wondered the real reason why people cheat? On today’s episode, Zach Mathers shares his honest, open, and raw experience of cheating on his partner and how the two of them successfully navigated the betrayal together.
 
Rebuilding is hard, and sometimes facing the underlying feelings of what drives someone to cheat can be even harder. Zach shares his stories with others with hopes that they too can learn more about the real reason people cheat and what to do to get the help you need to heal.

Show notes at: https://www.theempathyfront.com/45

Adjusting to working from home takes much longer than a month or two. The sedentary you become, and the more you sit in non-ergonomic chairs, the more your body starts to ache. Sound familiar? 

This episode is excellent for everyone adjusting to the work-at-home life and all the fun things it brings with it. Brian walks you through some very easy-to-do exercises that will leave you feeling refreshed, lighter and less tension in your body. Enjoy this stress release as you listen to my conversation with Brian. Let me know what you think - send me a message on Instagram @ amy.demone. I can’t wait to chat!

Show notes: https://www.theempathyfront.com/44