Professional speaker, television host and best-selling author, Shari Alyse refers to herself as a professional “joy spreader,” and is on a mission to help others find happiness following tough times.
LISTEN NOW: Shari Alyse talks mental health, her book, and more
Alyse recently joined Audacy's Jen York to talk about her book, Love Yourself Happy, and the ways she maintains happiness following years of grief, shame and sadness.
“The challenge that so many of us have is we allow our minds to lead the way,” she shared. “For many years I have felt imprisoned by my own mind because I was only seeing through a lens of shame and guilt and mistrust and fear and I didn’t even know that I was. I didn’t even know that was the lens in which I saw life through. Now, when I realize that I have that awareness I ask my thoughts questions.”
She continued, “I ask my thought when it comes, ‘Are you supportive? Are you inspiring? Are you expanding?’ What that does for me, is that it opens you up to know that you are not your mind. It’s that whole awareness of being aware.”
Knowing yourself outside your mind is one of the big topics discussed in Alyse’s book and she shared additional ways to achieve that throughout her conversation with York. “Connection to ourselves every day, connection to one another. Connection to the Earth, nature. Connection to our creativity and connection to meaning and purpose,” she shared as the main ways we can maintain positive mental health space.
So how does she combat the days depression takes over and clouds motivation and purpose with shame and guilt?
“Immediately it’s gratitude,” she said of her #1 weapon against depression. “The first thing that I do — and this is a non-negotiable for me — as soon as I open my eyes and there’s an awareness of ‘I’m here, I’m alive,’ I put my hands on my heart and I allow myself to feel my heart beat.”
She continued, “That in and of itself reminds me that, ‘OK, you’re alive, you have choices to make today.”
Hear more about Alyse’s mental health tools as well as more about the journey she’s walked by checking out her conversation with York above as well as her book, Love Yourself Happy, available now.
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.