Author: akashah

264. Darkness

Moving into a new home has stirred up more than boxes and to do lists. It has uncovered old fears, impossible expectations, and the quiet voice that sometimes tells me I’m not enough. IWhat if my worthiness does not disappear just because I’m overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling? What if the way I speak to myself […]

263. Living with the Unexpected

Moving to a new home has reminded me that even the best planned adventures come with a healthy dose of chaos. As I settle into unfamiliar surroundings, I find myself learning far more than how to operate a new stove or toaster oven. I’m learning how to live with the unexpected, laugh at myself, and […]

262. Am I Willing?

Some of the most meaningful moments in my life arrived disguised as interruptions to my carefully made plans. As my memoir was released, I also bought a new home, celebrated my 80th birthday, and found myself overwhelmed by change, gratitude, and the realization that life’s greatest gifts rarely unfold on my schedule. Looking back, I […]

261. Personal Preferences

What starts as the disappearance of my favorite birthday dessert becomes something much more unexpected. In this episode, I reflect on why our personal preferences matter, how certain foods become woven into our happiest memories, and why letting go of even the smallest traditions can feel surprisingly profound. Sometimes it’s never really about the dessert. […]

260. Majesty

What if growing older isn’t something to fear, but something to honor? As I approach my 80th birthday, I reflect on how a lifetime of joy, heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery can shape a kind of beauty that only time can reveal. In this episode, I explore what it means to embrace every part of myself, […]

259. Chaos

When life feels like it’s happening all at once, how do you stay grounded? In this episode, I reflect on navigating the joyful chaos of publishing my memoir, buying my first home at nearly eighty, and learning that asking for help is often the greatest strength of all. Inspired by a beautiful quote from Alexander […]

258. Random Sayings

What if the secret to a richer, happier life is hidden in the smallest moments? In this episode of Now That You Ask, I reflect on the unexpected power of laughter, connection, and everyday encounters that brighten even the most ordinary days. From playful exchanges at the local shipping store to surprising moments of kindness from […]

256. The Book

What if the thing that brings you the most joy is also the thing that asks the most of you? In this episode of Now That You Ask, I share the remarkable journey of transforming a lifetime of stories into my memoir, Unbecoming Behavior: A Southern Memoir of Adventurous Choices. What began as a simple suggestion from […]