Stacy Ryan shines a light on gratitude in books and podcasts

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – An Ironman athlete, a cancer survivor, and a widow are some of the ways Stacy Ryan of De Pere identifies and describes herself. She can now add podcaster and self-published author to the list.

“I did Ironman at age 36, survived cancer at age 45, and became a widow at age 52. Now I am an author and podcaster, writing and talking about my life, love, and loss. I share my experiences and what I do to find purpose; if it helps even one person in this universe, then my heart will be full,” said Ryan on her website. 

Ryan published her first book, 46 Days: Just the Beginning of My Healing Journey. The book is made up of journal entries and stories from her 46-day trip from Wisconsin to Florida to Colorado to heal after the death of her husband, John, who had colon cancer. Ryan describes her journaling as raw and vulnerable. She wanted to share that vulnerability to connect with others in similar situations.

“For me to be vulnerable on paper and for other people, this is why I am doing this,” said Ryan. “I want other people out there to know, they’re not alone.”

Stacy Ryan starts day with gratitude

Ryan says she has always been a “glass half full” type of person. However, in the past three years, she has increased the amount of optimism and gratitude in her life, as a direct result of going through some of the worst times ever. 

“It took a lot of work the last three years. But I am finally me again. I am happy in life. My husband said hundreds, probably thousands of times, that he wanted me to live my best life. And he wanted me to live it with purpose. And at the time, I was like, I have no idea how I am going to do this. I feel like I’ve found my purpose. My purpose is to share my story,” said Ryan.

Stacy Ryan recommends everyone start their day with a gratitude list, a collection of things that you are thankful for. 

“The gratitude list can be simple,” Ryan said. “If the sun is shining, the end – it really can start from that simple thing.”

Ryan’s podcast Whole New Life is on Buzzsprout, Apple, Spotify, and Google podcasts. Her second book 140.6 sMILES comes out in June of 2024. She scheduled her third release, 3 Words, for September 2024.