If You Can't Control Your Circumstances, Control Your Perspective | Suleika Jaouad

We may not be able to control our circumstances, but we can control our perspectives.

At the age of 22, confronted with a leukemia diagnosis, Suleika Jaouad made a profound decision to embrace the art of journaling.

Deliberately opting to distill insights from her affliction, she endeavored to endure her newfound residency in a Manhattan hospital in a meaningful and aesthetically resonant manner while giving ink to the intricacies that proved profoundly challenging to articulate. What began as a daily journal evolved into Life, Interrupted, an Emmy award-winning column and video series showcased in The New York Times, chronicling Suleika’s experiences from her hospital bed. 

Our conversation this week revolves around her leukemia diagnosis at a young age, the relinquishment of independence and identity in the throes of illness, the transformative power of writing as both agency and healing, and the embrace of the tumultuous and uncertain in-between space that defines life post-illness.

We also discuss her Netflix documentary, American Symphony—a beautiful exploration of Suleika and her husband, John Batiste’s lives individually and together. 

This exchange is about what it means to live a creative life, to be in a creative, collaborative relationship, and how mindfully to navigate hardship. 

I hope it will be a wellspring of inspiration for you.

Episode 807.

🙏🏼 -Rich

[karenborden]

Suleika; thank you for these words. In April I learned that my breast cancer had come back with a vengance and it brought 7 "friends" with it this time. I have been struggling to to wade thru the anger and frustration to find my balance and footing again. I decided the first time around that cancer Will Not steal my joy, it will not envelope and take my essence. I am comforted by your words in how you chose to empower yourself against something that can be pretty bossy and want to be the center of attention. Thanks for reminding me that I have this gift inside that will never be dimmed.

[AnotherBadyoga]

Lord those smoldering eyes, so beautiful