Suleika Jaouad, author of the bestselling memoir 'Between Two Kingdoms,' shares her inspiring journey from leukemia diagnosis at 22 to finding purpose through writing. She discusses the transformative power of creativity as a coping mechanism for adversity. Topics include embracing uncertainty, the significance of vulnerability and love, and the importance of community support in overcoming trauma. Suleika emphasizes the ongoing journey of navigating pain and the value of rituals in fostering resilience during life's unpredictable moments.
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Life Interrupted
Suleika Jaouad's leukemia diagnosis at 22 interrupted her life plans.
She felt fear, not just of death, but of not having lived fully.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Creative Outlet
When facing hardship, find a creative outlet to process emotions.
Suleika started journaling daily, focusing on observations instead of feelings.
insights INSIGHT
Post-Traumatic Growth
Suffering presents an opportunity for post-traumatic growth through creating meaning.
Don't postpone life; engage with your current reality, however challenging.
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In 'Between Two Kingdoms,' Suleika Jaouad recounts her life-altering experience with acute myeloid leukemia. Diagnosed at 22, she undergoes extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. The book is divided into two main parts: her time in the 'kingdom of the sick' and her journey back to the 'kingdom of the well.' After recovery, Jaouad embarks on a 100-day, 15,000-mile road trip across the country to meet people who supported her during her illness. The memoir explores themes of survivorship, identity, and the challenges of reentering the world after a life-threatening illness.
When Suleika Jaouad received a devastating leukemia diagnosis at the age of 22, her life took a very unexpected turn into adulthood. Viewing her long hospital stay from the lens of a journalist, Suleika began a daily diary, ultimately fashioning her own reflective world. Through her writing, she found not just a lifeline, but a sense of purpose and agency, living out the essence of post-traumatic growth. Suleika's commitment to actively seeking meaning amidst her significant health challenges is an inspiration for anyone dealing with uncertainty in life.
In this episode, you'll be able to:
Understand how transformation comes with hardship and unpredictability
Appreciate the role of vulnerability and love in conquering life's hurdles
Discover how doing something creative can be the key to unlocking suffering
Know the significance of developing a network built on loving support and empathy
Learn how to skillfully navigate the ‘in-between’ spaces in life’s journey
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