

Living Through Grief, Finding Wonder, and Becoming Whole Again | Suleika Jaouad
8 snips Apr 17, 2025
Suleika Jaouad, a New York Times bestselling memoirist and visionary creative, shares her powerful journey of overcoming recurring leukemia. She discusses 'creative alchemy,' transforming struggles into inspiring art, which is captured in her memoir and her new book of journaling prompts. The conversation explores emotional wellness, the significance of authentic connections, and the healing power of creativity during crises. Suleika emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments and the importance of community in the face of adversity.
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Finding Belonging at Skidmore
- Suleika grew up feeling like a misfit due to language and cultural differences but found sanctuary on the college campus where her father taught.
- This environment allowed her to explore multiple interests and later meet her future husband in a creative camp.
Follow Curiosity Over Passion
- Don't single channel yourself by pursuing only one passion; embrace multiplicity of interests.
- Follow your curiosity by being just 1% more curious than afraid, rather than putting pressure on finding a fixed purpose.
Pressure Silences Childhood Curiosity
- Childhood curiosity and playfulness often get lost due to societal pressure to have clear, careerist goals.
- Reconnecting with freedom to explore diverse interests is vital for genuine self-discovery.