The Marie Forleo Podcast

437 - How to Heal When Everything Falls Apart

Apr 22, 2025

Suleika Jaouad, an Emmy Award-winning writer and author of the bestselling memoir 'Between Two Kingdoms,' dives deep into healing through creativity. She discusses the therapeutic power of journaling and how a 100-day project transformed her perspective during tough times. Suleika shares insights on rewriting personal narratives, embracing uncertainty, and the importance of community support in overcoming challenges. She emphasizes that pursuing ambitious dreams, even amidst chaos, can lead to joy and authenticity in life.

01:25:13

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Episode guests

Suleika Jaouad

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Suleika Jaouad emphasizes that journaling and creative expression can transform pain into powerful narratives that facilitate healing and personal growth.

She discusses the significance of community and collective creativity, highlighting how shared artistic endeavors can provide emotional support during challenging times.

Juad encourages embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for spontaneity and exploration, redefining how one can live joyfully and creatively amidst life's unpredictability.

Deep dives

Transforming Pain into Power

Suleika Juad shares how a life-threatening leukemia diagnosis at 22 became a catalyst for her creative expression. Instead of succumbing to despair, she began to harness the power of writing to navigate her emotions and experiences. This transformative process allowed her to convert confusion and pain into a powerful narrative, emphasizing that storytelling can be a critical part of healing. Her journey highlights how facing adversity can lead to profound personal growth and creativity.

Intro

4min

The Power of a Hundred Day Project

23min

Navigating Success and Sustainability

4min

The Transformative Power of Journaling

9min

Embracing Uncertainty and Pursuing Dreams

3min

Embracing Uncertainty and Creativity

15min

Journaling and Finding Home

25min

Unlocking the Universal Gift of Creativity

2min

What do you do when life falls apart? In this powerful conversation, Suleika Jaouad shares how journaling, creativity, and community helped her survive cancer, heartbreak, and uncertainty - and build a life of purpose and beauty. You'll learn how to transform pain into power, rewrite limiting narratives, and reconnect with what makes you feel most alive.

@SuleikaJaouad is an Emmy Award-winning writer, visual artist, and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Between Two Kingdoms is this week's guest on the show! You may know her from her viral "Life, Interrupted" column, or from the deeply moving Oscar-nominated documentary American Symphony. Suleika's new book The Book of Alchemy is available here. Follow Suleika on Instagram and subscribe to her Substack, "The Isolation Journals."

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

03:14 - The Shocking wake-up call that forced Suleika to reimagine everything

04:08 - Why "containers" like the 100-day project can be life-changing

12:38 - Stuck in a thought loop? This will set you free

16:15 - The magical key for unlocking creativity

21:20 - The behind-the-scenes chaos of launching The Isolation Journals

27:14 - Journaling vs. monetization: how Suleika made peace with both

32:05 - This journaling prompt will rewrite your future

40:08 - Why dreaming big can feel dangerous - but it's the only way forward

45:21 - The moment Suleika shrunk her truth in a room full of geniuses

54:37 - The loss that turned hallucinations into art

57:58 - Simple tools that make your journaling habit stick

1:03:21 - Rescue dogs, real estate & design on the farm

1:13:00 - Non-negotiable rituals for peace, clarity & creative downloads

1:20:45 - Stop doing this one thing if you want to live your truest life

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MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU

FREE AUDIO TRAINING: Learn the 3 steps to get anything you want in life or business → https://www.marieforleo.com/how-to-get-anything-you-want

THE BOOK OF ALCHEMY: Grab your copy of Suleika Jaouad's new book → https://amzn.to/3EuTcrt

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