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.

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ANECDOTE

100-Day Journaling Journey

Suleika Jaouad started a 100-day journaling project during cancer treatment to anchor daily life amid uncertainty.
She set simple rules to keep journaling doable and nonjudgmental, which helped her overcome despair and maintain motivation.

ADVICE

Power of Containers

Use containers like the 100-day project to provide structure and accountability for creative practices.
Containers balance ambition with achievability, helping maintain focus and motivation.

INSIGHT

Power of Going Fast

Launching a creative community project fast brings real-time feedback and dynamic growth.
Not knowing everything in advance allows adaptation and momentum for projects.

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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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