You write with such a profound knowledge of the true meaning of life and how to live as joyfully and hopefully as possible. Aside from living through the challenges of your illness, where does this inner strength originate from? You are an old soul at a young age, please expand on your studies, meditations, philosophies, religions, mentors, authors, practices or whatever it is that gives you this immense illumination and inspiration that you so generously spread to us all. What do you do with your self-doubt, fears, and regrets? Even if this is too impossible a question to answer, I am grateful for all that you offer, and maybe we know these answers already by all that you model and share. Thank you so much. 🥰
Suleika , THIS is very exciting news ! I am curious about the fact that your exhibit will be with your beloved Maman .Every mother/daughter relationship is unique . Given that your mom’s professional life has always been art what was it like for you to let go of any self doubt about diving into the same art world for the first time and now being brave and comfortable enough with exhibiting your talents along side your mom? I’m in awe of this and would love to hear that part of your story .
I love all the beauty and creativity you share with the world . Thank you from deep in my heart .
P.S - I know it’s gonna be great with Carmen as your interviewer. Go Carmen ‼️
I wonder how you do so many things and stay focused. Here you are spending time designing and being fitted for a dress (or several). Then there are the pups. The upcoming painting exhibit. The Isolation Journals. Speaking engagements. Travel. Family. Writing. All the other elements I don’t know about. My life is busy too(but not glamorous) and I feel overwhelmed and stuck thinking about all that has to be done and all I want to do. I wonder how you organize a single day to end up with these accomplishments.
Just to say I'm so excited for this, and am constantly in awe of your talent, willingness to share, and above all, your tremendous resolve. (and dogs, always dogs ;-)
Fantastic! Carmen knows Suleika in ways we do not. And, she always asks questions that encourage us to delve into those hidden parts of ourselves that prefer the comfort of shadow living, not the bright lights. Suleika and Carmen - is it easier or harder to be interviewed by a close friend?
My question: Did you have to think you were an artist before you started your creative work?
If one is not innately talented but wants to create (Painting etc.) how can you justify this to yourself? I Know this sounds crazy, as one has some sort of free will to act, but there's something 'braggadocious' about thinking one is "doing" art...or at least something meaningful.
Suleika's story is incredibly inspiring, and her courage and resilience in the face of such challenges are truly commendable. Her ability to maintain integrity, dignity, and authenticity while facing such difficult circumstances is a testament to her strength of character. Her unwavering gratitude, faith, and zest for life are truly admirable, and her focus on using her creativity to help others is a beautiful example of selflessness. Suleika's ability to avoid toxic behaviors and egos despite her hardships is a true testament to her character and strength.
I'm very excited about this event! My question is: once you've learned to trust in your own creative process, that you're on the right path even if you don't know exactly where it will lead you, how do you manifest the growth/success/exposure to your work, and how do you keep at bay the great fear that it won't resonate with others and you need to find another "day job"? Just a tiny question! :)
I/m a new subscriber ..a new friend! I suffered a stroke so viewing your strength is absolutely wonderful!!
I/m a tree pruner ..going with my walker only to see my fellow pruners on this Saturday so not available but hopefully get yr Saturday cheer later that day! BEST WISHES, Suzanne
Cant wait for this 🌸🤍 Currently going through cancer & chemo myself— how do you stimulate your creative juices? I find myself too drained to create much, anything beyond a coloring book or regular journaling seems too much. I feel like i have a lot of new ideas and inspiration in my mind but cant seem to externalize it … xx
This article was the incentive for me to upgrade to paid subscriber. Thank ALL of you. The optimism and heartbreak in this community flow together in ways that are stunning. The depth of peples’ comments mirror the reality of sick people and caretakers. Rock on people.
I have a question for both Suleika and Carmen. In what ways has working together on The Isolation Journals positively impacted your friendship?
I have many friends who became professional colleagues and vice versa and the professional element has greatly enriched both our friendship and our professional practices. Often this has been around creative possibilities and the "flow" that happens between us. I often talk about "jamming" or improvising - if we were musicians in a band then myself and my professional friends often end up informally playing together - each of us has our own instrument and so bring something to the session but we all remain skilled in our individual ways.
Suleika, this is going to be such a great interview! As it's April 1st, I was revisiting my journal from 2023 and can honestly say fully committing to the month of intentional journaling last year catapulted me into a journey of self-love and self-discovery in a way creative endeavors hadn't for me in a long time. I wasn't able to participate in January, so I'm thinking about following the January prompts this month on my own, but had to come on here and say that I was writing about "creative cross-training" and used those exact words in my 4/1 entry last year, and just loved that little synchronicity.
Very exciting news, what a treat! So grateful to have you share your studio space with us, thank you. I can’t wait! Also, always grateful for the recordings because 12pm ET is 4am Sunday morning in NZ 💛
I wish I could use my words as you do yours to express the supremely moving and inspiring impact they have had on me in wrestling with life’s struggles. I admire so much the way you not only reach peace and love and coming to terms in the face of your challenges but that you so beautifully and meaningfully pass along the lessons of your journey that are so helpful to those lucky enough to know or know of you. I am thinking right now of what I can do for myself — and thinking it’s possible — because you took the time to share, in such a loving, forgiving and accepting way. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary TIJ! Even though I havent been on as much, this Journal group definitely keeps me grounded and creative through all the highs and lows. How wonderful it will be with you and Carmen!
Suleika I am so excited for this!!! This honestly comes at the perfect time for me. I've been constantly inspired by how both you and Jon use survival as a creative act, and I want to channel my own feelings into creative work. I know it would be particularly beneficial at this season in my life. I journal, but sometimes I want to channel these thoughts and feelings into other forms, maybe more abstract, shorter form, more whimsical, representative... I'm not sure yet, but all I know is that it will serve me well. I can't wait to learn more from you. So looking forward to Saturday!!
You write with such a profound knowledge of the true meaning of life and how to live as joyfully and hopefully as possible. Aside from living through the challenges of your illness, where does this inner strength originate from? You are an old soul at a young age, please expand on your studies, meditations, philosophies, religions, mentors, authors, practices or whatever it is that gives you this immense illumination and inspiration that you so generously spread to us all. What do you do with your self-doubt, fears, and regrets? Even if this is too impossible a question to answer, I am grateful for all that you offer, and maybe we know these answers already by all that you model and share. Thank you so much. 🥰
Nicely put ❤️
Suleika , THIS is very exciting news ! I am curious about the fact that your exhibit will be with your beloved Maman .Every mother/daughter relationship is unique . Given that your mom’s professional life has always been art what was it like for you to let go of any self doubt about diving into the same art world for the first time and now being brave and comfortable enough with exhibiting your talents along side your mom? I’m in awe of this and would love to hear that part of your story .
I love all the beauty and creativity you share with the world . Thank you from deep in my heart .
P.S - I know it’s gonna be great with Carmen as your interviewer. Go Carmen ‼️
😊😊😊
I wonder how you do so many things and stay focused. Here you are spending time designing and being fitted for a dress (or several). Then there are the pups. The upcoming painting exhibit. The Isolation Journals. Speaking engagements. Travel. Family. Writing. All the other elements I don’t know about. My life is busy too(but not glamorous) and I feel overwhelmed and stuck thinking about all that has to be done and all I want to do. I wonder how you organize a single day to end up with these accomplishments.
Just to say I'm so excited for this, and am constantly in awe of your talent, willingness to share, and above all, your tremendous resolve. (and dogs, always dogs ;-)
I was going to write something similar but you’ve said it perfectly Caryn! 😄
Fantastic! Carmen knows Suleika in ways we do not. And, she always asks questions that encourage us to delve into those hidden parts of ourselves that prefer the comfort of shadow living, not the bright lights. Suleika and Carmen - is it easier or harder to be interviewed by a close friend?
My question: Did you have to think you were an artist before you started your creative work?
If one is not innately talented but wants to create (Painting etc.) how can you justify this to yourself? I Know this sounds crazy, as one has some sort of free will to act, but there's something 'braggadocious' about thinking one is "doing" art...or at least something meaningful.
Suleika's story is incredibly inspiring, and her courage and resilience in the face of such challenges are truly commendable. Her ability to maintain integrity, dignity, and authenticity while facing such difficult circumstances is a testament to her strength of character. Her unwavering gratitude, faith, and zest for life are truly admirable, and her focus on using her creativity to help others is a beautiful example of selflessness. Suleika's ability to avoid toxic behaviors and egos despite her hardships is a true testament to her character and strength.
I'm very excited about this event! My question is: once you've learned to trust in your own creative process, that you're on the right path even if you don't know exactly where it will lead you, how do you manifest the growth/success/exposure to your work, and how do you keep at bay the great fear that it won't resonate with others and you need to find another "day job"? Just a tiny question! :)
I/m a new subscriber ..a new friend! I suffered a stroke so viewing your strength is absolutely wonderful!!
I/m a tree pruner ..going with my walker only to see my fellow pruners on this Saturday so not available but hopefully get yr Saturday cheer later that day! BEST WISHES, Suzanne
Wishing you healing, from a fellow gardener.
Same!
Cant wait for this 🌸🤍 Currently going through cancer & chemo myself— how do you stimulate your creative juices? I find myself too drained to create much, anything beyond a coloring book or regular journaling seems too much. I feel like i have a lot of new ideas and inspiration in my mind but cant seem to externalize it … xx
This article was the incentive for me to upgrade to paid subscriber. Thank ALL of you. The optimism and heartbreak in this community flow together in ways that are stunning. The depth of peples’ comments mirror the reality of sick people and caretakers. Rock on people.
I have a question for both Suleika and Carmen. In what ways has working together on The Isolation Journals positively impacted your friendship?
I have many friends who became professional colleagues and vice versa and the professional element has greatly enriched both our friendship and our professional practices. Often this has been around creative possibilities and the "flow" that happens between us. I often talk about "jamming" or improvising - if we were musicians in a band then myself and my professional friends often end up informally playing together - each of us has our own instrument and so bring something to the session but we all remain skilled in our individual ways.
Suleika, this is going to be such a great interview! As it's April 1st, I was revisiting my journal from 2023 and can honestly say fully committing to the month of intentional journaling last year catapulted me into a journey of self-love and self-discovery in a way creative endeavors hadn't for me in a long time. I wasn't able to participate in January, so I'm thinking about following the January prompts this month on my own, but had to come on here and say that I was writing about "creative cross-training" and used those exact words in my 4/1 entry last year, and just loved that little synchronicity.
Very exciting news, what a treat! So grateful to have you share your studio space with us, thank you. I can’t wait! Also, always grateful for the recordings because 12pm ET is 4am Sunday morning in NZ 💛
I wish I could use my words as you do yours to express the supremely moving and inspiring impact they have had on me in wrestling with life’s struggles. I admire so much the way you not only reach peace and love and coming to terms in the face of your challenges but that you so beautifully and meaningfully pass along the lessons of your journey that are so helpful to those lucky enough to know or know of you. I am thinking right now of what I can do for myself — and thinking it’s possible — because you took the time to share, in such a loving, forgiving and accepting way. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary TIJ! Even though I havent been on as much, this Journal group definitely keeps me grounded and creative through all the highs and lows. How wonderful it will be with you and Carmen!
Suleika I am so excited for this!!! This honestly comes at the perfect time for me. I've been constantly inspired by how both you and Jon use survival as a creative act, and I want to channel my own feelings into creative work. I know it would be particularly beneficial at this season in my life. I journal, but sometimes I want to channel these thoughts and feelings into other forms, maybe more abstract, shorter form, more whimsical, representative... I'm not sure yet, but all I know is that it will serve me well. I can't wait to learn more from you. So looking forward to Saturday!!