DeepSummary
In this episode, Glennon Doyle interviews Suleika Jaouad, an author and cancer survivor, about her journey of living with illness and creating a life of "beautiful defiance." Suleika discusses her approach to navigating uncertainty, finding meaning in simple joys, and embracing creative expression as a form of alchemy.
Suleika shares her perspective on not trying to "live every day as if it's your last," but rather waking up with a sense of awe and curiosity like a newborn baby. She emphasizes the importance of following threads of curiosity and engaging in activities that bring joy, such as painting and journaling, without attaching expectations or productivity measures.
The interview also touches on themes of showing up for loved ones during difficult times, finding creative ways to bridge distances in relationships, and turning perceived mistakes or setbacks into opportunities for growth and magic. Suleika's resilience and ability to find light in darkness serve as an inspiration for living authentically and embracing the "messy middle" of life.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Embrace the messy, uncomfortable parts of life as opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Find beauty and meaning in simple joys and activities that bring you a sense of awe and curiosity.
- Approach challenges and setbacks with a spirit of defiance and a willingness to improvise and find creative solutions.
- Prioritize authenticity and vulnerability in sharing your journey, rather than presenting a polished, perfected version of yourself.
- Show up for loved ones in meaningful ways, even through small acts of presence and love, during their difficult times.
- Cultivate a creative practice as a form of alchemy, transforming pain and uncertainty into artistic expression.
- Reframe limitations and challenges as opportunities to surrender control and find new ways of existing within your circumstances.
- Seek connections and creative collaborations that allow you to bridge distances and share your experiences with others.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I don't have superhuman energy. It took me a long time to get to this place.“ by Suleika Jaouad
- “It's when you're out living and growing and feeling uncomfortable and shedding old skins.“ by Suleika Jaouad
- “I'm here, I love you, I'm going to keep being here.“ by Suleika Jaouad
- “It's a different form of showing up. And in that moment, he had to show up for the symphony, but he also showed up for himself.“ by Suleika Jaouad
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Episode Information
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle and Audacy
5/23/24