Last week, I had the pleasure of co-hosting an afternoon event to honor Suleika Jaouad’s latest book, leaving me with new friendships and the ultimate conversation piece…
First of all, have you had the chance to read Suleika’s 2021 memoir, Between Two Kingdoms? Diagnosed with leukemia at 22 and given a 35% chance of long-term survival, Suleika spent a significant part of the next four years confined to a hospital. Yet, after being declared “cancer free,” her next hurdle emerged: figuring out how to live her life.
Now, Suleika has crafted another stunning work: The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life. “Journaling was my lifeline during tough periods,” she shared with us, prompting her to create a journaling guide filled with thought-provoking prompts and essays from fellow creatives like her husband Jon Batiste, Ann Patchett, Jia Tolentino, George Saunders, and many others.
In my living room, Suleika read an essay from her book and then invited us to spend 10 minutes writing about our hands. The prompt was so focused that it instantly sparked ideas, and everyone began jotting down their thoughts.
Me, writing about chewing my nails
Before journaling, Suleika shared that she often poses a question to herself. “Elizabeth Gilbert contributed an essay to the book,” she explained. “She has a longstanding practice of starting her journal entries with ‘Dear Love, what will you have me know today?’ I’ve adopted her approach and made it my own. So, when I’m feeling lost, I write ‘What will you have me know today?’ at the top of the page, and I try to express something from a deep intuitive insight.”
Another exercise involved closing our eyes to draw a giraffe. The most challenging part? The spots!
Clare de Boer and Deb Perelman
We shared laughter over our less-than-stellar drawings. This activity not only lightened the mood but also reminded us that journaling is about expression, not perfection.
Amber Tamblyn and Suleika
As the closing activity, Suleika prompted us to share something that could go on our “unofficial resume.” For instance, she mentioned her three dogs and how, since her husband believes three is more than enough, she assists friends in finding their perfect dogs.
Nell Diamond, Priya Parker, and Brit Bennett
I enjoyed listening to everyone’s hidden talents and interests. Priya Parker, for instance, mentioned her knack for matching people with books: “I ask a series of questions and then recommend three books for them to begin with.” As for Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen fame? “I was a synchronized swimmer in high school. It’s an incredibly challenging sport!”
Peyton Dix, Hrishikesh Hirway, and Nell Diamond
Musician Hrishikesh Hirway shared that he is a chocolate chip cookie aficionado and can identify the best chocolate chip cookies in each city he’s visited. (His top pick in New York? Jacques Torres.)
Hitha Palepu, Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix
“My hidden talent is being an excellent wedding guest,” noted Hunter Harris. “I make sure to dress appropriately, I take fantastic social media pictures of the married couple, I always carry an extra hair tie/tampon/Listerine strip/mirror, and I enjoy making small talk with any random family member or co-worker.”
The entire day felt utterly enchanting, largely due to Suleika and her book’s charm. With its engaging, humorous, and reflective prompts, I’m inspired to launch a journaling club—where people can come together to write individually based on a shared prompt and then exchange their insights. Would you consider joining? I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who enjoys writing, therapy, gazing out of windows, contemplating deep thoughts, and exploring the meaning of life — all of it!
Thank you dearly, Suleika. xoxo
P.S. “Nine life lessons I learned following my cancer diagnosis,” five ways to enhance your listening skills, and what are your core values?
(Photos by Ana Murphy.)
**How Joining a Journaling Club Can Help You Make New Friends**
In our increasingly digital age, establishing genuine, in-person connections can become quite challenging. Many individuals are seeking out shared hobbies and interest groups to connect with like-minded souls. A flourishing trend in this arena is the journaling club—a gathering of people who meet to write, reflect, and share. While journaling is typically perceived as a solitary endeavor, joining a journaling club can bring about unexpected social advantages, including the chance to forge new friendships. Here’s how.
### 1. Shared Interests Create Instant Connection
Becoming a member of a journaling club places you in the company of others who share a common enthusiasm for writing, introspection, creativity, or personal development. This mutual interest acts as a natural conversation starter, facilitating dialogue and helping to establish connections. Whether your focus is bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, or expressive writing, you’re likely to find kindred spirits who enjoy the same facets of journaling as you do.
### 2. Regular Meetings Foster Consistent Interaction
One of the primary hurdles in forming new friendships is maintaining consistency. Journaling clubs typically convene regularly—weekly, biweekly, or monthly—yielding frequent chances to interact with the same individuals. These routine gatherings help cultivate familiarity and trust, essential components for nurturing lasting friendships.
### 3. Safe Space for Vulnerability
Journaling generally requires delving into personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. In a journaling club, members may opt to share sections from their journals or discuss the themes they’re exploring. This fosters a safe, supportive atmosphere where vulnerability is embraced. Being open in this manner can cultivate deeper, more significant connections compared to lighthearted small talk.
### 4. Encouragement and Support
Joining a journaling club means having access to a built-in network of support. Members frequently motivate one another to keep writing, share tips and prompts, and celebrate individual progress. This reciprocal encouragement can transcend journaling, leading to friendships that provide emotional support in other areas of life as well.
### 5. Opportunities for Collaboration
Journaling clubs often incorporate collaborative initiatives such as group writing prompts, themed sessions, or creative projects like zines or vision boards. Engaging in these activities promotes teamwork and camaraderie, creating natural opportunities to connect with others.
### 6. Diverse Perspectives Enrich Your Experience
Journaling clubs attract individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and life experiences. Interaction with varied viewpoints can enhance your perspective and ignite stimulating conversations. These exchanges may result in unexpected friendships with individuals you might not have otherwise encountered.
### 7. Transitioning from Acquaintances to Friends
As you consistently attend meetings and partake in discussions, you may find yourself relating to certain members on a deeper plane. Over time, these acquaintances can blossom into genuine friendships. You might find yourselves meeting for coffee outside the club, attending events together, or even embarking on creative projects.
### Tips for Making Friends in a Journaling Club
– **Be open and approachable:** Smile, introduce yourself, and show curiosity in others’ narratives.
– **Participate actively:** Engage in discussions, share your insights, and contribute to group tasks.
– **Follow up:** If you connect with someone, consider suggesting a meetup outside the club or exchanging contact details.
– **Be consistent:** The more frequently you attend, the more familiar you become to others, heightening your chances of forging friendships.
### Final Thoughts
Becoming part of a journaling club is more than just a means to enhance your writing skills or maintain accountability to your journaling objectives—it’s a pathway to new friendships. By bonding with others who share your passions, engaging in meaningful dialogues, and uplifting each other’s growth, you can cultivate enduring relationships that enrich your life both within the pages of your journal and beyond. So grab your notebook, locate a local or online journaling club, and start penning your way to new friendships.
