Suleika Jaouad is a writer, a creator, a connector, and an all-around warrior having recently won a battle against leukemia. Considering her experience, she's no stranger to quarantine as she spent most of her twenties under treatment and confined to her bed, unable to go outside or even open a window.
On her website, Suleika writes, "For me, periods of turmoil have also been invitations to deepen my creative practice and experiment with what's possible." And it's through this turmoil that The Isolation Journals were born.
Inspired by The 100-Day Project -- a creative endeavor Suleika and her loved ones were a part of during her time in treatment -- The Isolation Journals are designed to inspire the world to reboot by taking time to pause, reflect and process, and connect with both their own inner self and the community around them during such a challenging time.
I first heard about the journals through a post on Maggie Rogers' Instagram account, and I signed up right then and there. All I had to do was send in my name and email, and boom! I was in. Since then, I've been given a new writing prompt every morning, along with a sentimental note from Suleika herself.
I found out later that Maggie Rogers actually helped Suleika form the journals, as well as "Eat Pray Love" author Elizabeth Gilbert. The three women reached out to a vibrant community of artists and authors, seeking not only to spark inspiration in the community, but to also highlight the work of their colleagues and those they admire. Creatives such as Ann Patchett, Ashley C. Ford, and Jon Batiste (among many, many others) each developed a writing prompt for Suleika to incorporate into the journaling project.
Over these last few weeks, people across the U.S. and beyond are taking just a few minutes out of each day in self-isolation to participate and engage. Some prompts have been light, simply asking journalists to explore their home with "fresh eyes," while some prompts hold a bit more weight. Whether you're a renowned doctor, an aspiring journalist, or a fifth-grade student, you can sign up.
Since joining, I've learned more about myself. I've connected with my past and envisioned my future. I've reconnected with a couple of old friends, and I've bonded more with some current friends. This project has given me some time reach day to relax a little and reflect during a time when I've felt the most anxious I've ever felt. For that, Suleika Jaouad, I want to thank you. Your project is reaching people with an impact greater than you may even know.
With the slogan, "One creative act a day. Alone, together," the first prompt went out on April 1st. Anyone is welcome to sign up here at any time. It's totally free, and the journals are expected to continue even after our time in quarantine is through. Come one, come all.
