I do hold tenderness for the early storytelling version of me, and the version that pursued self-publishing without any sort of anxiety. Karaoke is a no-no, though my family still has an old set and microphone. As for radical kindness, the same Golden Rule was hammered into me at a CE primary school, and I suppose I do still bear it in mind.
Haha. I'm the same with karaoke!! Though I wish it weren't so! I love that you hold that tenderness for yourself and amazing you didn't have anxiety about publishing! Kindness is everything.
Radical kindness is something I practice more of since my 3 yr old son was in the hospital, as radical kindness from complete strangers was bestowed upon me during that time and was truly a life-changing experience. To me, it looks like showing up for people when they need it, noticing and acknowledging people and their humanity, and teaching my son to choose kindness, even (and especially) when it’s easier not to.
That's so beautiful, Stephanie! It sounds like your son is okay now, yes? I'm so glad. And I'm so glad you felt that uplift from strangers. I love your definition of kindness.
Yes, he had spinal surgery and encountered some complications but is completely healed and back to normal now! I told myself if something good can come from my experience then it would have been worth it (in addition to my son’s health of course). I was already an empathetic person but this experience took it to a whole other level. I never want anyone to feel as alone as I did in those moments and I hope my kindness can change lives as others kindness changed mine.
That's so beautiful, Stephanie. I feel like those sorts of challenges either leave people bitter or burst their hearts open. Clearly, you're the latter! Really glad your son is okay. That must have been terrifying! xx
Radical kindness. YES. I used to have the bumper sticker: God bless the whole world, no exceptions. Singing everywhere - YES! It is a beautiful way to spread love, joy and higher frequencies, to pray for peace, for freedom, for the wellbeing of all, in harmony with all life, all that is, so it is.
Imagine if we all sing for love...the resonance will crack the hate!!!! Let it be so! This summer, before everything happened, my son and I wrote a song called Salaam Shalom.
There is also one: God is not a republican...or a democrat. I'll never forget when my daughter came home from a church we visited (we don't go to church anymore, but that was then,) and she was referring to God as he and I had to explain God is not a man or a woman...has both feminine and masculine aspects and is beyond both.. Finally I had to explain, "God does not have a penis or a vagina." I know you're not religious and I'm not really either (spiritual yes) but I thought it was funny enough to share...
Thank you so much for filling in the questionnaire, Sari!! So much wisdom and kindness. And thanks for all the support on this Substack journey. I would have been lost without you! xx
This is an amazing piece! I have to be reminded of this to keep up the fight. So much to be angry at however, they win if we get angry or stay silent. #TogetherWeWin
Beautiful and inspiring interview. Radical kindness is a worthy force to strive toward. Reminds me of Aldous Huxley's words on his deathbed: "Let us be kinder to one another."
I'm late to this conversation since l just got an account here on Substack, but l too was glad Sari mentioned Vivian Gornick, as I've been wanting to read some great memoirs, and somehow have never read that one! Thanks to both you and Sari, Jane!❤️
What a lovely and inspiring interview for a Monday morning!
Thanks, Jill! Sari is so lovely and smart. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Jane. Blushing...
<3
I do hold tenderness for the early storytelling version of me, and the version that pursued self-publishing without any sort of anxiety. Karaoke is a no-no, though my family still has an old set and microphone. As for radical kindness, the same Golden Rule was hammered into me at a CE primary school, and I suppose I do still bear it in mind.
Haha. I'm the same with karaoke!! Though I wish it weren't so! I love that you hold that tenderness for yourself and amazing you didn't have anxiety about publishing! Kindness is everything.
What a wonderful interview, Sari! And thank you!! 💕
Thank YOU, Cheryl. I will never forget your kindness and generosity. 🙏💝😘
What a lovely interview. ♥️
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Radical kindness is something I practice more of since my 3 yr old son was in the hospital, as radical kindness from complete strangers was bestowed upon me during that time and was truly a life-changing experience. To me, it looks like showing up for people when they need it, noticing and acknowledging people and their humanity, and teaching my son to choose kindness, even (and especially) when it’s easier not to.
That's so beautiful, Stephanie! It sounds like your son is okay now, yes? I'm so glad. And I'm so glad you felt that uplift from strangers. I love your definition of kindness.
Yes, he had spinal surgery and encountered some complications but is completely healed and back to normal now! I told myself if something good can come from my experience then it would have been worth it (in addition to my son’s health of course). I was already an empathetic person but this experience took it to a whole other level. I never want anyone to feel as alone as I did in those moments and I hope my kindness can change lives as others kindness changed mine.
That's so beautiful, Stephanie. I feel like those sorts of challenges either leave people bitter or burst their hearts open. Clearly, you're the latter! Really glad your son is okay. That must have been terrifying! xx
Great interview, and I really like this line “What you think of yourself, people think of you.” I'm going to borrow that 😀
I know!! Such wonderful wisdom! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview!!
I especially love your choice of favorite books to reread. Also, would it be possible to include a video of those bluetooth karaoke mics in use?
I love those books, as well! Yes, Sari....any karaoke footage that you share anywhere?
Ha ha. Not any that isn't too embarrassing to share! <3
Radical kindness. YES. I used to have the bumper sticker: God bless the whole world, no exceptions. Singing everywhere - YES! It is a beautiful way to spread love, joy and higher frequencies, to pray for peace, for freedom, for the wellbeing of all, in harmony with all life, all that is, so it is.
I love that, Alicia! Singing is a beautiful way to spread love!
Imagine if we all sing for love...the resonance will crack the hate!!!! Let it be so! This summer, before everything happened, my son and I wrote a song called Salaam Shalom.
I need that bumper sticker!
If you look it up, you can still get it!
There is also one: God is not a republican...or a democrat. I'll never forget when my daughter came home from a church we visited (we don't go to church anymore, but that was then,) and she was referring to God as he and I had to explain God is not a man or a woman...has both feminine and masculine aspects and is beyond both.. Finally I had to explain, "God does not have a penis or a vagina." I know you're not religious and I'm not really either (spiritual yes) but I thought it was funny enough to share...
Some subtly simple wisdom from Sari to take into the week and beyond. May we all remember our precious virtues and talents!
I couldn't agree more!
<3 <3 <3
Thank you for having me here, Jane! 💝
Thank you so much for filling in the questionnaire, Sari!! So much wisdom and kindness. And thanks for all the support on this Substack journey. I would have been lost without you! xx
This is an amazing piece! I have to be reminded of this to keep up the fight. So much to be angry at however, they win if we get angry or stay silent. #TogetherWeWin
Truth! And so glad you enjoyed Sari's beautiful words!
Beautiful and inspiring interview. Radical kindness is a worthy force to strive toward. Reminds me of Aldous Huxley's words on his deathbed: "Let us be kinder to one another."
Yes! And so glad you enjoyed it, Petra!
I'm late to this conversation since l just got an account here on Substack, but l too was glad Sari mentioned Vivian Gornick, as I've been wanting to read some great memoirs, and somehow have never read that one! Thanks to both you and Sari, Jane!❤️
I haven't read it either! And now I'm keen to! Glad you enjoyed Sari's responses!
Delighted that Sari mentioned Vivian Gornick's book. It's next up on my list (as soon as I finish Infinite Jest...page 702/only 400 to go!)
Ah, I've not attempted that one! I hope you're enjoying it!