What about a playbook for life?

Wisdom offered from Alisa Kennedy Jones

Lilacs in my sewing room from my dear friend Nancy’s lilac tree, next to one of her beautiful pottery creations.

The tears stream down my face as I turn the last page of

Alisa Kennedy Jones

' book Gotham Girl Interrupted, but not for Alisa, even though her harrowing tale of being diagnosed and living with adult-onset epilepsy is worthy of a million tears. But Alisa doesn't ask that of her readers. Instead, my tears are just emotion generated after considering Alisa’s guidance and lessons about neurodiversity, finding courage, and putting one foot in front of the other safely, along with a playbook for life.

What's particularly impressive about Alisa’s book is that it is filled with levity; her ability to find humor in the darkest of moments is truly inspiring, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

As I reached the final chapter, “The New Rules of You,” I had already gleaned all I needed from this book. Yet, this chapter continued to echo in my mind for days until, one morning, I awoke feeling inspired to share Alisa's wisdom in a post.

Alisa shares what she calls the chronic illness crisis playlist, something that she has created after years of suffering not only from epilepsy, but also from many injuries due to her seizures. An example of Alisa's humor,

You only need to hit your head so many times on a garden gnome to know that they serve no purpose for anyone.

I love this woman. The final chapter contains Alisa's creative ideas for coping with crisis. She covers movies, TV, music, etc., emphasizing the need to be prepared.

While Alisa's playlist is particular to her, and as she puts it, "very weird," she promotes the idea of creating a go-to plan of sorts to remind one of who they are and what qualities they'd like to project when faced with crisis. This is not just a playlist, it's a tool for empowerment. It's a reminder that we have the power to shape our own narratives, even in the face of adversity. 

In Alisa’s words,

It's all temporary, not-too-thoughtful distraction that says everything is going to be okay in my sometime-tumultuous little world. 

Don't we all need a playlist like this to navigate life's storms, regardless of their unique form?

Rick and I are advised to organize our wildfire evacuation list every spring and expectant mothers compile endless to-do lists before their babies arrive.

Sarah Wilson

shares that

The European Commission has just told its 450 million residents to assemble a 72-hour survival kit. The kit should include matches, three days worth of food and water, a torch, a Swiss army knife, and card games (cute) etc, in preparation for the “challenges that cannot be ignored”, namely war, natural disaster, pandemics and civil unrest. In the coming weeks, France will be distributing a 20-page booklet detailing 63 measures to take, including information that encourages its citizens to join defence initiatives like the reserve forces, and reminders to seal doors and windows 🫤 in the event of nuclear fallout.

But what about someone suffering from epilepsy or any severe disease, divorce, the death of a loved one, unexpected loss of career/income, or the demise of your country?

When’s the last time someone suggested you create an evacuation plan for pulling yourself out of a depression?

That’s exactly what Alisa has developed for herself and is recommending to others. Will it cure the evil? No. But it can make for some much-needed downtime from worry and sorrow, increasing one’s strength and stamina.

In writing this, I realize that I have been forming my personal playlist for the last few months amidst the chaos, even before I was so taken with Alisa's ideas.

Sometimes I walk into my sewing room just to breathe deep, especially now that there are lilacs in a vase.

I have spent more hours sewing (a calming influence) than in the last 20 years. I've curated my favorite television shows to watch while I quilt. I make sure there's a vase with flowers in the room. When I'm not sewing, I'm in the garden with Rick, cooking something yummy, writing, or spending time with dear friends. I've been creating a safe harbor, which has undoubtedly offered me strength to continue a journey that lately provides much to fear, resist, and mourn, as well as fight against.

A nurtured soul can be the secret to making it to the finish line, as well as a pair of good boots (the topic of an upcoming post.)

Thank you, Alisa Kennedy Jones, for your generous spirit.

You can find Alisa here.