Hello Dear Friends,
How are you? It's been a while. A Professional is someone who shows up for their creative work even when they don’t want to. I’m so grateful to have you along on this journey of me trying to transition from Amateur to Pro. Life has been full and I wasn’t able to write much, but because of that I now have many stories percolating inside of me.
On further reflection, I have written in different forms through the medium of conversations. During the summer and early fall, I have had the fortune of having meaningful conversations with Writers, Creatives, Mothers, Grandparents, and Humans.
I’d like to share one such conversation with you. It’s with a woman named Jule Kucera, who has a podcast called, Hardtimes and Hope. I met Jule in Rachael Herron’s Ninety Days to Done class. Jule has a calm and caring energy and she has an empathetic heart that makes others feel seen and heard. When I started listening to Jule’s podcasts, I emailed her and let her know what an impact it made on me to listen to people having the bravery to discuss one of their most difficult times. Jule asked me if I’d like to be a guest. I was thrilled with a mix of disbelief. "Jule wants to hear my story?" I knew that the time I’d like to discuss would be the death of my daughter, Mehak. I felt comfortable with Jule because of her personality and because I had already discussed bits and pieces of that time period within the class.
When I tuned in for the interview, Jule welcomed and thanked me. She said that she understands that I’m a private person, so she really appreciates that I’m trusting her with this story. At that moment, I realized that this conversation is a gift for both of us. This helped to let my guard down even further and be present for the exchange.
Since Jule is an amazing Author and Writer, she framed the conversation in the form of scenes. It gave me a good structure to speak my heart and also not go off on tangents. In the middle of us talking, I had a breakthrough moment for the book that I am currently writing, which is a testament to the nourishing and dynamic space Jule has created in the form of her podcast.
Ever since the podcast was released, I shared it with some of my special people and on Instagram. Putting myself out there helped me to deepen connections I already have and also create new ones that didn’t exist. When we talk about difficult times and grief, it shifts something inside of us and it also gives others permission to share their challenges. The unjustified shame is kicked to the curb and we move towards collective healing.
Here is the conversation between me and Jule: A Mother Birthed by Her Daughter.
If you are a podcast reading junkie like me, you’ll be glad to know that the podcast is also transcribed.
It is October 15th, which is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. I’d love it if you can share this conversation with someone who has faced this unthinkable loss. My hope is that it brings healing and solace to a grieving heart and that it establishes a deeper connection with you and the person you choose to share it with.
Until next Friday my friends.
Lots of Love,
Sana Fayyaz
