My mother was a professional seamstress, the creator of breathtaking garments. Journaling for me is my way of becoming the creator of a unique garment. I get to take the colorful, often sassy, and sometimes stoic swatches of fabrics that make up my life and sew them into this complicated, perplexing garment – a manifestation of my past, current and soon-to-be journey.

I love the isolation journal because it provides me with a new swatch of fabric… a fresh perspective through the lens of a community of real and vulnerable folks. What a profound privileged to be creating my garment while taking a peek at yours.

— Angela Cooke-Jackson aka Dr. CJ

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“When Suleika announced the start of the Isolation Journals, I was all in! What she did with this
movement for such a time as this, is nothing short of genius! She gave us a respite to reflect and write.
She invited us to create rather than despair, and she helped us not take ourselves too seriously and count
our blessings. I am forever grateful!”

—Tami Bullock

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"I just want to say thank you… These months of isolation have been challenging, but your
writing prompts are anchoring me."

—Tolu, Tallahassee, Florida

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"I have always loved to journal and have done it my whole life, but when school got canceled I didn't have the energy to say my feelings, to make them real by writing them down. With these journal prompts coming into my inbox daily, I have been able to slowly let myself come to terms with the state of the world, with where I am in all of it. I am writing this to say thank you. I never knew this is what I needed, but joining this has had a profound effect on my outlook."

—Liora London

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“How do I thank you for giving me something to get out of bed for in the morning before my husband stirs so that I can have a moment with the prompt—with me?! I often weep just reading the prompts… Thank you and all your contributors for giving me a morning to work through the sadness, the gratitude, and like today a reminder of all that is beautiful in this very messy world… “

—Suzanne Kahn, Maine

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“Back in February I started experiencing chest tightness when I woke up that wouldn’t go away. I called my doctor, who said it was anxiety and suggested a natural remedy which would help with symptoms—but not the underlying issue. I told her that I had also just started journaling in the morning, and she said that there are actually studies that demonstrate the act of writing, especially in the morning, can help with symptoms of anxiety. About a week ago I realized that the tightness in my chest for the most part had gone away—without me realizing it. For this I thank you.”

—Chris Hancock, Vermont (and her pup Jambi)

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“Today is the first morning in a long time that I’ve looked forward to checking my email. Big question: Would you consider extending this lifeline? I just found you and I’m not ready to let go.”

—Sonja Millings, California

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“I can’t even express how transformational this project has been for me. I have new friends whom I love, a new writing practice and a memoir in the works. All because of The Isolation Journals.”
—Abby Alten Schwartz

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