Lisa Suhair Majaj is an inspiring writer and editor whose life experiences infuse her work with depth and authenticity. Living in Latsia with her two beloved cats, Shadow and Ghost, she cherishes the memories of her late husband, a Greek Cypriot professor she met in Beirut. Her daily life is steeped in rich traditions and a profound connection to her roots.
Lisa suhair: A Nourishing Start to the Day
Every morning, Lisa begins her day with a simple yet fulfilling breakfast: two boiled eggs drizzled with olive oil from her own olive tree, paired with za’atar sourced from Palestine. Following this, she enjoys a cup of nettle tea infused with turmeric as part of her naturopathic protocol, complemented by a strong black coffee—a treat not included in her health regimen.
Crafting the Perfect Day
Lisa describes her ideal day as one that starts early, without the jarring sound of an alarm. She savours the morning birdsong and takes her hot drink outside to sit beneath her lemon tree, where she contemplates nature and captures her thoughts in her journal. After some yoga stretches, she heads to the beach for a refreshing swim, reading, and writing, before returning home to tend to her garden, connect with her children, and spend quality time with friends.
Literary Inspirations
Choosing a single book as her favourite is a challenge for Lisa, but she often returns to David Williams’ Traveling Mercies for its exploration of human connection and belonging. She also praises Susan Abulhawa’s Mornings in Jenin as both a captivating tale and an insightful look into Palestinian history, reflecting her commitment to understanding and sharing narratives that matter.
Fond Memories from Childhood
Among her cherished childhood memories, climbing a cherry tree in her backyard in Amman stands out. With a book in one hand and her beloved pink stuffed bunny in the other, she would nestle in the branches, indulging in stories and snacks, relishing the simple joys of life.
Essentials of the Kitchen
In Lisa’s fridge, eggs and a variety of vegetables are staples, particularly greens. She feels a sense of anxiety when her fridge lacks these vibrant vegetables, yet springs bring her relief, knowing that her garden can provide fresh greens when needed.
Musical Escapes
Currently, Lisa finds solace in the music of Zulal, an Armenian-American trio. Their a capella renditions of traditional folk melodies weave hauntingly lyrical arrangements that accompany her during drives, transporting her to places filled with cultural resonance.
The Symbol of Courage
When asked about her spirit animal, Lisa reflects on a necklace gifted to her by her American aunt—a spirit bear symbolising courage and strength. This token serves as a reminder of her resilience and the strength she draws from her heritage.
Enduring Resilience
Lisa takes pride in her ability to navigate life’s challenges without succumbing to bitterness. Despite personal losses and the ongoing struggles faced by communities she holds dear, including Palestine and Lebanon, she remains hopeful and steadfast in her beliefs.
Memorable Film Moments
The poignant scene from the Palestinian film The Present resonates deeply with Lisa. It encapsulates the daily struggles faced by Palestinians, portraying a father’s desperate attempt to provide for his family amid systemic barriers. This narrative starkly highlights the complexities of existence in occupied territories.
A Dream Evening
If given the chance to dine with anyone, Lisa would choose her late husband. Together, they would revisit their memories in Boston’s North End, enjoying authentic Italian pasta followed by a serene stroll along the Charles River, where their love story began.
Time Travel Aspirations
With an adventurous spirit, Lisa dreams of travelling back to the Pleistocene epoch in Cyprus, intrigued by the ancient creatures that once roamed the land. This quest for knowledge reflects her dedication to her craft and the exploration of themes in her writing.
Fears and Aspirations
Among Lisa’s greatest fears is the notion of leaving this world without having expressed everything she wishes to articulate through her writing. She yearns to explore new genres, particularly full-length fiction, and to travel more extensively, enriching her life with experiences that fuel her creativity.
Words of Wisdom to a Younger Self
Reflecting on her younger self, Lisa would advise embracing life with less fear and more trust in her instincts. Encouraging her to travel and enjoy life, she underscores the importance of balancing self-assurance with humility.
Empathy in Relationships
When considering potential relationships, Lisa emphasises the crucial role of empathy. A lack of this essential quality would be a significant barrier for her, as she values deep emotional connections.
Lisa Suhair Majaj continues to inspire through her diverse body of work, which includes poetry, essays, and children’s stories. Follow her journey on social media to experience her literary passion and insightful reflections.
