Interview with Ali

As a woman, I have shown that my gender does not dictate my capabilities and does not make me less than a man. There were three residents in my residency class. I was the only woman. I was proud to be there because representation matters.

Ali writes straight from her heart and soul. This is one of the reasons I get back to her profile or whenever I see her work on my Medium timeline.

No! I don’t know her for years, but it feels like her soul and mine are the same. She never hesitates to speak her mind and has a very gracious touch to her poetic work.

That tells me a lot about her as in person, and I am proud of the fact that she has inspired someone like me from miles away.

She is full of gratitude towards life, and that resonates in her writing work. If you haven’t read her please do because a human like her deserves all the appreciation, respect, and honor.

Ali I love your spirit. You inspire me a lot. You have always been polite, respectful, and considerate of what others feel. That’s one of your best qualities. Never ever change yourself. I love and respect you the way you are.

1. Where do you belong to? Is there anything you would like to change about the place you belong to?

My place in this universe is where I am happy. Home to me is not a physical location. It is where my soul feels at peace at any moment, no matter where life’s journey takes me.

I am originally from an island in the Caribbean called St. Lucia. Most of my family still lives there. It will always hold a special place in my heart. It doesn’t matter where I go. It is ingrained within my DNA, tightly coiled around the double helix. It is a part of me and is partly responsible for who I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing.

2. What sets your soul on fire?

Living each day sets my soul on fire. I have a strong faith in God. Without him, I wouldn’t have made it this far. My life has not gone as planned. I was diagnosed with a rare disease a few years ago when I was at the height of my career. I have had many near-death experiences and spent time in the ICU. This experience has changed my perspective and taught me what living is all about.

We don’t know when our journey on earth will end. While I am blessed to see another day, I take the time to focus on the things that bring me joy. When you’ve been close to death, you realize that some things are trivial and not worth your energy. It is better to spend your time and energy doing the things that make you happy and surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones.

3. Which one is your favorite family memory, and why?

It is hard to pick one because every time I spend with family gives me the ability to create beautiful memories. I will list one here for the sake of this question.

My mom and I took a trip to Mexico, our first time visiting the country. It was a girls’ trip and a time for us to bond. My mom lives in a separate state. She took time off work to accompany me to my appointments.

I’ve watched her work tirelessly and try to be there for me at the same time. I know she was exhausted; however, she never complained. The trip was my gift to her. I wanted her to relax because she deserved it. We had a fantastic time and made some friends along the way.

4. Is there anyone in your life you could give your life for? If yes, why?

My family within the US consists of myself, my mom, and my brother. I would do anything for them, including giving my life, for I know they would do the same for me without hesitation. They love me unconditionally, and I love them even more.

5. Do you pour love into self from time to time?

Yes, I do, although there are times when I would like to do more. I enjoy cooking for myself as if I was catering to guests at a restaurant. Why not treat me to a great meal every day? I had to make dietary changes after my diagnosis, so it’s much easier to cook myself. Plus, I’m not too fond of the idea of having to use my epi-pen. Not everyone takes food allergies as seriously.

When I think of self-love, I think about doing the things that bring a smile to my face. Painting is one of them, along with writing. I started out using oil pastels. I have no background in art, and it was a gift. Art became my refuge. I have moved on to acrylic paint and watercolor.

6. How often do you observe the people near you?

I am a very observant individual. I observe everything and not just people.

When I am out, I pay attention to my environment. You miss things when you don’t look. You may miss that flower beginning to blossom, the smile from a toddler who is waving and trying to say hi. You can miss the birds serenading you with their song, the change in the color of leaves or an individual who needs someone to talk to for a few minutes.

Life can be busy sometimes. There is nothing wrong with taking a moment to breathe and allowing your mind to be free while you observe and watch the movie that plays in front of you.

7. Why do you hope for? Does it change something within you or around you?

There are many things I hope for.

I pray for the safety of my friends and family daily. I hope for change in the world where humanity can reign free– a place where hatred no longer exists. Everyone can live life happily. Other times, I hope that things will get better for me medically.

There are days when my wish is simple, for example, can I get more than two-three hours of sleep tonight. There are other days when it’s more complex, like asking my body to return to its factory settings, so I don’t have to deal with all the new lights that have come on, indicating the number of things that need fixing. Too bad we don’t get a lifetime warranty on body parts.

8. How does it feel like being a woman to you?

I can’t imagine not being a woman.

As a woman, I have shown that my gender does not dictate my capabilities and does not make me less than a man. There were three residents in my residency class. I was the only woman. I was proud to be there because representation matters.

9. What would you like us to remember you for?

I want to be remembered for my smile and my authenticity.

I want people to remember my voice. The one they read in my writing as well as my actual voice. I used to be extremely shy and wouldn’t speak up for myself. I have grown and become more confident. I want my words to resonate with others far beyond my life span. They will know that they are not alone in their life’s challenges.

10. How you would describe your life?

My life right now is a bit rocky. I often don’t understand how I go about managing it daily. One of my doctors recently commented, stating that despite all the things I am currently going through, I still happen to keep a smile on my face. That is what I try to do.

I can’t change what’s happening, but I can change how I react. But some days, I am tired from the number of appointments, medications, blood work etc. I always thank my body because it is one hell of a vessel still keeping me functioning and alive.

11. What keeps you on your toes, and how do you like to spend your time?

Sometimes, the uncertainty keeps me on my toes, but even that is becoming less common. I am learning to embrace my life, which comes with acceptance. Once I have done that, nothing should keep me on my toes.

As I mentioned before, I enjoy painting and cooking. In addition, I enjoy watching tv, writing, and reading. I also love spending time with family and friends, but there are moments when I want to be alone. I appreciate silence.

12. When life gives you a lemon, what do you make out of it?

When life gives me a lemon, there are many things I can make with it outside of lemonade, of course. I intend to use every part of it. Nothing goes to waste.

I can use the zest of the lemon for baking. The seeds can be planted. In that way, there will be more lemons to share with others. The juice of the lemon can be used to make a drink, a marinade or as a meat tenderizer. It can add some acidity to seafood bringing out a new flavor profile. The lemon peel can also be candied. You can tell that I love to cook and bake.

When life throws me a lemon, it will be transformed into something else and used in its entirety.

13. What mystery of life you would like to have an answer for?

I would rather spend my time on earth focusing on making life better than finding the answers. I do not need all the answers. Life is a mystery itself, one I know I am incapable of solving.

14. How were you different five years ago from what you are today?

My mindset and appreciation for life have changed. Life threw me a lemon, per se. I didn’t know what to do with it at first. However, I am learning to use its benefits.

Five years ago, I was living life to the fullest. I entered the workforce after what seemed like an eternity spent obtaining degrees. Graduating residency was a huge accomplishment for me and then became board-certified in my field not long after was worthy of celebrating. My health made a 360-degree turn. I found beauty within the chaos.

I focused on things I didn’t have the time for, like painting. I began to write, and poetry has helped me heal throughout this journey. I have become more confident. Everything that I have been through has changed me into someone more beautiful inside and out. I am much stronger now because of my adversities.

15. What would you like to leave as your legacy? Is there any message you would like to communicate with us?

Yes, I would love to leave a legacy behind.

I want people to know that I persevered and accomplished much in my life despite the challenges. As the first person to earn a graduate degree in my family, I want to lead the way for future generations to come.

A legacy isn’t about material things but its knowledge sometimes. What can I pour into the future generation? I want them to know that it is possible. If I did it, then so can everyone else through hard work and determination.

Ali enjoys writing poetry but also creative fiction and nonfictional pieces! Creativity bleeds through her and that includes art!

Interviewed by:

Gurpreet Dhariwal is the author of Two Poetry Books. Her poetry books are available on Amazon, Flipkart and BlueRose. Connect with Gurpreet at www.gurpreetdhariwal.com