1) What prompted you to write this book?
From the beginning of my health adventure, I was recording everything in my blog and on social networks. It was a way of expressing myself, but I soon realized that my posts had a positive impact on others. My dream was to write a book in order to inspire those facing similar challenges. That thought was the driving force, that dream propelled me.
2) How do you experience the experience of reading your works after a period of time, when they have been printed in a book and it has been a while since they were created? Do you still agree and have the same enthusiasm?
“Why not me?” is my first and, for now, only work. When I reread it, I feel pride, emotion and sometimes surprise at the feelings and thoughts I had at the time. Excitement is there, as it is my truth, but I often wonder if I would write the same things today, even though not so long ago. I’m constantly changing and evolving, so it makes sense that this would happen.
3) Have you ever argued with your creative self?
Yes, there were moments when I wondered if I was ready to share something so personal or if the way I was writing it was the right way, the right way! Thankfully, I always found my way, and every word found its place. Of course, the invaluable help and encouragement from my experienced book editor, Ms. Rhea Zacharias, made the process easier and me more confident and creative.
4) Are there moments that spark you by setting you in creative motion?
There are many moments that trigger me creatively, like when I learn something new and get excited about the possibilities that open up in front of me. Also, when I feel happy and full of positive energy, ideas flow effortlessly and inspiration comes almost magically. It’s those moments when I feel that anything is possible and I can create something special.
5) And respectively, are there moments that you would never write anything about?
I don’t know for sure if there are moments I would never write about, but I’m sure I wouldn’t choose to write about something dark or sad, because I don’t want to give time and energy to such things. Also, I would never write anything insulting about an actual person, as I believe that writing should express respect and truth.
6) If you had to describe this work in one word, what would it be?
Perseverance.
7) If your book was/was a regular trip somewhere in the world, where would we go and how many days would it last?
What a fantastic question! If my book were a regular journey, we would of course go to India, a destination full of contrasts, colours and deep meanings. After all, that’s where I spent most of my other travels and discovered a lot about myself. It would be a journey of self-discovery and inspiration that would last as long as it took to find inner peace, total healing in body, mind and spirit.
8) What is your opinion about contemporary book production in our country in relation to literature? Do you have any favourite Greek authors?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a full picture of contemporary book production in our country, as due to my condition I cannot hold a book in my hands. The selection of Greek ebooks is quite limited, which does not facilitate access for people with disabilities. Despite the remarkable efforts being made, there is a clear need to invest more in electronic publishing to ensure equal access to literature for all. I hope this development will come soon, as it will bring our literature closer to more readers.
This is what Georgia Papazisis said, in a short interview of great book travelers, about -and on the occasion of- her book “Why not me?” A true story of courage, published by Sirtari.
This is a great book for several reasons, one of which is that it was written entirely by eye – the other reasons can be traced here below or discovered within its pages for yourself. This “written with the eyes”, however, which is also present in the author’s bio, can be misinterpreted, considered something of a metaphor or figure of speech, or passed off as embedded in a busy and fast-paced daily life… but if one stays longer, decides to investigate and, basically, read the story, one will see that Georgia Papazisi has a superpower: she writes with her eyes! Yes, indeed, where the rest of us need mice and keyboards, where we strain our tendons, waists and backs, she can write entire books… by looking!
It all started several years ago, when an unknown but terrifying disease struck Georgia, depriving her of people, autonomy, dignity, happiness… a long list but completely unnecessary. You all understand what a serious illness deprives you of and how much suffering it causes. Georgia searched for answers to the obvious in America, Germany, India, China, Miami… but only as she looked inside did she see. She saw that the thing that deprived her of things woke her up, taught her to live truly and not mechanically, nor hypocritically, nor on automatic, nor – emphasize this twice – for others and their desires. Georgia lost some of her functions but found her inner strength, an incredible strength perhaps encapsulated in the word “self-love,” as she says.
A story of many medications, tests, treatments, diets, supplements, exercises, pain, psychological shocks… and its (proper) treatment being triumphantly ignored – or hidden – and I read and read and read and read on, not being able to find a single reason to stop, to see something else, to do something else, my day’s work, my chores, when am I going to open the computer at the office? when will I check email; check the day’s publications; definitely have emails that need answering, have new book deliveries; when will I write my impressions of the monologue I saw at the theater; when will I write my holiday shopping list? when will I go to pick them up; make an appointment for a car service, I wonder if there will be an extension on the road tax; one writer sent a text with incorrect names, another “owes” an introduction, I have two collages to make, what time does the pharmacy close; turkey goes well with apricots and pomegranates; oh, get onions! I paid for the water; the phone is ringing, the material for the concert has arrived; I have to make an appointment with the surveyor, I have tomatoes; will it rain or should I do the laundry.. dozens – don’t say hundreds and be frightened – of little things, necessary but as small as a brass knuckle, that occupy my mind, my entire existence to the point of taking up the whole day, the whole time, all the energy… while other, more important, fundamental, essential things are passed over with spontaneous indifference and remain unresolved or unresolved, second. Why?
I keep reading and the more I read, the more ashamed I am that instead of enjoying each day I am thinking about the weather, the tomatoes, the deadline… ashamed that I forgot to enjoy anything. And when all the pages are finished I find the right purpose of this life, which is not whether the concert photos came in or if the traffic fees get extended, but to binge on it.
PS. first:
Very beautiful book, true and it works in a self-healing and self-improving way. Make a note somewhere to send questions to the author. Nah. Stupid. The woman’s not well, she’s gonna have your stuff on top? You’re gonna have to put her through that? Or was she expecting you? But even if she was waiting for you, how?
PS. second:
Georgia is the one who knows the meaning of life, who found and unlocked the power, who can do anything and you are the one who will be helped by knowing her. Talk to her.
Jenny Koukidou
See the original article at beautydaysbymary.blogspot.com