We recently connected with SUSAN JUSTICE and have shared our conversation below.
SUSAN, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
As a writer, I’ve always envisioned creating a story that could empower young readers to advocate for their peers’ rights. Drawing from my experiences as a young person and my journey in understanding privilege, I felt compelled to write a book that would entertain and inspire children to work towards making the world a better place for all.
My passion for making a difference in the lives of young people has fueled my dedication to promoting compassion and acceptance. And I’m excited to announce the upcoming release of my multi-award-winning picture book, Children Who Dance in the Rain, on May 15, 2023. It’s a story that families and educators can use as a tool to start conversations with their children about pressing social issues.
This project is incredibly meaningful to me, reflecting my desire to impact the world positively. To support underprivileged children and provide them with educational opportunities, I will donate 100% of the net proceeds from every fourth copy of my book to organizations such as Save The Children, GiveWell, and Bright Sparks School in Mohali, India.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a multifaceted individual—author, attorney, advocate for children, and mother—I am deeply devoted to creating a just and equitable world. Alongside my co-founders, I founded South Asians Against Childhood Abuse, steadfastly dedicated to championing justice for the most vulnerable. As an attorney, I vigorously champion causes close to my heart, advocating for my clients with relentless determination.
Yet, my calling extends beyond the courtroom, driven by my passion for uplifting underprivileged children across the globe. Ever since I can remember, I have dreamt of becoming an author, and I am thrilled to have authored a children’s book that provides a compelling introduction to the concept of privilege. This literary journey explores the many facets of privilege, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our blessings and expressing gratitude for them. With the power of my words, I aspire to inspire young readers to appreciate the wonders of the world surrounding them and to generously share their blessings with others.
Through my diverse professional endeavors, I aim to forge a brighter and more equitable future for children everywhere. My ultimate objective is to galvanize us all to take meaningful action in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As a child of South Asian heritage, visiting India for the first time was a dream come true. I anticipated exploring my ancestral home and immersing myself in its culture. However, what I discovered was not what I expected. Instead of excitement, I was inundated with the harsh contrast between my life and the scarcity of resources that countless children in India faced.
This awakening moment changed the course of my life. Witnessing the struggles of these children opened my eyes to the privileges and opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have access to. It was a humbling realization that despite possessing the same innate talents and intelligence, these children were born into circumstances where they had to fight for their daily existence.
This awakening experience kindled my passion for making a meaningful difference in the world. I recognized that I had been bestowed with a unique gift, and I must utilize it to better the lives of underprivileged children worldwide.
Knowing that there are numerous children across the globe facing similar struggles, I strive to make a positive impact in their lives, providing them with the opportunities that I was blessed with.
I hope my story will inspire others to do the same, utilize their blessings to aid those less fortunate and foster a better world for all.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” impact on my personal growth cannot be overstated. Through his transformative book, I was able to awaken a previously untapped part of my soul and mind. While we often go about our daily routines comfortably and familiarly, “A New Earth” encouraged me to break free from that paradigm and explore a different side of myself through introspection.
Tolle’s work reminded me that there is much more to each of us than meets the eye. As individuals, we possess an untapped potential that often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. Whether it be rooted in shyness, trauma, sadness, insecurity or fear, these aspects of ourselves have been ingrained since childhood and have become deeply embedded in our psyche.
Tolle’s book taught me that in order to truly heal and grow, we must first recognize and confront these aspects of ourselves that we have long avoided. Only through this self-awareness and self-exploration can we begin to address the parts of ourselves that feel broken and genuinely heal and thrive.
“A New Earth” provided a powerful tool for me to delve deeper into my self-awareness and explore new ways of thinking about myself, other individuals, and life in general. It has been an eye-opening journey of personal growth, and I am grateful for the lessons and insights Tolle’s work has provided me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.compassion.press
- Instagram: thejusticelawyer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justicesusan/
- Twitter: @justicesusan8