“I will grab any opportunity I can to learn something new.” – Lykke Li

I have some exciting news I want to share. I got invited to take part in a documentary film for the Special Olympics. As a sister of an athlete of the Special Olympics, it is an honor to be a part of it and share our journey. 

Why me, you might ask? The reason is that the games reunited my sister and me, who didn’t see each other for six years. During the Winter World Special Olympics games, our reunion happened at Boise, Idaho. 

I still remember seeing my younger sister, Irina, arriving for a lineup through a fence. My heart jumped out of my chest when I saw my sister after all this time. I missed her so much. When I yelled her name, Irina came to the fence, and we cried, trying to figure out how I could hug her. It was a touching moment. Later that day, we could hug each other. 

So being in a documentary film is a big deal for me because the producer and director are interested in the book I’m writing. Yes, the book is about my life journey. And it’s dedicated to her. My sister is my inspiration. We had so many challenges that kept us apart for six years. 

There is an even more dramatic story when I found her when I was ten years old, and she was just three. Here is a glimpse into our story at this link: Special Olympics brought a family together, no matter the distance.

The filming of me is planned for March. An anticipated time for releasing the documentary is in September of this year.  

Memoir Vision

It motivates me to complete my first draft as soon as possible. Realistically speaking, I aim for the end of June, hoping to meet my goal early. After that, I will focus on polishing, editing, and publishing during the summer. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.  

I realized I could not approach my book writing the same way I have done in the past. I have to treat it like a part-time job 3-5 hours a day, ideally during the week or at least 2-4 hours three times a week, then increase if necessary. So, you know, it is essential to set up manageable goals.  

My book already has over 150 pages. But I know the most sensitive and heart-touching stories about my twenties and thirties are not even typed yet. So I still need to refresh my memory by reading old diaries, picking on the most meaningful stories, summarizing highlights, and organizing them into my book.

I know I got this. I feel that sharing my goal with you will keep me more accountable. Now I am definitely on the deadline. 

Have I told you I started writing it in 2009? At that time, the title was “The scream of my soul.” Now it shifted into “Going with the flow.” 

The book’s name is not definite yet, and I see how the “flow” comes back repeatedly when I think of it. Because in my life, I learned to allow myself to flow with life and plant seeds of dreams along the way.  

Of course, there were times when I fought hard against the current of my river of life. Who doesn’t? That is why it makes it an interesting and challenging roller-coaster full of emotions. Feelings make us feel alive. Don’t you agree with me?  

If you have suggestions about book writing, feel free to leave a comment below and share what works for you. I would be happy to hear from you. 

Wish me luck 😉