Description
At the age of 36, Lisa Sniderman’s star was rising. Passionate about her career and also coming into her own as a gifted singer-songwriter, Aoede the Muse of Song, she could not have imagined the journey she was about to take when a health crises brought her dreams crashing to the ground. Diagnosed with a rare, debilitating autoimmune disorder called dermatomyositis (DM), that would drastically limit her activities and eventually confine her to her home, Lisa struggled to maintain a normal life with a body in revolt and, eventually, to accept a new normal. While her dreams were dying, Lisa’s muse was also rising. Rather than succumb to self-pity or despair, Lisa used her creativity and positive attitude to reframe her situation and thrive in spite of her disability. Living with a chronic illness challenged Lisa to see DM as a gift in disguise that has opened the door to new dreams and new opportunities.
Whether you, too, live with a disability, or have just lost your inspiration in the creative process, you will meet in Lisa’s story a light in the darkness-an indomitable spirit that will encourage you to live life to the fullest, no matter what curveballs have come your way. An African proverb states: “When the music changes, so does the dance.” May you find in Lisa’s confessions, reflections, insights and life lessons the inspiration, hope, support, courage and motivation to keep dancing, and most of all, to never, ever give up on your dreams.
Sarah Moran, health writer and author of the “Take Care” wellness book series
Lisa shares her journey with honesty and grace. The heartfelt ideas and suggestions she offers are useful, inspiring and uplifting—for people dealing with chronic illness or any other life challenge.
Suzanne Edison, MA, MFA – Cure JM Board of Directors
“As a former psychological counselor, poet, and mother of child with Juvenile Myositis I am thrilled by Lisa’s book. Her story of both living with a chronic illness and finding ways to harness and express her talents to encourage and inspire others, is a gift. I know many kids and adults will not only resonate with her story but will be uplifted by it and will find ways to let “their lights shine” too. This is an important and necessary story, not just for people with Dermatomyositis, but for anyone who struggles with, or loves someone with a chronic illness.”
Rupam Sarmah, Music Director, Composer, Filmmaker
“Lisa Sniderman’s inspiring life lessons portray the story of struggle, relentless determination and perseverance, leading to her success lifting herself up. Her artistic life is an inspiration to others and an encouraging testament to never giving up in this beautiful universe to make the best out of this life despite challenges.”
Tom Willner, Author of Having A Ball At Thirty, Cancer Survivor
“Sniderman shares valuable wisdom in her open and honest account about overcoming the adversity of living with a chronic illness. A truly inspirational story of the healing power of music and creativity and finding your true purpose.”
Angelo “Scrote” Bundini, producer and artist
“Lisa Sniderman is an amazing example of finding unbeatable strength through one’s creativity. She inspires others with her passion for her music and art and uses them to rise above the incredible challenges of her chronic illness. Bravo!”
PATRICK O’HEFFERNAN
Stunning. I talk to aratists every day who tell me tht their art, their music is a form of therapy. Lisa has gone far beyond tht with this book. She tells us all by example, poetry, lyrics that no matter what challenges you face, they can become the source of creativity for you – which itself is a form of healing.
Kimberlee J Barnet for Readers Favorite
A Light in the Darkness: Transcending Chronic Illness through the Power of Art and Attitude is a memoir by Lisa A. Sniderman, an award-winning singer-songwriter, artist, and playwright. Sniderman was diagnosed in 2008 with a rare, incurable autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis (DM). Just as she was becoming recognized in her field and opportunities were opening up, she found herself canceling performances due to the debilitating effect of the disorder. Over the next decade, Sniderman developed strategies and techniques to live life to the fullest within this new framework. Her techniques center on cultivating an attitude of joy and hope, using the healing power of artistic expression, and having a positive support system. Lyrics, quotations, photographs, and illustrations capture her inspirational journey. Questions for reflection and a list of resources on chronic illness are also provided.
In A Light in the Darkness, Sniderman answers a question that any of us could face: What can we do if we have an illness or disability that doesn’t go away? In a frank and practical approach, she addresses the fear, the uncertainty, the stress, and the depression that accompany such a question and shares the details of her struggle with it. Her writing style is straightforward and engaging. I like her “Life Lessons for Living Well with Chronic Illness” and the focus on simple tools such as engaging in art, surrounding yourself with positivity and humor, meditating in nature, accepting a slower pace, and being kind to yourself to reduce stresses that can trigger inflammation. “Living well with a chronic illness requires physical, emotional, and spiritual support,” she writes. “I keep my spirits high and fill my head and heart with love, gratitude, humor, and a positive attitude. This has carried me through the darkness of my DM.” Truly inspiring. Highly recommended.