Irene O'Garden - Author, Glad To Be Human: Adventures in Optimism

Irene O’Garden

Irene O’Garden has won―or been nominated for―prizes in nearly every writing category from stage to e-screen, hardcovers, children’s books, as well as literary magazines and anthologies. Her critically acclaimed play Women on Fire (Samuel French), starring Judith Ivey, played to sold-out houses at Off-Broadway’s Cherry Lane Theatre, and was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award. O’Garden’s new memoir, Risking the Rapids: How My Wilderness Adventure Healed My Childhood was published by Mango Press in January 2019.

In Glad To Be Human: Adventures in Optimism, Irene reminds us of the radiance of human existence. From kitchens to gardens to busy city streets, all around, in your everyday life, you can find plenty of reasons to feel gratitude and hope, peace and joy.

In this collection of essays, O’Garden explores a wide range of practical reasons to celebrate life―just look closely around you. In one essay, she describes the simple pleasure that comes from clearing clutter off a desk―in another, the thrill of visiting the Statue of Liberty. The book’s grand finale is the Pushcart Prize-winning essay, “Glad To Be Human.”

Through contemplation, meditation and with literary style, Glad To Be Human invites readers to view life through a positive lens. From small, daily activities to journeys overseas, O’Garden has a knack for finding beauty and meaning in all life’s adventures―even in our deepest pain and suffering―helping all of us feel glad to be human.

I’m so excited for you to connect with Irene, check out her book, and follow along as she continues to share her love for words, their sounds, their meanings, and their impact through her expression and her joy.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

I’m Irene O’Garden.  I am a poet, author and memoirist now hosting “The Glad To Be Human Show,” a live broadcast inspired by my recent book of essays “Glad To Be  Human.” I speak with people and find out why they are glad to be human.

How did you get started?

I have always loved words—their sounds, their meanings, and their impact. I wrote as a child, majored in theatre and English, spent several years in the theatre, (an excellent way to develop a strong expressive vocabulary) and then returned to writing in answer to an inner prompting.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

We are often bombarded with examples of the worst of human behavior. One day I was swept with such gratitude for being human that I was moved to write an essay, “Glad to Be Human.” It won a Pushcart Prize, and led to my book of essays, itself a celebration of those moments big and small, dark and light when we appreciate what it means to be alive as human beings.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I am living my passion and purpose, indeed. Meaning, expression and inspiration take so many forms—mine is an ongoing expedition of wonder. I love sharing the pleasures of language and emotion through writing poetry, essays, and theatre pieces (one of which played sold-out houses at Off-Broadway’s Cherry Lane Theatre.)  I also use my trained voice and body as a performer and use my trained hands as a professional calligrapher. Each of these arts helps clarify and amplify meaning the meaning of words, which is my ultimate joy. As Zatz, one of my characters says, "A day without words is like . . . “

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

My joy blueprint starts with a foundation of self-care—good nutrition, exercise and a spiritual practice of deep relaxation. When my physical and inner engines are humming, joy is the natural result. Then joy naturally reaches out to others. Moving to music, time spent in nature and creative play make me feel alive.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I try to listen to my thoughts and steer them toward what I want to create. Taking “You create your own reality” as my motto has led me into tremendous fulfillment.  I am a fan of the mediation App Insight Timer, for deep relaxation and mindfulness meditation and I regularly dip into the work of Jane Roberts/Seth for philosophical grounding.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

My younger self would get a big kick out of what I’m doing.My happy marriage, my healthy body, my shelf of published books, my creative output all cheer her on from the future!

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

One quote I look at as I dress each day is from Jane Roberts/Seth: “I allow myself to fully feel the joy and vitality of my being and I automatically create joyful realities.”

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to create and foster healthy, creative beliefs in myself and others so the human race can evolve to its next stage of cooperative consciousness on our beautiful home planet. 

To learn more about Irene and her new book visit her website www.ireneogarden.com and on Facebook here (which features the schedule for my FBLive broadcasts of The Glad to Be Human Show) and Instagram @iogarden and you can find her new book Glad To Be Human on Amazon here

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here