jennifer louden

I first meet Lori Deschene through her tweets – she tweets as Tiny Buddha. I wondered, “Who is Tiny Buddha??” Intrigued, I investigated and found a shining soul and a wonderful, vulnerable, wise writer.

I also totally fell for her publishing philosophy at the wildly popular Tiny Buddha community she created: “Though I run this site, it is not mine. It’s ours. It’s not about me. It’s about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine.” So refreshing!

Please Savor & Serve with the lovely Lori Deschene.

1. What are you savoring these days?

I love this question! In fact, I just savored it.

Aside from that, I’ve been savoring the experiences of being part of the Tiny Buddha community, and also living in a new apartment.

Since I run Tiny Buddha as a community blog, I publish stories from people of all ages, from all over the world. Recently, I published a post by a 16-year-old girl from Madrid, Spain who has had some challenges similar to the ones I had at her age.

She originally emailed me to let me know how I had helped her with my writing. I found her email so inspiring that I suggested she turn it into a blog post so that she could help others—and she did! I know she moved and motivated countless readers to find strength and be good to themselves.

It makes me proud to know that I had a part in facilitating that experience—for her and for them—and also that I get to learn from so many insightful people every day.

As for my apartment, I’m savoring it because it feels more like a home than my previous spaces—in fact, it’s a long way from the 7’ x 7’ cockroach-infested room I rented in NYC eight years ago, when I was struggling in every way possible.

My boyfriend and I moved into this apartment community (where he works) a few months back; it’s a sprawling gated neighborhood with a suburban feel, right in the heart of Los Angeles. Every day I see mothers pushing strollers and neighbors walking their dogs, and I’ve met some wonderful people who live right nearby.

It’s no coincidence that the two things I’m savoring revolve around community. I spent a lot my life feeling isolated and unworthy of connection. Now that’s the very thing I value above all else.

2. Do you have a favorite passage in your book that might help us savor?

I don’t actually have a favorite, but after I read your question, I immediately looked for this one:

One of the most common misconceptions in life is that what we did yesterday has to somehow dictate what we can do or be today. It doesn’t. We never have to be limited by who we’ve been. At any time, we can decide to be or do something different and totally redirect the trajectory of our lives. In order to do this, we need to know that we are the only one keeping score, and we truly can wipe the slate clean not only on any morning but also at any time. The “day” when we decide to live out loud can start at any moment.

3. How are you serving these days?

That’s an interesting question. I don’t really think of myself as serving because I get something from everything I give. Everything I do that serves others also serves me. The primary way I help others and myself is through Tiny Buddha, where I share my stories and insights, and publish other people’s.

Aside from that, I try to be heroic, based on Dr. Phil Zombardo’s definition. He defines a hero as someone who doesn’t wait and watch when she believes something is wrong but instead steps up to do something. I make it a priority to recognize when someone is hurting, in need, or being mistreated so that I can offer my love, support, and assistance.

4. If you could serve in any way possible—no restraints, limitations, or boundaries—what would you do?

I can! I give back in the way I do because it aligns with my values, needs, skills, and interests. It’s exactly what I want to do and enjoy doing.

One thing that I have learned in recent years is that I don’t need to be everything to everyone. I am grateful that there are people out there who travel abroad to help starving children, start life-changing non-profit organizations, and generally use their time and resources to do big things for the world.

At this point in my life, I am perfectly content to do my tiny part every day through the written word. When I decide to do something different, it won’t be because I feel less restrained or limited. It will be because it feels right for me at that point in time.

5. What would it look like?

I have no idea, and that’s part of the fun. I’ll let you know when I get there! (Be sure you do!)

Lori Deschene is the creator of tinybuddha.com, a community blog that shares stories and tips about applying wisdom to everyday life from people all over the world. She just launched her first book, Tiny Buddha: Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hard Questions, a collaborative project that presents varied perspectives and possibilities for meaning, joy, happiness, fulfillment, and connection.

Pick up a copy, you’ll love it!