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Many of you have been inspired by Sarah Lysne, the columnist in the Austin Daily Herald who wrote features about finding joy in everyday activities. Her third book, entitled, “Choosing Joy: Volume III” came out in August. (Her books are available at Sweet Reads in Austin and through her website: SarahLysne.com). True to her generous nature, all proceeds from her books go to the ALS Association.

Sarah is amazingly and consistently optimistic as she shares her outlook on life. She started writing the column after she was diagnosed with ALS in 2019.

“I went to see a therapist who helped me deal with the emotional part of the disease. She suggested that I focus on the joys in my life instead of the disease,” Sarah said.

How many of us could take this situation and advice and use it to inspire others, as well as raise funds for ALS?  Sarah is one of a kind! And we are so lucky to have her in our midst.

When asked how she got her start as a writer, Sarah explained that in third grade they were given the assignment to write a paragraph using descriptive words. Sarah said, “I wrote about walking home from school on a crisp day with the leaves crunching under my feet. As I entered the house, I could smell Mom’s homemade vegetable soup and apple pie. From that point on, I fell in love with writing.” In fourth grade she advanced to writing a book, called “The Thirteenth Floor,” about how people should not be superstitious!  Quite sophisticated for a fourth grader!

Sarah went on to say, “I love the way writing connects people.  I know I don’t see most of my readers, but I am able to bond with them through similar experiences and human emotions.”

This desire to bond with people has been an important aspect of Sarah’s life.  She volunteered for her children’s school and sports activities, even coaching her son’s fifth grade soccer team. She also bonded with others through music, singing in church choir and Praise Team. Although her background was marketing, Sarah’s late mother-in-law saw her talent and desire for bonding with people and suggested that Sarah apply for the position of visitation coordinator at First United Methodist Church. This job brought her to a new way of bonding by visiting members of the congregation who were unable to attend church.  Sarah absolutely loved it and felt it was something she was called to do. After two years in that position, she became coordinator of Young Families Ministries, as well.  She says,” My greatest joy was bringing my two ministries together.  On several occasions, the children’s choir performed at the residential care centers that I visited.” 

These experiences no doubt gives depth to Sarah’s writing. Sarah also attributes inspiration for her writing to the late Michael Cotter, the locally and nationally known storyteller.

“He always encouraged writers to tell the truth about their lives. I would say he taught us all to be authentic, whether you are a writer or not,” she said.

As with many writers, this writer’s childhood was filled with reading from the age of four when her mother took time on the back porch to help her learn to read by making little sentences for Sarah using the few “sight” words Sarah knew. The excitement of learning to read is a cherished memory  of hers! Throughout her childhood, there were many trips to the library and many hours of being read to by her mother. Some favorite books were read over and over. Sarah now continues to read using audio books. And using technology that she controls with her eyes, Sarah continues to write. She also enjoys taking writing and art classes that are available to her with this equipment.

True to her amazing positive attitude toward life, Sarah’s words of wisdom are deceptively simple: “Surround yourself with people you love and live in the moment.”  Sarah, we treasure your advice!

For more information about the Austin Branch of AAUW, contact Sue Grove  sue.grove@riverland.edu  or Carolyn Bogott  csbogott@charter.net. The American Association of University Women, now AAUW, is open to anyone who has completed a two-year degree or beyond.  AAUW welcomes men who support our objectives and there are student memberships available. AAUW has been empowering women since 1881.  We support equity and education for women.  Scholarships are offered, as well as help in litigation in cases dealing with sex discrimination.  We are the most important and highly respected research and lobbying organization dealing with women’s issues such as equal opportunity and job equality.