A Letter from Laura

It has forever been part of my culture, as a Persian Kurd, to believe that hard work and persistence lead to success. Included in that was the assumption that I have complete control of all aspects of my life. I became a physician because I enjoyed the academic challenge and have always had a desire to help people. I specifically pursued emergency medicine (EM) because I liked the energy of the emergency department and felt that EM was pure medicine that treated people based on immediate need. I also liked making quick decisions and learning how to manage every situation thrown my way—from life-or-death to the mundane. I then pursued scientific research and obtained a master's degree because objectivity and unbiased inquiry were very important to me. My extra training and degree also made me more competitive in the medical world.

In 2013, my life changed as I began a journey that would take me through years of doctors, treatments, unanswered questions, and a gradual decline in my health. Eventually, my illness became so debilitating that I had to step away from practicing medicine, the career I had dedicated my life to. In 2022, I learned that what was causing my symptoms was chronic Lyme disease and that I have continued to decline because the Lyme is compounded by other factors like toxicity, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and adrenal fatigue. Today, I use a wheelchair, live with slurred speech and poor hand writing, and am completely dependent on others for help.

Initially, my situation led me to question my training in Western medicine and to pay more attention to those who have more depth in their approach to life and see things with a wider lens: the wise. I learned about wisdom and found that the teachings and commentary we had about wisdom were anecdotal and subjective. As a scientist, I needed more objectivity. Also, the definition of “wisdom” was abstract. I needed it to be more tangible and concrete. I did not know what “wisdom” was, but I knew how to create a research project.  I designed the Wisdom Research Project(opens in new tab) and interviewed sixty wise adults across North America. Through a complex system, each person was nominated for the study as wise by another person, such as a community leader or clergyman. Once selected, they graciously shared their thoughts about a set of questions, which I then analyzed with two others using research skills.

The findings of the project were fascinating. Wisdom is a state of being—a mindset. Wisdom can not only help you live a meaningful life but also help you thrive through its many ups and downs. From a librarian who lives in the smallest home in her neighborhood to a CEO of many companies, I discovered that there were several commonalities in their approach to life. Wisdom is not related to intelligence, wealth, or accomplishments.

While Common Wisdom presents the world with the eight elements, they are more than just a definition of wisdom; they are a roadmap to mastering life and thriving through its ups and downs. How do I know this? Common Wisdom changed my life. Following the publication of the first edition, my body continued to deteriorate. By early 2026, I could not speak or handwrite clearly. Controlling my muscles became more difficult. Using a wheelchair on my own required energy that I did not have. I could not drive and remained at home at all times. I felt trapped in my body and completely dependent on others.

There were two things that have helped me withstand this time. First, the eight elements I discuss in my book, and second, the belief that things will work themselves out, there is a better tomorrow, and that things happen for you and not to you. It was my condition that led me to create the research project and write the first edition of the book. Things happened for me. I was always very driven and intense. Despite not being the smartest person, I became both my high school and college valedictorian. In college, being the highest-ranked student with a biochemistry major while maintaining three jobs was no easy feat.

How have I applied the eight elements? As I wrote the book, I realized that the elements are really a guide to mastering life. As my condition worsened, I would remind myself daily that I am resilient and will overcome this challenge. I am also more kind to myself and my body. I avoid any and all situations that are a strain or difficult for me. I was a positive person to begin with, but I have become even more positive and grateful as I have realized that it is the only aspect of my life I could control. Spirituality became more of a guiding light in my life. I was not spiritual to begin with, but after the book and my condition, I recognize and believe that there is a higher power guiding me.  I now realize the importance of living in faith and not in fear. Humility has become even more important to me in my thoughts of others. I withhold any judgements of others, as I know they could be battling a secret battle that is not visible to the naked eye. I have become more tolerant, compassionate, and understanding of the disability community as I have joined them. I approach all healing modalities with creativity and curiosity, as I continue to believe that something will one day work in my favor.

Also, it was the loss of my home and community in the 2025 Palisades fire that resulted in our family moving more inland in LA. When it happened, it was devastating and shocking. I could not imagine how we would adjust to a new home, community, and schools for my children. I cried for weeks. We have since found that we really enjoy being in the middle of a bustling city, my children really like their schools, and we are closer to family.   I lived in the Pacific Palisades for 18 years and would never have left. Things happened for me.

This does not mean that I did not have my moments of devastation and grief. I cried often, but I knew I had to overcome this. I felt very alone. Two factors were very important to me: control and independence, and I had lost both.  I could not control any part of my body. I could barely express myself as I slurred my speech and could not handwrite clearly. I also absolutely hated being dependent on others, yet I was. Everything I did required the assistance of others. I was beyond sad, but I knew this had to happen for me to change my life. I realized daily that gratitude and grief could occupy the same space.

Why is this book especially relevant now? In this day and age, as we are facing a new era of technology and artificial intelligence, the human experience and wisdom are more valuable than ever.  Common Wisdom(opens in new tab) helped me tackle life’s challenges, and I am certain it will help you too. My hope is that it will move you forward in life and will serve as the priceless and timeless piece of wisdom that you deserve to have.