I “met” Lisa Budzinski on Twitter after we bonded about our short and sweet novels. I thought you should meet her, so here’s 10 questions with Lisa Budzinski. Enjoy!
Who is Lisa Budzinski?
[I was] Born in LaFollette, Tennessee and reared in Florida; and now the age of 1/2 century. I worked 20 years as a Paralegal Specialist at the State Attorney’s Office, Ninth Circuit, Florida. This position enabled me to write every hour of every day. It all came to a screeching halt when I got hit with a stroke in the thalamus causing Central Pain Syndrome along with thyroid cancer and goiter associated with Grave’s Disease. These events changed my life forever. It has since led me to being the Vice President of the Central Pain Syndrome Foundation, an Ambassador for the US Pain Foundation and a delegate for the Power of Pain organization.
What is your novel At the End of the Day about?
Everyone longs for encouragement and reassurance that we are not alone when having to deal with the big events in our lives and that the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced can and will give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. My book covers these aspects and more.
What has been your biggest obstacle while writing and how have you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle was writing about losing my precious Mom. That was really hard for me to relive all over again. We were so close as Mother and Daughter and as best friends through the years. It was hard enough the first time around. I knew my life had changed forever after that. How in the world was I to live life without her?!
Why did you write this book?
There were hundreds of naysayers stating that no one person could go through that much or that many situation in one lifetime. I think this happened because I didn’t share much of my personal life with friends and co-workers. I had to fight for what was the real truth. To be able to get out the truth to the masses and a book was, at that time, the best viable option. It was before all the social media channels were available and the few that were, not many people were really using them at the time.
What do you hope readers would take away from this book?
It is important for everyone to know you are much stronger than you know or give yourself credit for. We really do have super powers! When faced with a situation; it takes a deep breath, bite your lip, get a grip and power forward with strength and determination. You will absolutely amaze yourself and others.
How do you stay motivated?
By waking up to a new day that you just cannot take for granted. I wake up and tell myself,
“Well you have been blessed with another day. How are you going to use it wisely and be extraordinary?”
Your world was turned upside down when your health took a downward turn, would you mind sharing how you got through it?
Research, research and more research. And with a lot of hope and strength from my husband, family and friends. No one knows what it’s like to lose a career you love, your home and everything in it by having a stroke and cancer at the same time. You have to go through it in order to believe it.
What makes you cry?
Abuse to children, the elderly and animals. All are very dependent on society and need our love, attention and security. I also have happy cries; like with touching movies, shows and books. Those feel good themes.
What do you know now that you wish you knew as a teenager?
Actually, there’s a lot I’m glad I didn’t know then that I know now. How bizarre is that?! But it’s probably the age old adage of, don’t wish your days away to be older. The older you get, the faster the days go by.
What’s next for you?
There is so much to do, so much to learn, so much to teach. How do I pick? Even though I am now disabled, I still long to be a part of society and make a difference in a huge way. I truly hope the next big thing shows itself. I love law, the legal field, beauty and makeup, shopping, beaches, learning daily; I wonder where all that will take me?
Thank you Lisa for sharing, you are truly an inspiration.
About Lisa’s book At the End of the Day 
In At the End of the Day author Lisa Budzinski shares the bittersweet story of her family’s trials and struggles through illness after illness, eventually coming to the conclusion that at the end of the day, the only way to have peace is to give our all, do right, and hold no regrets.
Purchase on Amazon
Connect with Lisa: CPS Foundation | Facebook | Facebook page for Thyroid patients and family | Pinterest | Twitter
