Danish existential philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said, “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” And, in 2016, author Rachel Cowan said, “Ours is the first generation in human history to move into elderhood with 20 years or more of vitality and good health ahead.” Cowan was one of the … Read more
While lounging on my purple couch on day three of my second run-in with COVID, I got an invitation to attend a live Zoom event with National Book Award author, James McBride. I first fell in love with McBride’s work when I read The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother, … Read more
There are two rambunctious toddlers living in the apartment above mine. Often it sounds like there’s an entire WWE wrestling squad slamming each other to the floor. Each day, I experience a cacophony of running, tumbling, and crashing that starts in the wee hours of the morning and goes well into the evening. For the … Read more
In these tumultuous times, it’s essential to learn how to nurture, acknowledge, and protect (NAP) your inner child. Everyone appreciates the restorative benefits of sleeping or napping for babies and young children. However, we often forget that a restorative nap can benefit us at any age.. According to the Mayo Clinic, napping can increase alertness, … Read more
I am a passionary, a visionary driven by great passion and action. As an active, high-energy social entrepreneur with meaningful social connections as a wife, friend, daughter, mom, and grandma, my life is balanced on a fulcrum constructed like the seesaw at the playground. That fulcrum allows me to stay present in both of these … Read more
Poet Anais Nin said, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” These words resonate deeply in our current times when the only constant is change. I am delighted to share a simple reframing exercise that can bolster your courage during uncertain times when so many outcomes are unpredictable. And the exciting news is … Read more
I just returned from the International Positive Psychology Association’s (IPPA) World Congress in Vancouver where I began my term as president of the Positive Health and Wellbeing Division. Imagine the energy and excitement as 1,000 of the most effervescent, inquisitive, and caring people from 53 of countries gathered to share the latest innovations in the … Read more
Rounding each bend on the bicycle path that hugs Vancouver’s 20-mile sea wall, I suddenly noted an invigorating shift in my body. Although I had just spent 10 hours in transit from New York City to Vancouver the wind which caressed my face and the cool sea breeze elevated my spirit and blew the jet … Read more
When I was born, I was given two names. My English name is Lisa and my Hebrew name Aliza, which means joy. However, for as long as I can remember, I considered myself to be an “old soul,” someone who is sensitive, empathetic to others, and kind of super serious. And sometimes this constellation of … Read more
Don’t do anything, just sit there. What? It often feels difficult to wrap our heads around just sitting and being still. Simply resting. That’s because, from a young age, society has encouraged and indoctrinated us to do more, achieve more, and have more. And this can make us feel like our inherent worth is tied … Read more