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
Barbie has returned with a wink to her effervescent magenta halo. Barbie-mania is upon us as months of frenetic pre-launch movie publicity gleefully dominate social media, billboards, and editorials, engulfing us in a magenta tsunami. Vogue even named 2023 the Summer of Barbie and Pantone named Viva Magenta the color of the year. The film’s … 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
Often the reason so many people feel unhappy is because they have the false expectation that happiness is a trait that should be a constant presence in their lives. People may think that their unhappiness is a character flaw: “If I only tried harder.” This self-defeating mentality fuels a recurring loop of frustration and self-deprecation. … Read more
Developing endurance allows all of us to go the distance toward our goals and aspirations. And the best way to ensure success is to get comfortable with the notion of failing forward. Obviously, most people don’t wake up in the morning thinking about how they can botch things or fail to achieve their goals. However, … Read more
READ THE NEWSLETTER I remember when the summer countdown started: My friends and I experienced anticipatory savoring as we imagined all the great times we’d have splashing in sprinklers, enjoying lazy afternoon picnics, family vacations at the Jersey shore, and best of all, not having to do homework. Even though I’m all grown up, … Read more
A few weeks before my summer conferences and vacation travel kick-off, I start drawing up my packing list. Once the Powerpoint presentations are finalized at least two weeks before departure, I’m organizing clothing, toiletries, and phone-readings because I don’t like to throw things together at the last minute. This season, I had an eight-day stretch … Read more