Why Mattering Matters: Lessons from Isaac and Ora Prilleltensky

Simply put, mattering matters. Isaac Prilleltensky and Ora Prilleltensky were prolific and innovative advocates, educators, and pathfinders dedicated to bringing the importance of mattering into public awareness and practice. As psychologists, thought leaders, and changemakers, they championed an unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every individual. In their own words, “Mattering consists of … Read more

Glitter, Pasta Necklaces, and Love: The True Meaning of Mother’s Day

Florists, Chocolatiers, and restaurants gear up for the twenty–four–hour love-fest known as Mother’s Day. Meanwhile, young children are busy creating cherished heirlooms such as necklaces constructed out of painted dried pasta; photos with hand-decorated cardboard picture frames festooned with lots of sparkles and glitter, and, my personal favorite, gushy “Happy Mother’s Day” cards that get taped to … Read more

Know when to accelerate and when to rest

When a project launch timeline starts to be measured in days instead of months or weeks, it’s thrilling and daunting at the same time. It’s the moment when everyone on the entire launch team puts on their running shoes to get out of the starting gate and actually make it happen in order to transform … Read more

Stumbling on Wonder and Polar Bears in Central Park

There’s a palpable energy surging through the team on production days when we’re filming Soaringwords workshops. Hair and makeup and the film crew arrive at 8 o’ clock on the dot. Cameras and tripods are assembled. Light bulbs are swapped out for light boxes. Flowers, props, and different outfits are laid out. The place is … Read more

Every day is a new adventure with mirror neurons

“Gmmmahhh!” To the untrained ear it probably sounded like an indistinguishable babble. However, when my son, Jonathan, playfully prompted my adorable baby granddaughter Natalie to say the word “Grandma” over and over again, she responded in kind by saying, “Gmmmahhh!” Watching the interaction on Facetime made my heart flutter. I’ve been a big fan of … Read more

Endurance to Go the Distance

I still smile when I recall the thrill of seeing hundreds of runners from countries all over the world pounding the pavement on the city streets during the New York City Marathon. I’m seriously considering signing up to participate in next year’s race, with a three-pronged goal. First, I just want to be able to … Read more

Living a Life That Matters

Two days ago, I attended the funeral of Rabbi Simon Glustrom, my family’s Rabbi throughout my childhood. He was a welcome presence who presided over important lifecycle events throughout my childhood including my bat-mitzvah, the coming of age ritual ceremony for 13 year old. He also was one of three Rabbis who stood under the … Read more

‘Father of Flow:’ Honoring Csíkszentmihályi’s Legacy

You’re familiar with the expression GO WITH THE FLOW and you’ve probably experienced being suspended in a state of flow. Today on the anniversary of his birth, we honor the life of Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, pioneering Positive Psychology thought leader and world expert on Flow States. Dr. Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi defined flow as “a state in which … Read more

Looking for the Teacher’s Edition Textbook … For Life

It’s back-to-school season and I’m getting ever so nostalgic. Whenever I duck into the Staples store in my neighborhood, I’m swept up with positive flashbacks from my childhood back-to-school excursions. My mom was wonderfully supportive, always encouraging my love of learning. For this annual rite of passage, we’d go to the local stationery store in … Read more

My New BFF Reduces Stress All Day Long

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