A friend of mine posted a Facebook status today. It slapped me in the face as I realized I was doing exactly what she told me to resist. It reminded me that I’m not okay–and that’s okay. Take a look: “Good morning, this is your periodic reminder that we’re still in a crisis despite time …
Author Archives: Lisa Koplik
Elimination of the Word “But”
Eliminating the word “but” from my vocabulary has been an effort I have consciously worked toward for many, many months now, and it has not been easy. The word “but” is so ingrained in the way we speak, write, and even think, especially these days. “I know that I’m stressed right now, but other people …
It’s Okay to Feel, It’s Not Okay to Act: A Coronavirus Conundrum
We are living in an ongoing trauma. What is happening to the world, collectively and currently, is a trauma. A trauma is an upsetting event that can have lasting psychological consequences, and some of those consequences are starting to show up already. It is okay to feel any feelings whatsoever about what is happening in …
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The Beauty of Aging
Lately, at almost every gathering I’ve attended, I’ve overheard or engaged in a conversation about aging. “I had to take a nap and have a cup of coffee in order to make it out tonight!” “We’re normally in bed by 10 at the latest.” “I haven’t slept past 8 AM in months.” “I can’t believe …
It’s Easier to be Angry Than Upset, but it isn’t Better.
The other day, I was reading one of my favorite chapter books to my fourth graders, and a scene arose in which the main character, Sal, yelled at her dad. He was trying to discuss Sal’s mom, who had left the family, saying she needed to find herself. Sal refused to have the conversation with …
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The Whole Truth, or Pieces?
The human brain is an incredible organ. It has the ability to interpret language, debate right from wrong, and store information. The brain helps us to categorize, process, and make sense of all of our interactions, conversations, and passing thoughts. It also helps us decide whether to share our thoughts, and with whom. If you’re …
“I’m Fine” and Other Lies that Degrade a Relationship
Picture this: you’ve had a really long day at work. A project you thought was complete actually needed more work last minute in order for you to meet your goals for the week. You forgot your lunch and only had time to eat some cold leftover pizza. One of your coworkers said something to you …
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Actions Speak Louder Than Words
For a very long time, I thought people could change who they are somewhat quickly and easily. Don’t get me wrong, I’d heard the cliché: “People don’t change.” But I didn’t think that was true. People must have the capacity to change. My thoughts have shifted toward the more pessimistic view that people don’t change …
Teacher Tired
Nobody really understands what teachers mean when we say we are “teacher tired.” A common response is a laugh and some quip about how teachers “get” the summers off or “get” to leave work at 3 PM. We pretend to laugh back and grumble some sort of assent, but people need to know— Teacher tired …
Listening
Everyone praises the extrovert. When people discuss character traits, it’s either “outgoing, or “shy.” It’s “loud,” or “quiet.” While neither shy nor quiet should have negative connotations, somehow, people who exhibit those character traits feel a need to explain why they are shy or quiet. When people tell me I’m outgoing, I typically thank them …
Life in Lisa's Bubble 