"We’re all wild beings that have been entrapped by systems far too constricting for our humanity." That is what I have been feeling recently, and wondering how to reclaim myself, and reconnect with that sense of curiosity and causeless joy that is our birthright. Thank you, Lisa. x
Oh this: "We’re all wild beings that have been entrapped by systems far too constricting for our humanity. We’re all navigating grief and fear and tenderness and rage and devastation, personally and collectively. We’re all facing a world that feels more and more unstable. I hope this remembrance brings some gentleness to however you are handling it all." <3
“How can I release my grip on being certain as a method of protection?” OOF. That hits me hard. I’m going to have to roll that around in my mind for a while. Thank you.
Your phone basically staged an intervention — Dutch oven as bodyguard and all. Love how you spun that near-fire hazard into a manifesto for softening, shifting, and staying human in the chaos. Feels like the truest kind of survival guide!
I was trying to decide which quote I wanted to highlight and share—and I had to give up! Because every word of this is a pure gift. Thank you, Lisa. I’d still love to mail you a copy of my book if you’re willing to dm me your address.
“ I hope this remembrance brings some gentleness to however you are handling it all. I hope you can stay really soft with the ways you’re responding to all that is unfolding inside and around you, probably imperfectly because hello, you’re only human. I hope you can notice the ways you’re actually showing up as the person you want to be already.”
Following on from your point about tending to younger parts, I find myself reflecting on the daily, almost mundane, practices of "becoming this person for ourselves." It's not always about grand epiphanies or dramatic breakthroughs. Often, it's in the quiet moments: choosing a compassionate thought over a critical one, allowing ourselves a moment of rest instead of pushing through exhaustion, or simply acknowledging our own needs with kindness. These small acts of self-nurturing, repeated consistently, are the building blocks of a truly integrated and resilient self. It's about showing up for ourselves in the same way we would for a beloved friend or child, offering patience, understanding, and unwavering support. It's a continuous, gentle unfolding, a daily recommitment to being our own primary caregivers, and in doing so, creating a deeper capacity to connect with and care for others.
Lisa, I’m leading a group of women educational leaders in an informal conversation tomorrow and your post has given me the best idea for a warm-up reflection—What's the nicest compliment you can ever remember receiving?
If you can't remember one, why do you think that is? If you can remember one, why do you think you remember it?
What's the nicest compliment? You can give yourself right now?
Your Substack has been helping me achieve my goal of creating human centered moments for educators this fall. Thank you.
I really like that your images are in 35mm film format.
Thank you! It feels like a gift to get to weave that part of me into my letters here.
"We’re all wild beings that have been entrapped by systems far too constricting for our humanity." That is what I have been feeling recently, and wondering how to reclaim myself, and reconnect with that sense of curiosity and causeless joy that is our birthright. Thank you, Lisa. x
Our birthright, yes <3 thank you.
Oh this: "We’re all wild beings that have been entrapped by systems far too constricting for our humanity. We’re all navigating grief and fear and tenderness and rage and devastation, personally and collectively. We’re all facing a world that feels more and more unstable. I hope this remembrance brings some gentleness to however you are handling it all." <3
<3 <3
“How can I release my grip on being certain as a method of protection?” OOF. That hits me hard. I’m going to have to roll that around in my mind for a while. Thank you.
A lifelong inquiry <3
Your phone basically staged an intervention — Dutch oven as bodyguard and all. Love how you spun that near-fire hazard into a manifesto for softening, shifting, and staying human in the chaos. Feels like the truest kind of survival guide!
Truly -- thank you!
I was trying to decide which quote I wanted to highlight and share—and I had to give up! Because every word of this is a pure gift. Thank you, Lisa. I’d still love to mail you a copy of my book if you’re willing to dm me your address.
So grateful, thank you! If you send an email to lisa@lisaoliveratherapy.com, I can connect easier there <3
“ I hope this remembrance brings some gentleness to however you are handling it all. I hope you can stay really soft with the ways you’re responding to all that is unfolding inside and around you, probably imperfectly because hello, you’re only human. I hope you can notice the ways you’re actually showing up as the person you want to be already.”
i needed to hear this, thank you :)
Glad it reached you <3
Congratulations on the blurbs and your book!
Thank you <3
Thanks for sharing, beautiful piece of writes¡
Thank you!
Following on from your point about tending to younger parts, I find myself reflecting on the daily, almost mundane, practices of "becoming this person for ourselves." It's not always about grand epiphanies or dramatic breakthroughs. Often, it's in the quiet moments: choosing a compassionate thought over a critical one, allowing ourselves a moment of rest instead of pushing through exhaustion, or simply acknowledging our own needs with kindness. These small acts of self-nurturing, repeated consistently, are the building blocks of a truly integrated and resilient self. It's about showing up for ourselves in the same way we would for a beloved friend or child, offering patience, understanding, and unwavering support. It's a continuous, gentle unfolding, a daily recommitment to being our own primary caregivers, and in doing so, creating a deeper capacity to connect with and care for others.
Lisa, I’m leading a group of women educational leaders in an informal conversation tomorrow and your post has given me the best idea for a warm-up reflection—What's the nicest compliment you can ever remember receiving?
If you can't remember one, why do you think that is? If you can remember one, why do you think you remember it?
What's the nicest compliment? You can give yourself right now?
Your Substack has been helping me achieve my goal of creating human centered moments for educators this fall. Thank you.
Thank you, Lisa. For showing up with your beautiful heart, and beautiful words, over and over. They are healing and needed.
How exciting about your new book! 💕