When you hear the term “impostor syndrome,” you probably think of a negative feeling of self-doubt—that you’re not really as intelligent, creative, or charming as people think you are. In his new book, popular psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant shares surprising new research that feeling like an impostor can actually motivate you to work harder and smarter in order to reach your goals. 

What about searching for happiness? According to Grant, new evidence suggests the more people … [Read more...] about Think Again

Two thousand years ago, Marcus Aurelius, Stoic philosopher and Emperor of Rome, would start keeping a journal—notes to himself about learning how to live. In one entry he writes, “Whenever something happens that might cause you distress, remember to rely on this principle: this is not bad luck, but bearing it valiantly is good luck.” 

His timeless meditations on how to be a better person, newly translated and annotated in Robin Waterfield’s book, capture the universality of meeting life’s … [Read more...] about Marcus Aurelius: Meditations

Emily Dickinson’s (1830-1886) spare poems, with their dashes, singular punctuation, capitalization, and original ideas—were “trailblazers” for their time. She would confide to a friend: “There is always one thing to be grateful for—that one is one’s self & not somebody else.” Yet her poems were deemed too unconventional by the publishing community of the mid 1800’s, not to mention that she was a woman!  

Even Emily’s devoted friend and confidante Thomas Higginson, with whom she … [Read more...] about Figuring

Abolitionist and feminist Lucy Stone became the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. Just before graduation at Oberlin College in 1847, she was awarded a great honor—to write a speech for commencement. The only caveat? She had to choose a man to read it. She declined.

But she would make her voice heard as she traveled throughout the country speaking out publicly against slavery at a time when it was considered verboten for women to speak in public. Her speeches would … [Read more...] about Leaving Coy’s Hill

Sister Corita Kent’s (1918-1986) artwork and philosophy inspired people to observe life up close, like a microscope, or to look at something upside down. She encouraged people to find joy, reject criticism, and to keep on creating whatever is in your heart and mind—to see beyond what is and to imagine all that could be. 

She made bold art pieces that spoke out against injustice, poverty, and war, and inspired others to stand up for their beliefs. But at the age of 51, she broke away from the … [Read more...] about Make Meatballs Sing

This is an excellent book that offers a concrete explanation of how and why we feel anxious and tips and strategies for dealing with anxiety. Really enlightening and helpful. … [Read more...] about Unwinding Anxiety

My daughter stopped by while her car was being worked on and picked up this book that I was reading. After 50 pages, she insisted that she had to take it home to finish it, even though I was already halfway through. Such a fun read.

Meet Elizabeth Zott: scientist by training, cooking show host by default. One meal at a time, she galvanizes her audience to question the lives they’ve been served.

Here's why Elisabeth Egan of the NYTimes picked it: Like the lunches Zott packs for her … [Read more...] about Lessons in Chemistry

Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote one of my favorite novels, Daisy Jones and the Six, and now she's back with another great read. For tennis lovers and those who love Serena, you'll get a kick out of Reid's take on her own superstar tennis protagonist's return to the game after everyone thought she had retired for good. Enjoy! … [Read more...] about Carrie Soto is Back

In her book You Have More Influence Than You Think, Vanessa Bohns reveals that all of us underestimate our influence on others. Have you ever wanted to compliment a stranger or express gratitude to someone? But you didn’t because you thought your words wouldn’t have any impact. Have you ever stood up in front of a group of people, those of you who have been teachers know about this, having poured your heart and soul into what you’re going to say, only to wonder if you’re having any impact at … [Read more...] about You Have More Influence Than You Think