Meet Lisa Niver

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Niver a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Embracing Resilience through Community Support

Life’s trials have revealed my inner strength and resilience, nurtured by the compassionate embrace of my Jewish temple community. Following a devastating divorce, my self-trust wavered, and I felt adrift. However, I returned to the warmth of Stephen Wise Temple, needing a sense of belonging that mended my broken spirit. Meeting with Rabbi Herscher, Rabbi Yoshi and Cantor Emma helped me find small steps to take towards healing, and attending weekly Shabbat services was very grounding. I grew up in Los Angeles going to religious school at Stephen Wise which led me to nine weeks in Israel on LA Ulpan 40 years ago and then study abroad at Hebrew U in Jerusalem. When I felt unmoored, I remembered these experiences and it really helped.

These connections became my pillars of strength, demonstrating that resilience thrives within the support of friends, family, and community. I appreciate this loving support network and cannot wait to celebrate with them for my book launch this Fall!

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
After teaching in Northern and Southern California including at Curtis School, Brawerman School and CCUSD Middle School, I have been focused on my writing. On September 19, 2023 my memoir, “Braveish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty” will be published! Through engaging storytelling, I will take you on an exhilarating journey across six continents, defying age limitations and embracing personal growth. With a blend of wit, humor, and heartfelt moments, “Braveish” ignites readers with inspiration, encouraging you to break free from societal expectations, pursue your passions, and embark on life-changing adventures. I hope that my global travel exploits will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for me every step of the way. If you are seeking courage in the face of life’s challenges, read my book which is filled with hope proving that it’s never too late to embark on an extraordinary quest for self-empowerment and personal fulfillment.

Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In the incredible tapestry of my life’s journey, three powerful qualities have been the cornerstone of my resilience: gratitude, hope, and community. Gratitude has filled my heart with joy, showing me the beauty in life’s simple moments, even during tough times. Hope has been my unwavering compass, guiding me through challenges and encouraging me to reach for my dreams. And the warmth of community has provided support and a sense of belonging that fuels my strength. With these three tools, I’ve been able to face so many obstacles with enthusiasm and determination.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I love books and am so excited for my memoir to be published in September. More than any one book, I would say that the library and librarians hold a special place in my heart. Benjamin Franklin wisely proclaimed it the “greatest institution,” as access to books changes lives. He founded the first free library in Philadelphia in 1731 as well as founding the University of Pennsylvania where I went to college.

From the moment I step into a library, excitement and wonder fill my soul. It’s a sanctuary of knowledge and growth, where books open doors to imagination and understanding. Throughout my life, the library has been a refuge, offering solace in its shelves of wisdom. I have had library cards in Alaska, California and Florida all in the same year! I used to borrow books in port when I worked on the cruise ship and return them on our next journey. Friends call me when they finally get their library card. I am a library evangelist! I am so excited when I find a new book to dive into. I learn so much from the author and their stories. Beyond its impact on individuals, the library is a cornerstone of informed communities, bridging gaps and celebrating diverse perspectives. In a world of uncertainty, the library remains a beacon of enlightenment, honoring the enduring belief in the value of knowledge. I am grateful for the joy and wisdom the library brings into my life.

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Image Credits
Courtesy of Lisa Niver

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