Author Talk: Harnessing Joy Through Life's Great Labors: A Conversation with Doula and Storyteller Brandi Sellerz-Jackson

Join us in virtual conversation with Brandi Sellerz-Jackson as she talks about her book, On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life’s Great Labors, a moving guide to self-awareness and radical joy that Ms. magazine praised for taking readers beyond survival into presence and pleasure.

Drawing from her experiences as a doula and intimate storytelling from her own life, Sellerz-Jackson guides us through the many phases of these great labors—labors that we can get stuck in, stunting our ability to thrive. Across age, gender, economic status, or background, we all move through the great labor of our relationships, our mental health, grief and loss, and the feeling of being othered. Sellerz-Jackson doesn’t shy away from the pitfalls of these labors but rather challenges us to actively remain present within them and ask ourselves: What do I need to thrive in the space I’m currently in? In On Thriving, you’ll come to recognize the survival tools you’ve picked up along the way and exchange them for thriving tools. You’ll commit to no longer making a home out of chaos and rediscovering sanctuary within yourself.

Comparing our thriving to that of plant life, Sellerz-Jackson simplifies the complicated—and oftentimes overwhelming—journey as we attempt to grow in an inhospitable environment. With insightful and vulnerable storytelling, she invites a deep, soul-stirring investigation of our past and present to gather all that we need to thrive right where we are, right now.

Register now: https://libraryc.org/pasadenalibrary/259597 to hear Brandi share the stories and “rich-uals” behind On Thriving, and bring your own questions for the live Q&A. Whatever season you’re in, this is a chance to pause and ask yourself what you need to grow.

For accessibility information and requests, contact Shauna Redmond (sredmond@cityofpasadena.net / 626-744-4210). Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability.